Page 148 of Unruly

“Of course, Miss …”

Catherine heard Evira’s unspoken question as she trailed off. Still, she didn’t answer. At this point, who she was under the large sunhat was simply not important. It would only speed up something that she was not yet ready to put in motion.

“Sit,” Catherine said with a wave at the chair next to her chaise.

Everything had been arranged just so. Each seating placement was moved into a position just enough to keep Catherine’s face from view, even with the wide-brimmed black hat. Her idea—Miguel helped to do what was needed.

Evira sat down, and put her bag at her feet.

“You don’t ever question clients who call out of the blue to make arrangements with you?” Catherine dared to ask. Out of the corner of her eye, just beneath the brim of her hat, Catherine saw the delicate line of Evira’s shoulders lift and fall. “Not at all?”

“Word of mouth is my best friend in this business. It’s not like I’m in the phone book, after all. Typically new clients name drop someone I am already working with. That’s usually enough for me to know everything is on the up and up.”

It was a little stupid of the girl, really.

Dangerous.

Catrina had always made it clear to Catherine that even if a client was looking her in the face, and she knew who they were on sight because of their status, it didn’t matter. Every i needed dotted and every t needed crossed. Any checks that could be done into a client should be done for the safety of their organization.

Namedropping and referrals were garbage.

Catherine supposed, in the grand scheme of things, that Evira didn’t truly have that same kind of luxury where her clients were concerned. Money was money to her, and as long as it was green, she didn’t mind taking it.

Even if that meant risking her freedom.

Or her life.

“Would you mind—”

“Why only cocaine?” Catherine asked, interrupting the girl before she could speak.

Evira cleared her throat. “That’s a bit of an odd question.”

“Curiosity. I’m trying to shake my nerves about all of this. Talking helps.”

Lies.

Evira ate them up, though.

“Cocaine seems to be the drug of choice in this town, isn’t it?”

Catherine lifted a single eyebrow, although she knew Evira couldn’t see it. “Is that really the reason, or is it something else?”

“Something else?”

“I mean, is that all you have supplied at the moment?”

“Is your need broader than cocaine?”

“Far broader,” Catherine admitted.

“Then perhaps I won’t be the best person to fill your needs.”

“Or is it that you prefer men, Evira?”

Catherine watched the girl stiffen when she used her name, and couldn’t help but smile to herself. Game, set, and match.

It was all tied up in a pretty bow.