Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Guessing that they alternated between the three roped-off lanes, Vinnie led the way to the door. The barrier opened automatically when he reached it. Inside, he found two large, athletic men standing on either side of the doorway and a slender woman seated behind a hostess desk past the door. The woman looked over Vinnie and his men as they approached with a smile, “Welcome to Nightfall! Is this your first visit with us?”
Vinnie smiled, even though a thread of concern zinged through him. This was supposed to be the way returning guests entered. Frankie had told them about the club stamp and how they had snatched one of the bar’s patrons off the street as they headed to their car so they could duplicate it. Had they seen through the fake stamps?
Vinnie bluffed. “No. We returned to town and decided we had to check if we’d imagined how phenomenal Nightfall had been.”
“Wonderful! We’re glad to see you again. If you would present your marks under the light here by the desk as you pass, you can go right in. Enjoy your evening at Nightfall!”
“Thank you.” Vinnie pushed up the sleeve of his jacket, presented his wrist under the blacklight, and strode through the open door. His men each did the same as they all filed through the door and the metal detectors beyond. When they’d passed through the screening, Vinnie breathed a sigh of relief. Step one complete. We’re in.
Once through the detectors, the staff indicated they should continue down a short hallway to the entrance. That doorway led into a large room. Vinnie could hear the thrum of music through the walls. This was the anteroom that the first scout told Mr. Costa about. He waved the men past him, saying softly, “Almost showtime, boys. Be ready,” as he gathered himself to burst into the main club and attack.
“Showtime?”
Vinnie tensed as a growling voice sounded behind him. He turned to see a massive hulk of an employee closing the door to the room behind him, shutting them inside together. From the description Frankie had given him, Vinnie had an idea who the guy was. Already on edge from the man’s actions, Vinnie studied the hulking figure for weaknesses. This guy was the one Frankie had spotted—the head of security.
We’re busted, Vinnie thought as he steeled himself to meet the big man’s gaze. “What’s the deal? We’re here to party, man! I don’t remember getting stopped by you people last time.”
Marcus chuckled. The laughter wasn’t a pleasant, cheerful sound. “Last time? Come now. Let’s not play games. None of you have ever been here before. Those stamps you showed were good, but they’re not ours.”
Vinnie tried once more, moving toward the big man and baring his arm to show the faded stamp. “I don’t know what to tell you, man. I got this when I was here before.” The move put him almost within striking range of the man blocking his escape. I’ll only have one shot at this, but taking him out won’t be easy.
Bram’s voice echoed through Marcus’s mind like warm silk. I’ve hacked their phones. They’re the Costa’s men. That guy is Vinnie, one of the enforcers. I checked the scans when they entered as well. They only have hand weapons, no guns. The cameras outside show they have a driver close by in a van ready for their getaway.
“Now that brings back memories.” Marcus gave him a cold smile that chilled Vinnie to the bone.
“Oh, so you remember us being here before.” Vinnie scoffed.
Marcus leaned against the door and appeared like he couldn’t care less about the situation they were in. That eased him out of arm’s reach from Vinnie. Marcus wasn’t worried about the foe in front of him but didn’t want to encourage the enforcer. “Evidently, Enzo has not taken my last warning to heart. I will have to send him another.”
Vinnie froze. His spine stiffened as he stared at Marcus. Any hint of the pretend nightclub-visiting character Vinnie had assumed melted away.
Now it was Bram’s turn to chuckle in Marcus’s mind, thinking back to their last visit with Enzo Costa. Was that a pun about ripping more hearts out? Did the always serious Marcus actually display a sense of humor? Carina is already influencing you, my friend.
Marcus gave Bram a mental shrug and reached out to his security team. Two of you go outside and secure the driver. I want him alive, please. Bring the van around the back. This won’t take long. Then he pushed his powerful shoulders off the door and advanced on Vinnie, who stood visibly shaken that their clever plan had utterly collapsed so quickly.
With each step that Marcus advanced, Vinnie’s men spread out to give themselves space to maneuver in the enclosed space. This wasn’t a big room, but there was no furniture to hinder them, or help them, for that matter. This was going to be a brawl. He watched the silent communication between his opponents. From their confident smirks, they’d decided he was a single man outnumbered by the four of them. Those favorable odds might have helped them against anyone else.