10
THE PROMOTION
Carrera
The following morning, Carrera exited his truck at the circle near Luciano’s fountain, strode up the steps to the front door. He had a definite pep in his step, but he didn’t deserve to feel this good.
Years ago, he’d hurt Slash. Now was his opportunity to make things right between them. Show her he hadn’t just changed, but that he was the absolute right man for her.
He tapped the doorbell.
Seconds later, his cousin opened the door, and Carrera stepped inside.
“Thanks for doing this,” Carrera said.
“No one can know,” Luciano said.
Carrera glared at him. “Don’t insult me.”
In the center of Luciano’s grand foyer stood a large round table with claw feet. A family heirloom from Italy that had been handed down from generation to generation, going back centuries. It looked like an old table to Carrera, but to Santini, it was one of many treasured pieces that filled his home.
On the table sat a black duffle. After Luciano tugged on gloves, he unzipped the bag, pulled out bundles of tens and twenties. “Ten grand. Use gloves.”
“How the hell am I gonna do that at a strip club?”
Luciano retreated down the hall. Moments later, he returned with a tiny spray bottle. “This is hydrolyzed silicone sealant. Spray it on the pads of your fingers. It dries instantly and masks your prints.”
Carrera took the bottle. “Where’d you get this?”
“I had it made,” Luciano replied. “Wash it off after. For the transport home, wear these.” Luciano handed him a pair of skintight black gloves, which Carrera tugged on.
“What’s your plan?” Luciano asked.
“Which one? I got several.”
“Start with the money,” Luciano said as a woman sauntered into the foyer, her stilettos clicking on the marble floor.
Her black hair was pulled into a tight bun. She wore black lipstick and a black jumpsuit. Her skin was so translucent Carrera saw a vein running the length of her temple. In her hand, she held a black cell phone. Her long fingernails, painted black, caught Carrera’s attention.
She offered a single nod in Carrera’s direction, then stopped close to Luciano. He kissed her, once on each cheek. She left without a word.
“The walking dead,” Carrera said, and Luciano smiled.
Carrera zipped the duffle, picked it up. “I’m dropping this in my safe room, then meeting Sin at Justice. He’s introducing me to Z, then I’ve got to get some work done. You know, myrealjob.”
“How’s Slash?”
“Doing what she does best,” Carrera replied. “Hating me.”
“I’d hate you too.” Luciano opened the front door, stepped outside.
“How can you be in sunlight?” Carrera asked.
Luciano laughed. “I’m in shade.”
“Good to know, Nosferatu.”
“Take good care of her,” Luciano said.
