“Ah.”
“We’ll leave here together,” Cold went on. “Two cars. Jerry will drive us in the limo, and Jules will take his car.”
Valdemar raised his hand again.
“Yes, Mr. Valdemar?”
“Can I ride in the limo? Oh, I’ve never had such a pleasure.”
“Fine.”
Thirdsies raised his hand.
Cold looked annoyed. “Yes?”
“Can I ride in the limo too?” Thirdsies asked with wide eyes.
“Fine. Yes. I don’t care who rides in what—”
Pym raised his hand.
Cold sighed and rubbed his forehead. “For fuck’s sake.”
“Anybody who wants to can ride in the fuckin’ limo,” Jules grunted. “There. Fuckin’ settled.”
“Thank you, Jules.” Cold dropped his hand. “Now, when we arrive, Cristian will no doubt have a proposition of his own to present us. It’s going to be bullshit. Whenever he’s done spewing, I will counter.”
“And give him an offer he can’t refuse?” Roger said gleefully.
“Exactly so.” Cold smirked. “He will have no choice but to leave Strassen Springs forever. Mr. Tamerlane?”
“Yes, Boss?” Mickey perked up.
“Go check out the parking garage. Take Duncan with you. Make sure Cristian isn’t setting up any surprises for us.”
Jules glanced to Cold.
Cold nodded.
Mickey caught the exchange, but he didn’t know what it meant.
“Here.” Jules tossed Mickey a set of keys. “You guys take my ride.”
“Your El Camino?” Mickey was surprised. He knew how Jules felt about his car. It was right up there with his tacky t-shirts, but this was more than Jules letting him drive his car. There was something off about this.
This felt… wrong.
“I wanna ride in the fuckin’ limo.” Jules shrugged.
“Go.” Cold waved his hand. “We’ll see you at noon. I’ll call if anything changes.”
“Yes, Boss.” Mickey stood and obediently headed to the door.
“Have fun!” Roger waved. He was smiling, but it appeared strained.
Mickey’s stomach churned. Even Roger seemed worried. He didn’t know what Cold was up to, but he decided to have faith.
The plan, whatever it was, would work.
