The Payback (Team Zulu 2)

I planted my feet wide and folded my arms. “Not going until you tell me everything.”

She snorted. “Yeah, that’s not happening.”

“Then I guess we’re getting cozy.” I held my ground in the middle of her living room.

Her nostrils flared, and an angry red flush crept up her neck. “You’re an arrogant ass. You know that?”

“I’m well aware. Why were Dante and Maxim here?”

If looks could kill, Sage would blast Superman laser beams from her eyeballs, turning me to ash. “Goddammit,” she growled and leaned against the wall. “They found out I’ve been watching Vixens.”

“You went in there?” I didn’t mean to raise my voice, but what the hell was she thinking? That place wasn’t safe for anyone, let alone a young woman. She was offering herself up on a silver platter. They could’ve taken her so easily. Put her in a truck, shipped her overseas.

“No, I didn’t go in there. Just sort of”—she shrugged her uninjured shoulder—“spied from across the road. Maybe took a few photos.”

“Christ, Sage.” I scratched the back of my head. “For a clever woman, you sure make some poor choices.”

Her fierce gaze cut to mine. “You don’t get to judge me. You don’t know anything about me.”

“You’re right. Which is why I need to understand what the hell’s going on. Why would you do something so dangerous?”

She looked around the room, determined to avoid eye contact. “Three years ago, I changed my major to criminology because my…” She paused to swallow, and it appeared she was reconsidering her words. “Because I saw how many lives and families were being ruined by the Mafia. And I was sickened at the corruption that allowed them to get away with it. When I graduate and start working at the Justice Department, I’m going to fix that.”

“I still don’t see why that would lead you to spy on Vixens.”

“I watch who comes and goes from the club and add them to my list of lowlifes who probably deserve to be in prison. One day, when I’m able to, I’ll make sure they’re held accountable.”

“That’s either incredibly reckless or incredibly brave. You knew what would happen if you got caught?”

“Yeah, except I was wrong. I thought they’d kill me for sure. Turns out Dante has something else in mind.”

My spine stiffened. “What’s he asking you to do?”

Sage chewed on her thumbnail. “He wants me to work for him. Just waitressing. That’s all, for now, at least.”

“At Vixens?”

She nodded.

“Nope.” I shook my head and propped my hands on my hips. “That’s not happening. I don’t want you anywhere near that place.”

She laughed like a person on the brink of a nervous breakdown. “All right. I just won’t go, then. Why didn’t I think of that? That’s right. Maybe because they’ll murder me and Lettie if I don’t comply.” Unshed tears glistened in her eyes, but she blinked them away. “I’m screwed if I don’t do what he says. Can’t you see that?”

I took a cautious step toward her. “You’ve misunderstood me. I’m not suggesting you renege on the deal. I’m saying I’m going to get you out of it.”

“You can’t help me.” She sniffled, or perhaps her breath hitched. “And I won’t drag anyone else into this mess.”

I needed her to understand how serious this was, and that she didn’t need to face it alone. “Do you know who Dante is?”

“He’s high-ranking Mob. That’s all I need to know.”

“He’s the underboss, and his uncle is the don. One day, Dante will take that title.”

She tossed her hands in the air. “The depth of shit I’m in is irrelevant at this point.”

“I just wanted you to be aware of who you’re dealing with. I can handle myself with Dante. Can you?”

That got a reaction out of her. She stalked toward me, and as she drew nearer, I detected a hint of coconut. Her shampoo, maybe. Now probably wasn’t a good time to lean close and breathe in her sweet scent. Especially since she had me pinned with a death stare.