C doesn’t hurry. “Don’t touch that doorknob, Z.”
Her hand freezes and she purses her lips. “We’re going to be late.”
C swats her ass. “Next time get ready faster.”
We cut out a side door, and C gets in the first Rover with Zoe and one of the soldiers. I take the wheel of the second Rover. Rachel reaches for the passenger door handle, but Trick blocks her and puts her in the back with him, which we’d decided on earlier. If things go down, I don’t want her in my peripheral vision, drawing my attention, and she’ll be safer in the back seat anyway.
“All good, ‘Vil,” Trick says.
I wait out the line of cars that makes its way down the street. C in the lead, two C Crue cars following, and then two with New York plates. So far no Palermo cars in the mix.
“We could skip the school,” Trick deadpans. “Head to Waffle House. Get a couple of Belgians.”
Rachel laughs softly. “Are you always like this?”
“No. Sometimes I suggest pancakes. I’m partial to blueberry. ‘Vil doesn’t care for pancakes. He’s steak and eggs all the way. Though I’d imagine raspberry lace might convince him otherwise.”
“Stay sharp,” I say, not wanting to think about peeling off Rachel’s dress while I’m driving.
It’s a short ten-minute drive, and we get there without a problem.
The walk into the building is uneventful, too. The front entry’s been redone. It’s got some retro parquet wood design in the floor that Frank paid for, trying to get back in the school’s good books after pulling funding when they didn’t expel some kids he blacklisted for not joining his organization. Five years ago, those kids wouldn’t have had the nerve to defy him, but we’ve spread the word that we’ll protect anyone under eighteen who doesn’t want to be a runner for the Palermo organization. His power is eroding, led by C Crue’s resistance.
A group of girls hurry by, dressed in matching dresses with skirts made of scarves. Their hair is teased into wild ringlets and their hoop earrings could be bracelets. They all look like mini Zoes.
I don’t realize the tight hold I’ve got on Rachel’s upper arm until she murmurs my name and glances at my hand. I ease my grip, but don’t let go.
Instead, as we enter the auditorium, I look around until I spot Alberto Leone and the four hired guns. They are standing a few feet from C and Zoe. My first instinct is to get there, to cover C’s left side, but it turns out I’m not the one who needs to move.
Alberto Leone sees us and heads our way. A group of girls reaches us first, hugging on Rachel, thanking her for her help. They’re in costume, and I guess we’re going to see the winning routine as part of the floor show.
I haven’t seen Leone in a couple years. He’s heavier than I remember and a little taller. Lifts in his shoes, I guess. I’ve still got half a foot on him, vertically.
“Hey, there you are,” he says, ignoring me. He puts his hands on Rachel’s face and leans forward and kisses her.
It takes an act of will for me not to grab the back of his collar to yank him back. She’s stiff at first and then steps back as he tries to extend the kiss and make it more than a peck. I have a hold on her arm, so she can’t get far. I put a hand out to prevent him from following her retreat.
“Can I help you?” he asks, his tone cold and confident when he’s got four guys packing at his back.
I say nothing. I also don’t move the arm that’s in front of her body, blocking his access.
“Berto, this is Sasha Stroviak. C Crue. He’s been my bodyguard the past couple of days.”
“Is that right?” Berto says, stroking his beard. “Should I say thank you?” he asks sarcastically, but extends a hand.
“No, you shouldn’t,” I say, my voice low.
“There was some trouble,” she says to him softly, her voice soothing. “It’s all right now.”
“Is it?” he demands. “Then he should put his fucking arm down, so I can give my fiancée a hug.”
Zoe rushes up, holding out a hand to Rachel. “It’s almost time to start. We’re over here, Rachel. They want pictures of us with the team.”
Rachel looks at me for the okay, not at Leone, which is satisfying.
“I’m here,” she whispers to me. “It’ll be strange if I don’t participate.”
I release her arm, but I move so I’m clearing a path, one that forces Leone to fall in step.
