Page 55 of Witness Security Breach

They subtly slipped their earpieces in and Killinger fluffed her hair to cover hers. Aiden planned to keep his distance.

Killinger stopped a cocktail waitress who was carrying a tray of empty glasses. “Hey, I’m looking to catch Enzo Romero and Big Bill Walsh, discreetly,” she said, the comms device allowing Aiden to hear everything. “To pass along some information. I’d prefer not to get trapped in a difficult position in an office behind a locked door, with some dude’s hand shoved down my shirt, if you know what I mean.”

The buxom waitress smiled. “Believe me, I get it. Enzo’s right over there.” She pointed to a man in a fancy suit in the poker room. “And Big Bill is at Avido’s this time of day. But ask to see him at the bar, otherwise they’ll send you to his office there.”

“Thanks.” Killinger handed her a hundred bucks. “How do I get to Avido’s?”

The waitress gave directions and pocketed the easy cash.

“I count two bodyguards in Enzo’s vicinity,” Killinger said. “Give me his envelope. I’ll get it to him without drawing too much attention. They won’t see me as a threat.”

He agreed and handed over the envelope. The contents would show Romero what type of damning information they had on him.

Killinger sauntered into the poker room and Aiden stayed across the walkway where he could keep an eye on her. She strode right up to Enzo Romero and proffered the sealed white envelope. “You’re a very powerful man with a lot of influence and muscle, and I’m looking to make a deal. Help me get what I want and all the information I have is yours.”

Enzo eyed her from head to toe, then opened the envelope and looked over the single page. His brows lifted. “What do you want?”

“Not money.” She pulled on a smile smooth as cold butter. “I’ll call you tomorrow with details.”

Enzo reached into his suit jacket pocket, whipped out a card and handed it to her. “My private number. Can I buy you a drink?”

“Thank you.” She took the card. “But it’s a little early in the day for me.” She turned and strutted out of the poker room.

Enzo signaled to one of his guards, who took off after Killinger.

In turn, Aiden was right behind him.

Killinger went to the ladies’ room. The guard had the audacity to follow her inside. Aiden had no shame in joining the party.

He shoved through the door fast. As expected, the bodyguard turned and half stepped back, a fluid quarter circle.

Aiden threw a sharp left hook, catching him hard on the ear. The guy’s head snapped sideways as Aiden was already launching a right uppercut that hit him under the chin.

The guard wobbled and swayed, staying on his feet. Killinger jumped up behind him and locked her elbow around his throat in a headlock.

Aiden could’ve been a referee in a ring, counting down the knockout.

Five seconds, and the bodyguard was out cold.

One baited hook had been dropped for Romero.

Time to cast an irresistible, shiny lure for Walsh.

Chapter Thirteen

Devlin shook Tommy’s hand with a pat on the shoulder and strode to the small office in the back of Avido’s.

Inside, Big Bill waved for him to come in. “Can I get you some lunch?” he asked, sprinkling salt on his chicken.

The food smelled wonderful and everything Devlin had ever eaten there had been tasty, but he wanted to get down to business. “I’m good.” He took a seat in one of the leather chairs facing the desk.

Bill set the white porcelain shaker down and took a bite of his food. “What’s the status?”

“Is this place clean?” Devlin asked, referring to listening devices. Bill’s FBI problem was worse than an infestation of roaches.

“Yeah.” Bill nodded. “Tommy swept it this morning.”

“The boys are in Louisiana,” Devlin said. “They checked in with me outside of Lake Charles. Your package can be delivered by five, if you’d like.”