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I walk inside and drop my purse to the floor. The thump echoes off the marble, alerting Carl to my presence. His head peeks out of the kitchen before retreating again.
I walk to the kitchen and plop onto the barstool across the counter of where he is. “Where is he?”
I don’t give an explanation. He knows who I’m talking about.
Carl shakes his head, his white hair moving the slightest bit with the motion. “Not here, but he did tell me you and the boys will be going to see Emil.”
I look to the counter where his hands have been moving. He’s arranging fancy cheese and meats into plastic baggies, then placing them into a small wicker basket.
“Is this for him?” I ask, pointing to the arrangement.
He nods. “His favorite is the smoked sausage links and old dutch master gouda. Most pair the cheese with sweets because of its flavor, but not Emil.” He shakes his head like he’s disappointed. “Such a waste to not enjoy its flavor to its full potential, but what can I say?”
I scoff at his comment. Only Carl would get bent out of shape over some old cheese. “Why do you care so much, Carl?”
He stops shuffling the full baggies in the basket around, then looks up to me. “I don’t care for Emil, but I do care for Teddy and the boys. They’re young and don’t realize the power of their words sometimes. I figure if I can show Emil he’s appreciated, just for the simple fact of not killing us, I will. Those Hale men sure won’t. They’re too proud and talk a lot of shit, but I’ve been around longer than them. Sometimes you have to put your pride to the side.”
“You really think Emil would kill them just because they aren’t his family?”
“I do. I’ve seen it happen. What Emil is doing is unheard of in this world. Competition over territory and who is supreme is a big thing, and no one likes losing.”
I nod, understanding what he’s saying the best I can. Before I can reply, Lucas and Julius stroll in.
“You rolling too, Carl?” Lucas asks, completely ignoring me and acting like I’m not sitting right in front of him.
“Yes. Here.” He passes the basket to me before turning to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of wine. “Take this to him when you go in.”
“I thought you guys were going to handle this,” I remark, tipping my head as he passes the bottle to me.
“You’re the face of this family now, Charlotte. It’s best if you do it.”
I glance to Lucas and Julius, who stand quietly next to me, then back to Carl. “Well, let’s go.”
The ride to Emil’s casino was awkward. Julius was quiet, as always, and Carl stayed in his own world, swaying to the low soft jazz he turned on. Lucas, normally one to talk shit or make smart-ass remarks, did nothing. When his eyes would catch mine, he’d hurry to look away disgusted. And if I happened to accidentally brush against him going over a bump, he’d make a show of scooting closer to his brother.
The tension between him and me is something I haven’t ever experienced, and it makes my stomach turn. He used to be a friend. A shitty friend, but a friend, nonetheless.
I push the thoughts away and chastise myself for even thinking about that shit. Why do I care? It isn’t like I love him, not how I love Teddy at least. The love I have for Lucas is a different kind, more of a brotherly love. The kind of love you give to the guy who isn’t good enough for any woman because they’re loud, obnoxious, too full of themselves. The pretty boys who don’t want to settle down.
Once the twins exit the car, I follow behind them through the parking lot, holding the basket Carl insisted on sending loose at my side. Neon lights bounce off the shiny pavement, throwing splashes of blue, yellow, and green into the dark night.
Closer to the entrance, they slow their pace and flank my sides as I survey totally new surroundings. A golden archway covered in small flashing red lights hangs over the revolving glass door.A giant sign that reads Hideout hangs down the red brick, while lines of blue and green dance beside it.
I pause for a minute and watch the people who are coming in and out. No one really stands out. Mainly men in suits shuffle along with the occasional woman in a fancy dress breaking up all of the testosterone.
I continue inside, completely awed as soon as I step in. The lights across the entire building are dim, minus the small, single-hanging chandeliers over every blackjack and poker table and the lights flashing on the slot machines.
I nudge my chin forward, looking at Julius, telling him to lead the way. He weaves between tables and cocktail waitresses dressed in lingerie until he reaches the very back of the casino.
Emil sits at a lone table with a woman on each side of him. One blonde, one brunette, each covering his neck in kisses and whispering in his ear. “Charlotte, what a surprise.”
I nod. “Emil.”
Julius and Lucas spread out, taking guard on each side of the table as I sit down in front of him. I place the basket on the table. “Carl says hello.”
A smile stretches his lips as he reaches for it. “That man knows me too well,” He laughs, digging through the bags. “What can I do for you, Charlie?”
I swallow down all of my uncertainty and the fact I think this is a terrible idea, then speak. “I need a favor.”
