Rebel raised the shot of whiskey. “Here’s to me, for being too damn stubborn for my own good.” He downed the cheap booze, chased it with a long swig of beer.
Ten minutes later, the food and drink had hit the spot. He flagged Rudy down for the bill.
“Oh, no, my friend,” Rudy protested. “My daughter got married at your hotel. Because of your generosity, the wife and I paid next to nothing.”
“You got my friends-and-family rate.”
Ruby extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Joaquin, you know that.”
“Tell that to my boss.” Rebel tossed a twenty on the table. “For the busboy.” Then, he pushed out the back door, slipped his shades on, and headed toward the end of the alley.
Before he could pull up a rideshare app, a black Mercedes Maybach pulled up and the tinted window rolled down.
“Get in,” said the driver.
6
ALPHA MEAT PACKING
Britain
As Brit drove down the dead-end street, her nav app announced she’d reached her destination. She turned into the parking lot, eyed the building.
What is this?
The one-story, gray warehouse looked bland and unimpressive. Reflective glass covered the windows, but it was the sign over the entrance that made her laugh out loud.
Alpha Meat Packing Company
This has gotta be a joke.
She texted Addison. “I’m in the parking lot of some meat packing company. Haha. Good one! I’m outta here.” She fired off the text.
Seconds later, her phone rang. It was her sister.
“Heyo,” Brit answered. “This is hilarious. You totally got me.”
“It’s not a joke,” Addison replied. “The front door is locked, so ring the buzzer. Ask for Providence Luck.”
Brit eyed the company sign. “I don’t want to work in a meat?—”
The front door flew open, Addison strode outside. The two women locked eyes, and Addison stormed toward the vehicle.
Brit rolled down the window.
“Take the meeting,” Addison said.
“You work here?” Now, Brit was just confused. Her sister was a financial consultant.
“Park, get out of your car, and get in that damn building. I’m in a meeting, so I have to get back inside. Ask for me after your meeting with Providence.” With that, she marched back inside, and left Brit alone in her car.
What the hell was that?
Brit got out and rang the bell. The buzzer sounded, she yanked open the door and crossed the threshold. An unimpressive lobby awaited her and the receptionist’s counter stood empty.
What is this place?
Other than the signage out front, there weren’t any brochures or business cards.
