‘But that means spending more time with him.’ Matteo doesn’t sound thrilled. ‘Isn’t that the opposite of what we wanted to happen?’
‘Only until Hank Junior can be found and this misunderstanding cleared up,’ I argue. ‘We keep Luke alive and no crime will be committed. And no crime means we don’t go to jail.’
‘Makes sense,’ says Big Sue.
‘Yeah. It does,’ agrees Cherry.
‘Roger that,’ confirms Big Mand.
‘Thank God,’ gushes Liam. ‘I’d rather have a married best friend than one on death row.’
‘Let’s finish this mission, make sure everyone is safe, and then we can get our pre-moon back on track,’ Ged says forcefully, rolling up his frilly sleeves. ‘Now, who’s for a medicinal cocktail? I make a great Skanky Lady with a twist.’
Liam is gazing adoringly at Ged as he bosses us all about.
Big Sue is beaming at them like a proud parent.
‘And can someone track down Sister Kevin? It’s killing me not knowing how old he is,’ says Big Mand as the lift pings, and we all shuffle out towards Cherry and Liberty’s room.
* * *
Once Liberty is laid on the bed, I go in search of ice for her ankle while Matteo runs to our room to get my phone, leaving the group to bicker about who should ‘babysit’ Luke.
I wander back through.
‘He’s not staying with us,’ says Ged, eyeing Liam. ‘We’ve got Franz to consider.’
‘And he can’t stay with us,’ says Big Mand. ‘Because…’
‘Because you’re both lesbians now?’ says Cherry.
‘Because we only have one bed,’ says Big Sue. ‘And because we don’t like him.’
‘Well, he’s not staying here. He fancies me too much,’ claims Liberty.
‘Well, he can’t stay with us,’ I say. ‘We’re newly-weds.’ My face flames at the thought of our first night of wedded bliss.
There’s a knock at the door, causing us to jump a mile.
‘I’ll get it,’ I say when everyone but me runs to hide in the bathroom, leaving Liberty furious and exposed on the bed. ‘It’ll be Matteo.’
I gingerly open the door. It’s Tash and Sister Kevin. They pile in just as Matteo arrives with my phone. I take it shyly from him.
Gah! I wish we could get a few minutes alone. Away from this insanity.
‘Just in time,’ I say to Tash. ‘We need you both to keep an eye on Luke for us.’
Tash’s eyes flash. ‘No. Not possible.’
‘But you literally said you thought the hitman stuff was nonsense.’ Cherry puts her hands on her bony hips.
‘I have an idea,’ says Sister Kevin.
Oh no.I squash down a wave of despair, inwardly groaning as I make eye contact with Matteo. His lips are twitching.
‘We do drop-off points.’ He strides over to the bureau at the side of the room and picks up a large printed sheet of the hotel and casino layout. ‘We take turns throughout the night. We do two hours each and then swap. That way we keep him on the move and outfox the killer.’
‘Blinking hell, Sister Kev. That’s not actually a bad idea,’ says Big Mand.
