Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Jada

The Green Door was buzzing with life. A long bar stretched along one side, illuminated by vibrant, colorful signs that adorned the walls. Booths lined the opposite wall, each one occupied by diners. The place was well-lit, casting a warm, inviting glow that made the colorful decor pop even more. The clatter of plates, the hum of chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively symphony that filled the air.

I had managed to find a table toward the back, away from the main hustle and bustle. I had been there for ten minutes, anxiously checking the time every few moments. With every minute that ticked by, my worry grew. I worried about my mom. I worried about Creed. I worried that Candace knew I had spilled the beans to the Banachis, and this was just her way to get me away from Creed and my mom so she could kill them.

I took a sip of my water, trying to snap myself out of being such a worrywart. I was like Tatum, and maybe I needed to stop reading too much. My mind was always racing with crazy things that could happen.

I had already ordered two burgers and fries to go and just needed Candace here so I could spill all my info to her and get home to Creed.

“Isn’t this such a quaint place?” Candace’s voice startled me as she slid into the booth opposite me, setting her purse next to her. She smiled at me, but I could see the evil glint in her eyes. “No hello for me?” she asked.

“Hello, Candace,” I said tightly, forcing a polite smile.

“You look like you have a stick up your ass, Jada. Smile, or people are going to think I asked you to be here against your will,” she laughed lightly.

The waiter approached the table and set a glass of water down for Candace. “I’ll also have a dry martini, please,” she ordered.

The waiter nodded and headed off to get her drink.

“You’re not going to at least have a drink with me?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shook my head. “I got dinner to go.”

“For you and Creed?” she asked, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.

I nodded. “Yes. I told him I was just meeting an old friend for a drink, and then I would bring dinner home.”

Candace nodded her approval. “You’re pretty good at lying, Jada. And, I have to say that I am damned impressed that you were able to get that Ken doll to fall for you.”

“It wasn’t easy,” I confessed, though my voice was steady.

“Yes, Creed always was the loner of the guys. Though a pretty face always did turn his eye.”

The waiter brought over her drink. “Your to-go order should be ready in about fifteen minutes,” he said before walking away.

I nodded and took another sip of my water, my throat feeling dry despite the liquid.

“Just enough time to catch up,” Candace smiled, a predator ready to pounce. “Why don’t you just start from the beginning.”

“First, can I ask a question?” I ventured, my heart pounding in my chest.

Candace shrugged. “You can ask, but I don’t have to answer.”

“How did you know about me and Creed? I thought the whole point of me spying on the Banachis was because you needed to know what they are doing.”

“I have eyes most places, Jada. Unfortunately, when my hand was forced, and the Banachis found out I was Brandt’s sister, my access directly to the Banachis was lost. That’s why I need you.”

“Creed doesn’t tell me any big secrets,” I protested, trying to downplay my involvement.

Candace took a long drink, savoring the martini. “I’ll be the judge of that. Small details can be very important.”

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. “Alright,” I began, my voice steadying. “What do you want to know?”

Candace leaned back, her eyes never leaving mine. “Everything.”

I started with the basic info. “Murphy was with Tatum ninety percent of the time. When he wasn’t, there were people apparently somewhere watching her. The same went for Apollo and Greer. Princeton was at Wyndermere with Kitty.”

“Anything about the Devil’s Knights?” Candace asked, leaning forward with a sharp gaze.

I tipped my head to the side, genuinely puzzled. “I don’t know what that is.”

She flitted her hand dismissively. “They’re a footnote as far as I’m concerned.”

Then why was she asking about them?

“Have you met Leo?” she inquired, her tone casual but probing.

“Once. Creed took me to their office last week,” I replied, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease a little. Creed told me not to lie unless I had to.

Candace waited, her eyes locked on mine, expecting more.

“Uh, he didn’t say much to me. He did mention that he was headed to St. Louis this week, and that Apollo was going with him,” I added, hoping it was enough.

Candace perked up at the mention of St. Louis. “When was he leaving?” she asked, her interest piqued.

I shrugged. “He just said this week. Do you want me to try to find out from Creed?”

She shook her head and drained the last of her drink. “I’ll find that out on my own. You did well, Jada. Keep your ears open, and I’ll be in touch next week.”

Before she could get up, I grabbed her hand. “He doesn’t tell me much,” I rushed out. “I try to listen to him and Murphy when they’re around the store, but they don’t talk about anything important.”

She patted my hand in a way that felt more like a warning than comfort. “Just keep listening, and I’ll be the judge of what’s important.” She stood and hitched her purse over her arm. “Thank you for the drink.”

I struggled to say anything and just nodded, watching as she moved through the crowd and disappeared out the door.

The woman’s clothes cost more than my rent, and she couldn’t pay for her own drink? I shook my head and took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I wanted to text Creed to let him know it was over, but I didn’t want to risk messing anything up.

The waiter brought out a brown bag filled with my to-go order, and I settled the bill—Candace’s drink included. I made my way through the restaurant, trying to figure out who in the crowd worked for the Banachis, but I couldn’t spot anyone obvious.

I made the quick walk to my car, keeping my head down and moving swiftly. The cool night air did little to calm my racing heart. My first meeting with Candace was over, and it seemed to go well. I hadn’t told her much, but the bit Leo had told me about St. Louis had been just what she wanted to hear.

I just hoped this was the last time I would see her, but something told me this wouldn’t be the only time.