“Yep.”
“We’re going in… disguised. I’ve got the tight-fitting purple thing with those boots that go up the wazoo. We’ve rented a private room so after we make our appearance in the community room, we head to the private rooms. The talisman’s in room number six.”
“Right. Milo’s set it up so that there is no security guard for a ten-minute block.”
“I’ll note the way the talisman’s secured, and you’ll slip the new one in place.”
“And we’ll leave before the next guard comes.”
“With the replicated talisman in place. So where’s the dupe?”
“It was arranged ahead of time and should be right there in the glove compartment. Open it, please.”
She leans over and opens the glove box.
“It’s supposed to be in here? How big is it?”
“It can fit in the palm of your hand.”
I glance over in a panic. Fuck.
There’s nothing there.
“Who was supposed to put it there?”
“One of Thayer’s people.” Cursing under my breath, I hit the button on the car speaker and dial him.
“Was just gonna call you,” he answers. “They didn’t get there in time.”
Right. Of course. We rearranged the time. We weren’t supposed to be leaving until tomorrow morning.
I’m slipping.
I curse under my breath. Somewhere out there, an exact replica of Napoleon’s talisman is in a velvet box.
I need it.
“Plan B?” Nicolette asks curiously. “You think?”
“Yes,” I say in a rushed whisper. “Plan B.”
“We take it and screw?”
No way in hell.
“Are you crazy? You think I’d put you at risk like that? We find Thayer’s assistant and get it now. Show up at The Underground later than planned and take it from there.”
Frowning, she looks at me curiously. “And... how will that change things, do you think?”
“The security detail will be on, for one. So we’ll have to find a way past them. Secondly, we may be more exposed. Not sure it would have made it to the room or if they’ve changed that plan.”
“Exposed… in what way?”
“I’m not sure.” I exhale. “I promise, I won’t let you get hurt.”
“Aw, shucks,” she says with a sidelong glance. “Was kinda hoping things would get a little kinky.”
I have to remind myself not to pull this car over and make things “a little kinky” right now. “You don’t have to worry about that. You have to be my slave, don’t you?”
