“You can have the shoes. Give me the clothes.” Emilia sighed and tossed the fur coat into a cardboard mailing box. “I don’t think I could go back to normal clothes ever again. But lucky for me I don’t have to dress down.” She laughed at that and kicked off her heels, glancing at the captive woman. Vitoria watched the exchange between Emilia and the rich brat. Emilia’s eyes held more compassion than she liked to see. She had weird principles, that one.
They were taking their sweet time. Lili should have been off making payments already. When they paid key people in the favela, they earned loyalty. A deep, abiding loyalty. Vitoria knew almost everyone in the favela would take a bullet for the Blondes. It was a heady power.
Mia was the quiet one, and the only one acting like a responsible adult at the moment. She was black, with dyed blonde hair, tall and lithe and strong. They’d known each other since they were teens. She tagged and cataloged the shoes, and packed them into a box according to brand and size. They would go into a crate and get shipped to one of their buyers to be sold online just under the store cost. It was quite a lucrative business.
“Lili, Emilia, come here.” Vitoria had to get the two wild cards back in order, and prepare them for what was to come. Lili bowed slightly and Emilia plopped herself on the leather couch to the side of the desk.
“Comfortable?” Vitoria swung her legs off the desk and stood.
“Very. I’m so glad we got air conditioning in here, but it’s still hot.” Emilia’s whiny voice grated on Vitoria.
“I don’t care if you’re hot, and I don’t care if you like shoes or fur coats. What I do care about is the royal mess you created out there today,” she yelled. The two girls dropped their smiles and looked down at the floor.
“Look at me.” Their heads snapped up. “This is not a game. Do I need to remind you what you had before? Nothing. That’s right. Nothing. And now you live like that rich American slut sitting over there.” She pointed at Tanya Lofton. “Emilia, when you watched her after we got back, you were supposed to keep your mouth shut, but you talked, didn’t you?”
Emilia looked over at Lili and then back at Vitoria. “Yes.”
“You don’t talk to the marks.”
“Yes, but I was just letting her know that it won’t be long—”
“Don’t.”
Lili wisely kept silent, and Emilia bit her lower lip. She opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it.
“And you, Lili.” Lili flinched and swallowed hard. “You can’t just buy what you want. You have a list. But what did you do?”
Lili shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “I went back to the same store.”
“And what do we never do?”
“We never shop at the same store twice.”
“That’s right. We never shop at the same store twice. We can shop for a year and never walk into the same store twice, but you just had to go back, didn’t you?”
Vitoria paced in front of her desk and tried to calm down. She had to get them to fear her. Not just fear her, but respect her leadership. Up until now, they all thought this was some high school game, like the cons they used to pull on tourists. But this was not just a con. The game was a lot bigger now.
Mia tossed her hair and kept on working. At least one of them got it.
Tanya started struggling. She got one hand free and tugged on her restraints. One of her arms got loose. Vitoria cursed and rushed over, pulling out her .45.
“Going somewhere?”
Tanya Lofton took off her blindfold just as Vitoria backhanded her with the butt of the gun. Blood gushed from her mouth and she toppled over, crashing to the floor. Crying out, she fought to get free, but her tied arm was pinned under the chair, most likely broken. Now the rich woman knew what it felt like to be broke.
Emilia called out something, but Vitoria was not paying attention. Tanya was crying and blood ran down her cheek where a deep gash had opened up.
Vitoria grabbed her by the shoulders and righted her chair. She shoved the gun into Tanya’s mouth. Her teeth clattered against the metal and she froze. The room fell silent and even Mia stopped what she was doing.
“Shh, querida,” Vitoria whispered.
Tears made tracks on Tanya’s blood-streaked cheeks.
“That’s right, just relax. I need you to do something for me, something only you can do …” Pulling the trigger, she blew out the back of Tanya’s head.
TWO GLASSES OF RED wine later, I was feeling much better. The lobster was divine. It had been steamed and the tail grilled, and we dipped it in herb butter. The flesh was succulent and bursting with flavor. We ordered chocolate covered strawberries for dessert, and Mandy talked about the plans she and Rick had for remodeling their house.
The restaurant had an open patio with a view of the sea. I half-listened to her as I watched the sun set over the horizon. Orange and pink saturated the sky. It was perfect.
“So, you up for a little fun tonight?” Mandy draped her arm over the back of her chair.
I pretended to be uninterested. “Would this fun involve a slimy dance club and sweaty guys trying to hit on us all night?”
“I sure hope so. I mean, it’s on my list. Rick said to be good, but not a nun. That means I can flirt a little, maybe even let some hot Rio guy dance me up.” Her eyes sparkled and her bright pink dress almost glowed in the dim balcony lighting.
“Hmm. Well, I guess we could see what we see.” Knowing Mandy, she’d already booked our reservations.
“Oh, good. I Googled some clubs and I found one that looks a-maz-ing.”
“Figured as much. Okay, let’s stay up all night and then I just might be able to sleep in.”
I checked my phone again and resisted texting Solomon. He’d been silent, more than I was used to.
“Really? You’re going twitterpated on me in the middle of a conversation?”
