Page 140 of Pink

Still, he told his baby, “I will. I promise.”

He’d broken one of those already. One he made to Gigi. He wouldn’t break another.

“I love you. Be a good girl. I will see you soon.”

“Okay, Daddy. Bye!”

Hanging up the call, Lev set the phone to the middle of the metal table and slid it across to the other side with one finger. The lawyer quickly snatched the device away and hid it in the bag he already had opened on his lap.

“Mr. Marcello wanted me to let you know they expect you to be out by tomorrow morning, and if that is the case—”

“Not sooner?”

The lawyer Andino hired sighed, lifting one shoulder. “Red tape. Publicity is all bad. We’re trying, Lev.”

Lev rolled his eyes. “Right, I get it.”

“Nonetheless, despite who Andino Marcello is in this city, he can’t always get everything he wants as soon as he snaps his fingers.”

“Have him tell it and you wouldn’t think that was the case.”

The lawyer grunted a noncommittal reply before adding louder, “I was told to let you know that if we do get you out in the morning, that you should be ready.”

That had Lev meeting the man’s gaze. “For what?”

“A meeting with a Californian. Not by his choice; not even sure he’s aware it’ll be happening. Apparently, he intends to leave the country tomorrow after a stop in Vermont. Just close enough for Andino to get a little bit of work done so that the plane stays grounded until we can get on it, too. And if you can’t join the meeting … the boss wants you to know it will still go ahead as planned. He gave you his word that this would be finished. He will see it through, Lev.”

While the lawyer was careful about each word that left his mouth as to not be too specific for anyone who might be listening in around the jail, Lev heard and understood more than enough.

“Call me Pink,” he told the lawyer, not missing a beat, “everybody else does. And make sure I’m out of here by tomorrow. No ifs, just do.”

Because there was no fucking way he would miss that meeting. Not a single chance in hell.

• • •

Andino kept his word.

By the time morning arrived, Lev stepped out the jail with one of two charges dropped, and a black town car idling at the side of the street, waiting for him. Just like his boss who was currently leaning against the driver’s side of the vehicle.

The folder in Andino’s hand caught Lev’s eye first.

“What’s that?” he asked as he approached.

Tapping the folder against his palm, Andino smirked. “Good morning to you, too. You’re welcome that your ass is able to see the sunshine today firsthand instead of out of a cell window.”

“They gave me an hour of time outside. This isn’t special.”

That had his boss laughing hard.

Even Lev grinned.

It didn’t last long.

Andino handed the folder over. “A brief for you to look over on your way to the meeting today.”

“Yeah, about that—”

“Les and Corrado will explain whatever you need on the way as well as provide you with any tactical gear you might need to join their little excursion. Been a while since they were out, apparently, so today should be fun for all of you.”