The bouncer’s eyes flick to the envelope, and he hesitates.
Interesting. It’s rare that someone doesn’t immediately take the bait.
But I don’t take it as a bad sign.
If someone can be easily bought by us, they can be easily bought by someone else. Loyalty is a rare thing to find in our world, so when we do, we make sure it’s rewarded.
I lean over Brennan to get a better view. “We need information.”
The man swallows, his eyes flicking from me to the envelope of cash.
He glances toward the street where the other bouncer can still be heard arguing with the group of drunk women. “Lots of people asking questions lately.”
“That’s the thing, and there haven’t been a lot of answers.”
He nods, hesitating for another beat before finally deciding we’re worth the risk.
He bends down so he’s close enough for me to see the white scar at the edge of his mouth.
“A few people have been sniffing around… You know, the ones who like to talk big,” he says under his breath.
“Who?” I ask.
“Anyone who’ll listen.”
“That’s not an answer.”
He exhales, his eyes flicking to the envelope of cash once again. “Two accountants, one club owner, and shipping broker down by the docks.”
“And?”
“And your uncle’s name keeps coming up.”
My jaw tightens. “I have a feeling you’re going to keep hearing things. And when you do, you’ll remember who paid you first.”
I nod at Brennan, who hands over the envelope.
The bouncer nods quickly, snatching the money out of Brennan’s hand and disappearing through the side door.
As we drive off, Brennan lets out a low breath as he rubs his hands up and down his thighs.
“Should we be worried at how easily these fuckers are bought?”
“At least he hesitated. That shows some semblance of character.”
Brennan scoffs. “Yeah, but he still took the cash.”
“I think we have bigger things to worry about.”
The city thins as we head back toward Washington Heights.
I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, trying to shake the nervous energy that seems to follow me around like a dark cloud these days.
If it’s not Scout I’m worrying about, it’s Fiona.
A few days ago, I thought that we were over for good. I couldn’t imagine being able to trust her again or being able to move past what she did.
But I’m starting to think that’s a whole load of bullshit.
