“Camille, where are the tiny drink straws?”
Another state. Plastic straws are illegal, bitch.
“Camille, can you tell the performer she’s too loud?”
There was no way she was going to tell Betty Danger she was too loud. One, it was Betty, and she could do what she wanted. Two, she needed the distraction for the plan that hinged on Smirnov’s arrival. Nothing was safe from traffic in LA. He was probably stuck on the 405.
Because Fran loved managing details and she had better things to worry about, Gabby directed everyone her way. Merry Christmas, Fran.
Valentina tapped her on the shoulder, and she almost jumped out of her skin.
She narrowed her eyes at Gabby. “You’re acting like you’re the one with the hard job tonight, Agent Greene.”
Gabby laughed nervously.
“You have a problem. One of your kids is out front, something about her iPad.”
“What?”
Just like Valentina said, Kyle was standing around wide-eyed in front of the drag club. “Why are you at Uncle Justin’s club?” she asked. “And whose pants are those?”
“Why areyouhere?” Gabby asked, incredulous.
“I used Find My iPhone to find you. You have my iPad.”
“What?” Gabby couldn’t even with this development.
“I need it for my homework.”
Gabby looked down her nose, not believing the homework line for one second. Kyle needed it for TikTok. She grabbed Kyle’s hand and escorted her out to the street, where Granny was parked. She shut the car door firmly and said, in her most serious voice, “I will be home in a few hours. Go home!”
“Just bring out my iPad, will you? It’s in your bag.”
“NO!”
From the back of the car, Lucas said, “Can I have my pen back?”
“NO!”
Inside the speakeasy, she looked at Valentina and shook her head. “What in the hell? Why would my grandmother drive them here?”
Valentina laughed, for once looking really amused. “Did you give her the iPad?”
“No!”
Valentina laughed. “Good work holding the line. I don’t know how you do it.”
Over Valentina’s shoulder, Gabby spied her quarry. Smirnov strode into the party in evening attire. He was at least six feet, probably more, broad, with a dad bod. Truth be told, he was kind of hot.
Gabby caught his eye from across the room, and he stalked her way, grabbing a martini off a waiter’s tray without breaking stride. Everyone in this operation had James Bond training but her.
Valentina looked between her and Smirnov. “Who is that?”
Gabby laughed it off. “Another family member. I can’t get rid of them tonight.” As she headed toward Smirnov, she added, “Be right back. I need to get rid of this one too.”
“Did you bring it?” he asked, skipping even the barest of preambles. “I like parties, but I’d prefer one without the government.” A little smile quirked his lips, and he added, “Although it’s not bad to get my heart rate up now and then.”
“Well, thanks for coming,” she said, like he was an invited guest.
