“Hello, C. What are you doing here?” Dennis asks bitterly with a nod to Frank that seems to say, “You see, I told you she betrayed you.”
My face is flushed and, despite the cold, sweat beads in the small of my back.
“What’s the word, Frank?” Connor says.
“Surprised to see you, C, with Anvil and Trick back in Coynston. Who’ve you got with you tonight?” he asks, looking around.
My heart plummets. The guys drove back? With Trick and Anvil gone, Connor’s alone against Frank and three of his men.
Connor’s eyes cut sharply to Dennis. “Don’t skin it.”
“What?” Dennis asks, fidgeting, his hand inside his jacket.
“Frank, if he draws down, one of my guys will drop him. If he’s yours, tell him not pull that piece.”
“One of your guys? Which guys would that be? Your crue has been counted.”
“Uh-huh. So it’s just us then, and we don’t needs guns out on a busy street. Let Zoe go inside the bar while we talk.”
“I knew,” Frank says with a smile, nodding. “I watched you watch her and said to myself, Connor wants that one. Broke your own rules, didn’t you, C?”
“Did I? Enlighten me.”
“You don’t usually let them get under your skin. Move over here, Dennis. Right on Zoe’s other side.”
“Your driver’s not coming. Your bodyguard’s not coming. It’s you, me, and Sanders with CC cameras pointing right at us.”
Frank looks around and then back at Connor.
“I know my move,” C says. “If you let her go, I’ll walk away. Otherwise, where she goes, I go. And if anyone is stupid enough to make a move that puts her life in danger, he is not long for this world. My word on that.”
“Seems like I have something you want pretty badly,” Frank says.
Connor stares at him, the coldness in his eyes enough to freeze liquor.
“Neither of us wants Zoe to get hurt,” Frank adds. “She’s like a daughter to me. Not to mention how upset Rachel would be if something happened to her.” Frank clears his throat. “Zoe and I decided tonight that she’ll move in with me for a while. If you want to see her, you’re welcome to come to the house. And once she’s done the things I’d like her to do, if you’re inclined to, you can help her pay some debts she has.”
“I’m happy to cover whatever debts she’s got,” Connor says, reaching out his hand. “Give her to me. When I’ve talked to her alone, if she wants to live with you, I’ll drop her off there myself.”
I stare at Connor, trying very hard not to betray any emotions. Frank’s fingers are still digging into my right side. On my left, I can smell Dennis’s sweat as he smashes against my left side, squeezing me between him and Frank.
“Her coming to stay is nonnegotiable,” Frank says.
“Everything’s negotiable,” Connor says.
“Not when the muzzle of a Glock’s a couple inches from her heart,” Dennis says. “You might want to think that over and step off.”
I can’t move. I can’t even breathe.
Connor’s gaze flicks to Dennis. “She’s the only leverage you have. Think this through, Sanders. If you kill her, you’re dead. But if you walk away while Frank’s still holding onto her, you get to go unharmed. I’ve already said I’m staying with her.” Connor looks back at Frank. “And what are you thinking, Frank? At this range, if he shoots, it could go through her and into you. Let him go get your car. As long as Zoe’s not hurt, we can work this problem all night and into next week for all I care.”
“Pass your gun to me. Discreetly,” Frank says.
“No,” I whisper.
Connor looks at me, then at Frank. “I would, but I can’t.”
“Enough of this. Let’s go, Mr. Palermo,” Dennis says. “There’s nothing he can do while I have a gun on her. We’ll go back into the parking lot, get in the car and go.”
