Page 42 of Smoke and Glitter

Give them enough truth that he hasn't technically lied, then find something for his hands to do until they understand the conversation is over.

It looks different from this side of the bar.

"Okay."

The knife stops against the cutting board.

Only for a second.

Then Sam looks at me.

Maybe he expected me to push.

I don't.

A couple at the far end raises a hand, and he goes to them. By the time he comes back, Bex has taken my empty glass and is telling me about somebody trying to swap shifts again.

Sam and I don't mention the man with the folder.

I leave it alone for two days.

That's longer than I usually manage.

The club is slow when I come in again, and Bex has next week's schedule spread across the bar with a pen in one hand. I wait until Sam disappears into the back before turning toward her.

"Who was the guy with the folder?"

She keeps writing. "Told you. Don't know."

"You didn't know who he was." I slide my glass out of the way before she can write through the condensation ring. "You know why he was here."

Her pen stops.

Bex looks up. "You're annoying."

"I'm good at my job."

"Those aren't mutually exclusive."

I smile.

She doesn't.

"It was financing," she says.

"For Vibes?"

"No."

Bex answers too fast, and I straighten on the stool.

"For what?"

Bex hesitates.

"The Pilsen place."

I stare at her. "Pilsen?"