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They all have to pay for the life they took.
I button Luca’s shirt back up and pull the hand cuffs from him. I wipe of my finger prints.
Now that the stage is set, I put all my belongings back into my bag and then slowly turn the door knob of the suite.
I check the lobby for any signs of movement. Empty, just the way I planned it. Everyone is probably tucked away in plush rooms, sipping champagne and living the high life. They won’t even know what hit them.
I approach the emergency bell, its red frame gleaming under the dim hotel lights. My hand reaches out and pulls the lever, causing a sharp, shrill sound that shatters the silence. My heart skips a beat, but I don’t have time for fear. I dive into the broom closet, knowing there is enough room for me to hide in it.
The stampede begins. The sound of frantic footsteps and panicked voices fills the air, and my ears are on high alert. I hear a woman’s voice, shaky and scared.
“Oh my God, what’s happening? Is it a fire?”
I can’t help but smirk in the darkness of the closet. They have no idea that it is just a clever distraction. I hold my breath, waiting for the chaos to reach its peak.
I can hear the muffled voices of people outside, and I know it’s my cue.
I step out of the closet, silent as a shadow. The lobby is in chaos, and people are streaming toward the exit. No one pays any attention to me, which is just the way I want it. I keep my head down, my face hidden by a low-brimmed cap, and slip into the crowd.
The adrenaline surging through me is intoxicating.
This is my world, my playground, and I know I’m damn good at it. Antonio is in for a very rude surprise when he comes to pick up his boss tomorrow morning.
We spill out into the moonlit night, and I release the breath I’ve been holding. The cool air fills my lungs and I take some time savor the moment.
I cross the road, keeping to the shadows, and disappear into the city.
CHAPTER FOUR
Rachel
I’ve never set foot before in this bar that Sophie suggested it as a meeting spot. I have to update her on the Luca situation and the adrenaline is pumping through my veins in anticipation. Sophie is late as usual. This is why I keep telling her she’d be terrible at what I do. Punctuality can make all the difference.
The patrons are engrossed in their conversations, their laughter and hushed voices creating a background hum. I chose a booth in the corner to keep a low profile, scanning the room occasionally while I wait. It’s almost six p.m., and I’m growing restless.
“Excuse me miss,” a voice interrupts my reverie. I look up to find the same waitress who brought me my sparkling water with a glass of vodka martini on her tray.
“Yes.”
“This one is for you.” She moves to place the glass on my table.
“I am sorry, but I did not order this,” I smile sweetly at her.
She smiles back before turning to face the bar, “It is compliments from the man over there.”
I turn in the same direction as her to find three men in suits. They have sandy blonde hair, are average looking and are all sipping from glasses with an amber liquid in them. My best guess, these are business men trying to pick up an escort.
I shake my head at the waitress and tell her to take the drink back. “Sorry, but I don’t drink.”
“I will let him know that,” she smiles as she balances the glass back onto her tray.
“Actually,” I say to her, “don’t engage, otherwise they will think I am up for conversation. Just return the drink to them and then tell him I said thanks but no thanks.”
She smiles conspiratorially at me before turning and heading back in the direction of the bar. Now where was I?
Just then the speakers start playing the acoustic version of Papa Roach’sLast Resort,which makes me snort out in laughter. Iopen my phone and start a new videogame. Just as I complete a challenging level in my videogame with a sense of satisfaction the waitress approaches me with an apologetic look on her face, holding another cocktail in her hand.
She smiles shyly and says, “This one’s on the house. They ordered a virgin mojito for you.”
