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It does. Just not for the reason he thinks. Inwardly the lock turns…

Using my own judgment means movement. Judgment means I can disappear upstairs without Steven watching the clock. Judgment means Zane’s list is no longer a fantasy I can delay with a coffee.

Steven nods, already onto the next fire, and I walk toward the bar.

Jacque is polishing glasses like the glasses have insulted his family. He is older than me, French enough to make the members feel continental, and sharp enough that I do not try the ditsy act on him.

“I’m going to do a quick once-over of the meeting rooms,” I say. “Before it gets busy.”

Jacque glances at the empty stools, then at me. “No problems. I’ll hold the bar. If Steven asks, you are being efficient…”

“I am being efficient.”

Jacque makes a small sound that might be a laugh. “Of course you are.”

I smile and set about my business.

Upstairs, the carpet swallows my steps. Around me are double doors. Side rooms. The air of money that does not like to be overheard. No one is about. No waiters. No members arriving early to hide from their own lives.

It’s just me and the quiet.

My ass throbs a little when I bend to pick up a dropped napkin that may have been there since last night. The sting is a reminder and a dare.

I could do the job.

Really do it… wipe tables. Straighten chairs. Be the boy Steven thinks he promoted to loyal staff member.

Or I can start paying Zane back.

I stand in the doorway of the main meeting room and look at the table where Dmitri sat with his men. I can still see it. The power. The way the air changed when he walked.

If I get caught taking the members list, it will not be Steven who ruins me.

It will be Dmitri.

I know that.

I knew it when I read Zane’s message. I still take my phone out. The screen lights my face in the dim room.

I type.

Delete.

Type again...

ELIAS: I’ll have it by the end of my shift.

I hit Send.

Zane replies almost immediately with a thumbs-up, like I have agreed to pick up milk. I lock the phone and put it away. My hands are not quite steady.

Good.

Fear keeps you precise.

I start moving like a person who belongs. Cloth along the table. Glasses aligned. A curtain tugged so it falls the way this place demands.

All the while I am looking…