I glance at Ace, unsure how much to reveal. “Well, it’s not pure coincidence why I’m with these particular guys,” I start carefully, stirring my latte. “They need my help to pull something off.”
“Something?” Belle echoes, her eyebrow arching.
“It’s a show,” Ace says, surprising me by jumping in. “The Lane brothers are planning one pretty soon.”
“A show?” Belle perks up, her excitement palpable.
“Yeah,” Ace continues, sipping his coffee like he isn’t dropping bombshells. “But it’s not your usual magic show. It has a bigger purpose.”
“Which is?” Belle leans in.
“To bring down some very bad people,” Sylus interjects.
Belle looks between the three of us. “Okay, I’m intrigued. What do you need me for?”
Ace sets down his cup, meeting her gaze evenly. “We need to ensure the bad guys are in the crowd that night. For that, we need to make them come. They’re all working for Veronica Harrington.”
Belle freezes, her caramel latte hovering just shy of her lips. “Wait, VeronicaHarringtonis the bad guy?”
“Yes,” Ace confirms.
Annabelle’s gaze snaps to me. “But you said you’re with her son.”
“He’s not the bad guy.” I wince. “And technically, I’m not?—”
“Okay.” Annabelle cuts me off.“VeronicaHarrington is bad with bad-guy employees.NicholasHarrington is good guy. Go ahead, Blondie.”
Ace shoots her a playful glare but continues, “We want to send a message that looks like it’s from Veronica to make them attend, but we can’t use her phone directly.”
“If we can get access to their phones, I can make it look like the message is from her, even though it’s not,” Sylus jumps in. “But to do that, we need to get their phones, alter what we need, and return them without them noticing.”
I take a sip of my drink, watching Annabelle closely. “And since we need four people to pull this off?—”
“Done.” Annabelle cuts me off before I can finish. “I’m in.”
“You don’t even know—” I start, but she shakes her head.
“Babe,” she says firmly, setting her cup down. “You’ve never asked me for anything in the last six years. It’s always been me needing you. You need me now? I’m there. No questions asked.”
God, I love this girl.
But she needs to know what she’s getting herself into.
“We could mess up. This could be dangerous.”
Annabelle’s gaze flicks between Ace and Sylus, sizing them up. “You know what you’re doing?”
“Yes,” Sylus says confidently. “I wouldn’t risk her if we didn’t.”
“Agreed,” Ace adds. “This part of the plan isn’t the risky one. Your role would be pure distraction. Nothing more.”
“I can do distraction.” Annabelle smirks, leaning back in her chair. “Hell, I thrive on it.”
Ace nods, a flicker of approval crossing his face. “Good. We’ll get you the details later. We can’t discuss it all here, but I’m glad you’re in.”
Annabelle picks up her drink, raising it in a mock toast. “Thanks, Blondie.”
Sylus snickers, leaning toward me. “Your bestie’s got more guts than half the people I know.”
