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Something sparks in the center of my chest. Excitement, maybe even relief.
“Van Straus is having a party next month,” I explain to her. “A Christmas masquerade. They’re expecting a good handful of guests.”
Raquel gasps, one hand shooting to my knee. “Holy shit, are you serious? That’s the perfect distraction! The guards will be too busy worrying about guests to notice the two of us sneaking in and out.” She jumps off the bed and fumbles around on her side of the room for her burner phone. “I’m going to call Lucius and see if we can get the deadline pushed.”
“Do you really think he’ll go for it?”
She licks her lips, swallows hard. “Hopefully. Give me one sec, okay?”
Raquel paces back and forth, chewing on her nails as she connects the call. Something in the air has shifted. It’s electric and almost hopeful. If she can make Lucius see reason, we might actually stand a chance of pulling this off. If he gives us an extension to steal theVase of Aphroditefrom right under Van Straus’ nose —and the encoded passwords to Chet’s offshore accounts in its false bottom— we’ll have an additional month or so to plan.Actuallyplan.
Which means my chances of saving my daughter from Favreaux will increase, too. I hope to God Lucius goes for it.
The call connects. Raquel puts it on speaker for my benefit.
“What do you want?” Lucius snaps. “Do you have my money yet?”
“No, but I know how I can get it to you,” Raquel says firmly. Her voice is even, but her brow is furrowed with worry. She’s a pretty convincing voice actress. “Look, there’s no way I can make your deadline.”
“Well, guess I’ll have to break the bad news to your father—”
“Wait,” she snaps. “I can’t make your deadline, but Iwillget you the money. There’s a prime opportunity coming up. One that’ll ensure this job is a success.” She pauses briefly. “I need you to wait a month.”
“Are you fucking kidding me, Rocky? I’m not a patient man.”
“Lucius, please. I’m begging you here. The target is hosting a party of some sort. I want to use it as my cover. Please be reasonable. I promise the money’s yours, but only if I can make it out alive to actually give it to you. I’m doing this all by myself. Shit like this takes time. Youknowthat.” And then, softly and carefully, she whispers, “Please.”
The silence that follows is deafening. I’m literally on the edge of my seat, my jaw clenched tight.
Finally, Lucius sighs. “Fine.”
Relief washes over Raquel’s face. “Thank you, Lucius.”
“But mark my words, Rocky, if you screw me over, I won’t hesitate to kill your father on the spot. I’m only being generous for old time’s sake.”
“Can I talk to him? Is he doing okay?”
“He’s fine,” is Lucius’ curt response. “Get back to work. Don’t take this extra time for granted.”
The call ends.
Raquel lowers the burner phone and flips it closed, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. I watch, careful not to move a muscle, amazed at her strength. There’s so much pressure weighing her down, I’m surprised she doesn’t collapse from the exhaustion. Her eyes are glossy with the threat of tears, but they never fall. Instead, she takes a deep breath and turns back to me with a big smile.
“Looks like we got our extension.” Her voice wavers, but only for a moment.
I stand and slowly start toward her. “Are you okay?”
“Of course,” she says, light and breezy. “I… I’m going to take a shower. Do you think you could find us something to eat?”
“Sure. There’s a restaurant across the street. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Thank you, Gabriel.” Raquel smiles, except it doesn’t reach her eyes.
I don’t like it.
“You have nothing to thank me for,” I tell her gently.
She retreats to the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind her. The sound of the sink running reaches my ears. Along with the sound of her quiet sniffling.
