“And because he’s considered a genius.” A sinister smile appeared on her face. “Either way, his trying to find Johnny’s murderer will have him out of the North a lot and he will be busy. It would be a perfect time to rob Lush.”
“Or he’ll be on high alert and watching everyone.” Phoenix took a bite of her pizza. “And everyone could get killed.”
“I believe I know more about the Syndicate than you.” Pandora chuckled. “I mean really. Who the fuck are you? Why are you even talking right now?”
Phoenix peeled away some of her crust and bit it. “You don’t like me talking?”
“I don’t.”
“Why not?”
Pandora blinked. “Because I don’t know you—”
“I don’t know you either.”
“I don’t trust you—”
“We’re on the same page with that. I definitely don’t trust you.” Phoenix pointed at her. “You’re working at dude’s shop and smiling around his wife. Meanwhile, you’re fucking him on the side. Not cool.”
Pandora tried to talk.
Phoenix continued, “As soon as you find out he’s dead, you tell no one. It doesn’t even look like you’ve shed a tear for someone you spent your evenings with. Which by the way is fucked up. You could have at least called his wife. He has kids that will be devastated.”
“Someone else will find Johnny—”
“You’re just off on the next adventure. No remorse. No loyalty. Butt naked in a pool, talking about how you plan jobs. Basically, you seem thirsty to me.”
Pandora rose from the chair. “Thirsty?”
“Thirsty for love. Thirsty for attention. Thirsty for money too. And definitely thirsty to feel important to somebody.” Phoenix went back to eating her pizza.
Pandora put her hands on her hips. “And you seem like a basic bitch. Those Jimmy Choo heels don’t fool me.”
Phoenix finished chewing and smiled. “I didn’t put these on to fool you, sweetie. I put the heels on because I look good in them.”
All Griff, West, and I could do was look from side to side to each woman as if we were in a tennis match.
Pandora held her hands out. “Does someone want to put a muzzle on their doggy, before I have to?”
Phoenix chuckled. “I think it would be more interesting if you tried to muzzle me.”
“Sit down, Pandora.” I glared. “Let’s get back to your purpose of this visit.”
“I think this is the best time for us to rob Lush.” She lowered into the chair. “I want in on the job’s taking. At least Johnny’s 50%.”
Phoenix laughed.
West and Griff exchanged looks.
I frowned. “You want 50% of the money for not doing the job? At least Johnny gave us the tools and information. He was also going to block any Syndicate heat coming our way.”
Pandora shook her head. “This was my idea. Johnny had already promised to give me a couple million afterwards.”
West blew out smoke. “We can’t confirm that promise because he’s dead.”
“And even if he did.” I shrugged. “That’s between you and Johnny, not us.”
“But if you rob the place then you won’t have to give Johnny his portion of the money.” Pandora wagged her finger. “It’s a lot of money. I want in on this.”
I shook my head. “We’re not doing the job.”
“What?” Pandora looked at Griff, West, and then back at me. “There’s too much money on the table to not grab it. Millions and millions.”
“Johnny’s dead. The Syndicate owns the place.” I shrugged. “Those are two seriously huge reasons to not proceed.”
Pandora countered, “Johnny’s death has nothing to do with the job.”
“How do you know?” I tilted my head to the side. “Did you have something to do with it?”
“What?” She raised her hands. “Of course not. I can’t kill anyone. I’m just saying. The Syndicate didn’t know about the job, so why would they kill and then dress him up as a queen. That’s not how they kill.”
Griff cleared his throat. “I do think it’s suspicious that the moment we come into town to work on the job, Johnny ends up dead.”
“It’s a coincidence,” Pandora said.
“Coincidence or not. We’re not doing the job.” I checked West and Griff.
They both nodded.
“Okay. Okay.” Pandora raised both hands. “Well, I kind of figured you might not want to do this, so I have another idea.”
“Wow.” Phoenix rose and walked over to the other boxes of pizza.
Pandora scowled her way. “Again, who’s going to muzzle their doggy?”
Annoyance hit me.
“Girl, bye.” Phoenix picked up a slice.
Griff coughed. “What’s the other idea, Pandora?”
“Johnny has a stash of money that he has been keeping for his wife and kids.” Her face brightened. “The money is in a storage building with two guards and a night attendant that is usually painting her nails and watching TV.”
“This is in Paradise?” West asked.
“Right outside in this shitty town called Glory.”
Everyone exchanged glances even Phoenix.
Griff quirked his brows. “What’s the address?”
“No.” I shook my head. “The money is for Johnny’s wife and kids. We’re not taking it.”