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“I figure we'll stick with Lawrence. It's what I'd was called back on the force and...” I wince, selling the web I'm weaving.
Deck dips his chin, understanding and an edge of something filling his gaze. “Lawrence it is.”
“Although Justin hasn’t really told me what I’ll be doing,” I add, looking the man's way.
Justin holds his hands up. “Don’t look at me like that and don’t go throwing me under the bus with the boss. I only asked you a few hours ago. Just you wait, you’ll have more work than you can handle soon. Then I can just sit back and live it up.”
Decker growls under his breath and I see Justin’s confidence falter. “There isn't any room for complacency at Marquis. Front of house or behind the scenes, it's all important. Every single part of the business is important. Right, J?” Decker's sharp tone cuts through the light mood in the booth.
It has me thinking that Decker is either emotionally attached to the club—financially too—or there's more to what he's talking about. Whatever it is, I need to know more. I guess that's where the new responsibilities I've been given should come in useful. For increased access if not anything else.
“Business is good, Deck. Very good. No issues. We've all got our eye on the ball. No worries. OK?” Justin says, very clearly and definitively.
My interactions with the man have got me a little off kilter because there's nothing I've seen about Decker so far that screams evil criminal mastermind. If I’d just met him on the street, I'm not sure he would've even pinged my radar. But I’ve met my fair share of wolves in sheep’s clothing so I’m not about to let this façade fool me.
The intel I got from the FBI contact is burned on my brain so I know he’s capable of horrific things. Marlee’s appearance has thrown an unexpected spanner in the works though. That’s a side bar I need to look into later.
Decker and Justin stare at each other for longer than necessary before obviously remembering they have company. “Ah,” Decker says, leaning back in the booth and spreading his arms wide, his fingers brushing against Marlee's bare shoulder. “Sorry, baby. I’m ignoring you.”
Marlee's head jerks up, her eyes narrowing as she moves out of his reach and gives the conversation her full attention. She was always one to take mental notes about anything and everything. It’s what makes her an amazing cop and I bet an even better detective. She's thorough, attentive, and always thinking out of the box, something she’s done ever since she was a kid. I can't imagine she's any different in whatever she's investigating here at Marquis.
“Decker. You wanted to meet here at this ungodly hour so we could talk about the business. Now that we’re here, all you’ve tried to do is charm and distract me. If you’re going to waste my time, I should’ve just stayed home and gone to sleep.”
Everyone stills at her tone and I well with pride because it's a brave move, but it’s the right one. That’s evident when Decker's chuckle confirms he’s playing right into her hands.
“Quinn. You're busting my balls again...” he muses. “I did want to talk about your proposal and what you can do for Marquis. I just needed to check in with J and meet Lawrence here. Now that we've done that, you’ve got my full attention.”
She crosses her arms over her chest, drawing all of our eyes to the dip in her dress. She's good... almost too good. “Then how about you stop trying to win me over by showing me your toybox when all I'm interested in promoting is your playroom, so to speak. Something I told you when I reached out to your office this week.” Keep going, Marlee.
Justin whistles through his teeth. “Damn, Deck, she's got your number.”
Decker studies Marlee, his eyes roaming over her face and I can see his brain working overtime. “Hmm, I'm thinking she just might. You can’t blame me for trying--and try I will, Quinn. Trust me on that.” His gaze sweeps over her form before his eyes drift over the table to me as he slowly lifts his whisky to his mouth. “What do you think, Lawrence? Is Quinn here right?”
I don't even blink. “About the toybox or the playroom? That I wouldn't know.” I shoot him a wink. “But something tells me that you're not a man to shy away from a challenge—business or otherwise.” My twitching lips earn me a grin in return.
“I like you already, Lawrence. Now drink up that pansy ass soda of yours so that we can all hear what Quinn's proposing--business or otherwise.”
“All business, Decker. I can assure you,” Marlee replies before she launches into her ‘proposal.’
Her presentation is so well executed, I’d almost be convinced that it was the real deal if I didn’t know better. A quick look at Decker and Justin who both can't tear their eyes away from her has me thinking they're completely sold on her too. Decker in particular seems enamored and hanging off her every word.
One thing is for sure. Whatever the case she’s working on, I need to know about it. At least then I can be sure I won’t screw up again like last year.
Hurting Marlee is still and always will be one of my biggest regrets and it’s a mistake I don't ever plan on making again. Not if I can help it.
Chapter 5
Marlee
It just takes a few phone calls to find out where Aiden’s condo is. Even though it’s almost dawn, I need to know what his angle is, why he is working with Decker, and why he’s back in Vegas. The last I heard, he was living in Seattle. Not that I’d asked or anything…
“Quinn,” he says as he steps off the elevator and walks toward me.
“Get inside, Aiden. We’ve got a lot to talk about and it's not safe out here.”
Without another word he closes the distance between us, opening the door and pushing it wide before holding his arm out and ushering me past him. I storm in, taking into the surroundings before whirling around on him as soon as we’re shut inside.
“What the hell are you playing at? Who are you working for?” I demand, my voice rising in frustration.
