Page 49 of Unmasked

She lifted a shoulder. “Ice cream makes everything better.”

Everleigh couldn’t deny that. Vivi’s ring flashed as she dug into the creamy goodness, and it sparked a memory. “By the way, I don’t think I officially congratulated you on your engagement. How did you and Mason meet?”

A wicked light entered Vivi's eyes as she grinned. “Now, that’s a heck of a story.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

Knox stepped into the bar and allowed his gaze to rove over the room, acting like he was allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim light. He knew from Mason’s message that his mark was seated at one o'clock, at the corner of the wraparound bar.

He bypassed Mason sitting at a corner table to his left and slipped onto a stool two spots down from the man he’d come to see. He focused on the bartender, who met his gaze and leaned her elbows on the polished wooden top in front of him, pushing her breasts together to show off her cleavage.

He threw her a lazy smile. “Beer, please. Whatever is on tap is fine.”

She grinned back and gave a little nod, then headed over to the tap and poured him a dark lager. He wrapped his hands around the glass as she slid it toward him and met her gaze. “Thanks, gorgeous.”

She grabbed up a paper coaster then scribbled her number on it and slid it his way with a wink. He made a show of picking it up, then tapped it on the counter twice before putting it in his back pocket. Part of him felt bad for leading her on, but he did what he had to do. She left to serve the next person, and he glanced at the man to his right, who watched on with a wry smile.

“Nice.”

He lifted his beer toward him in mock salute, then took a swig. There had been no recognition in the man's eyes when he looked at him. The man turned his attention back to the TV screen broadcasting the game, and he sipped quietly at his beer for several minutes, pretending to do the same. The bartender eventually made her way down the line again and he ordered two shots of whiskey.

He tossed down a bill to cover the tab when she returned, then, carefully concealing the tiny bottle in his hand, dribbled several drops into one glass. He tucked it away again then turned to the man beside him. “You a Canes guy?”

He nodded. “Always.”

He slid the shot glass his way. “Drink up.”

He tossed back his shot, and the man followed suit seconds later. In the reflection of the large mirror spanning the back of the bar, he watched Mason stand and head toward the bathroom. Two minutes passed, and the man next to him shook his head. “Can't handle liquor like I used to.”

He made a sympathetic face as the man stood and headed for the restroom. He waited thirty seconds, then followed. By the time he pushed the door open, the sounds of vomiting met his ears. He locked the door and glanced at Mason, reclined against the sink with his arms crossed.

The man in the stall gagged several more times, then the sound of the toilet flushing filled the air. He wiped at his mouth as he opened the door, and he froze when his gaze landed on him.

“Give it a few minutes and it'll pass,” he said.

The man darted toward the door, but he was no match for the two of them. Knox locked his forearm around the man's throat and flicked open the knife at his side. He watched the man's eyes widen in the reflection of the mirror over the sinks, and his hands lifted in supplication.

“Please don’t. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

“I hope so.” Knox chuckled darkly. “You David Tate?”

“Who are you?” he choked out.

“That's not important,” he said as he maneuvered him away from the door. “What's important is the woman you've been following.”

The man's entire body stiffened but he didn't say a word.

“Everleigh Beaumont,” he prompted. “Ring a bell?”

He felt the man's throat bob as he swallowed. “I don’t know names.”

“Sounds like you don’t know an awful lot.” He gestured with the knife toward Mason. “He look familiar?”

The man shook his head, and he let out a low chuckle. “Well, that's too bad because he recognizes you. You've been following Everleigh Beaumont and I want to know why.”

“The blonde woman? She’s just a job,” he replied. “I only did what I was asked to do.”