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“That’s how family is.”

“It’s affecting your reliability.”

I roll my eyes at that before crossing my arms over my chest. “Give me a fucking break, Julio. Except for Cashmere, I’m the highest revenue generating performer here, so don’t give me that shit.”

“That might be true, but our new dancer is gaining on you.”

“Good for him. I don’t give a fuck. Last I checked, it’s not a competition.” I take a step forward, noting how Julio flinches slightly. “I’m leaving, and if you don’t like it, you can fire me.”

We have a brief stare-down before Julio backs off, huffing as he walks away, mumbling, “Whatever.”

Grinning, I grab my bag and walk out front, where Whisper is patiently waiting for me. He smiles as he stands.

“Everything okay?”

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

He leads me outside to his van. As I buckle in, Whisper checks his phone.

“Okay, he’s at Danny’s now. We have to hurry.”

“It’s only, like, ten minutes from here, right?”

“Yep.”

Whisper pulls onto the main road and we head west into the rougher part of town. Danny’s bar is a dive, to say the least. Out front are numerous motorcycles, trucks, and older model vehicles, and classic rock seeps from the worn windows and doors.

I brace myself. Guys like me aren’t typically welcome in places like this.

Whisper drives through the parking lot, slowing down behind a newer model Ford Cherokee. I’m surprised it still has wheels in this neighborhood.

“I’m ready,” I say, to myself more than to anyone else.

“Are you nervous?” Whisper asks.

“Not about the guy. About this club.”

“We’re not going in, sweet. We’re waiting.”

I exhale with relief. “Okay, good. Wasn’t in the mood to fend off a hate crime tonight.”

“Baby, that ain’t never gonna happen with me in your life.” He rubs my thigh. “I know you can take care of yourself. You’ve been doing amazing, but I’m here now.”

The urge to push back, to assert my independence, dies quickly and I nod. “Thank you.”

My response makes him happy. “You’re welcome.” He leans back. “We wait. He should be out soon.”

“Then what’s the plan?”

Whisper turns his face to me. “What would you do if I wasn’t here?”

“Follow him. Wait for a good spot with few witnesses, no cameras. Maybe even cause a road rage incident, cut him off or something. Get him to pull over.”

“And then?”

I shrug. “Shoot him.”

Whisper chuckles. “You’re succinct, but if you work with us, you need to be more discreet.”