I slid my phone back into my purse. “What?”
“You know what. You and that dumb look on your face—it’s like watching a bunny hump a balloon.”
I about choked on my drink. “Mandy, you’re killing me.” I laughed so hard that the group at the next table turned to stare at us.
After I could breathe again, I flicked a piece of bread at Mandy. “You can’t do that to me when I’m drinking. You know I had a bunny when I was a kid, and he …” I started to laugh again.
Mandy wiped bread crumbs off her dress and smiled. “I know all about your bunny and his balloons. It was just wrong. But I gotta say, he was a gentle lover—never once popped one.”
Good thing I hadn’t taken another drink or else I would’ve spit it out my nose.
THE DANCE CLUB WAS in a remodeled factory in what I considered the sleazy part of town. The main door was on the second floor and as soon as the bouncer let us in, we had to wait in line on some creepy metal stairs for almost an hour. I was getting pissed. Just when I was about to call it a night and drag Mandy back to the hotel, the line moved.
When I walked through the second set of doors leading into the main part of the club, everything changed. Music pulsed through my body and, despite myself, I couldn’t stop moving to the beat.
Mandy yelled over the music. “I hear this is the hottest club in Rio—three floors, balcony catwalks, and even a rooftop bar.”
“Sounds great.”
“What?” The music was crazy loud—we were getting closer to the main floor.
I yelled in Mandy’s ear, “Just keep close to me. I’m not looking for you if you run off.”
“Okay,” she yelled back.
At the bottom of the staircase, the room opened up and I was amazed by the size of the place. A huge open area moved with dancing bodies like a sea of hands and arms. Laser lights rotated around the room, and beyond the dance floor was a main stage with a full band. There was a lead singer, two drummers, and a woman with a bright blue Mohawk who played an electric guitar. Fog spilled from around the stage. I grinned like an idiot.
&
nbsp; “Sweet. Look, they have a bar up there too.” Mandy pointed to a balcony area where more people danced. The building was old, with rusted metal beams, exposed wires, and duct work covering the high ceiling.
“I think the place is about to fall down. What do you think?”
“You need a drink? Yeah, me too.” Mandy worked her way through the crowd and leaned against the bar. It, unlike the building, was new and modern. Made of glass that glowed blue, it almost looked like it was hovering above the floor.
Mandy ordered some shots of something green. I shook my head and tossed back my drink. Ugh. Tasted like mouthwash.
“There you go, Sarah. Now you’re loosening up.” Mandy smiled and handed me another shot. This one was pink.
“To our vacation.”
“To a fun, relaxing vacation,” Mandy said. “And getting everything checked off my list.”
We clinked glasses. I liked this shot better—it tasted like cotton candy. Mandy grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor. We mixed in with the crowd and I couldn’t help but move with the beat. One guy sidled up to me. He had spiked hair and wore a purple polo with a popped collar. Judging by the way his eyes still hadn’t reached my face, I labeled him a cad. I turned my back to him and scanned the room. When at clubs, I didn't look for guys who were hot—I searched for guys who were good dancers. After all, I wasn’t here to find a boyfriend. I was here to dance. I finally spotted one guy with brilliant rhythm, made eye contact with him, and then for the next hour we had fun swinging and moving and dancing. He was talented enough to make me look good as long as I followed his lead, and I learned a lot of new moves.
There were a hundred people on the floor, maybe more, and I got warm. Which is lady-speak for sweating like a pig. After giving my partner a kiss on the cheek and a wave goodbye, I grabbed Mandy.
“Let’s go up to the rooftop bar and get some fresh air,” I yelled. Tossing her hair back, she nodded.
Some guy groped me as I pulled Mandy through the dancers. I slapped his hand away and pointed a stern finger at his face. He just laughed and moved on.
Metal stairs and ladders ran everywhere. I wasn’t sure which one led to the roof, so I headed for the closest one. I tripped on the way up and hit my knee—hard. I gritted my teeth and Mandy laughed behind me. “You haven’t even had three drinks yet.”
“Shut it.” I muttered a curse and looked at my knee. No blood.
The second floor was not as large, but it was cool. Neon couches and high tables lined the back wall and the bar was in the middle. The balcony overlooked the floor below and was just as packed as the rest of the place.
“Nice. At least I don’t have to yell up here. Hey, I bet that’s the roof.” Mandy pointed to another set of stairs.
“Let’s go up. If I don’t get some air, I may pass out.” I was glad I had worn a light dress.
We headed up the stairs. At the top, a heavy guy in a dark blue suit held up his hand. He smiled and motioned to a sign.
VIP Floor, written in English and three other languages.
“Oh, come on. We came all the way here from Boise, Idaho, and you won’t let us in?” Mandy put her hands on her hips, but the bouncer shook his head. Two girls wearing matching black leather outfits ducked past us and the fat guy let them through.
“Great. Now what?” I was annoyed, to say the least.
A good-looking man with mellow eyes came up behind us. Mandy looked him up and down, and then smiled. He smiled back, said something in Portuguese to the bouncer, and touched the back of my arm. I had studied a little Portuguese before the trip, but I had no clue what he’d said.
“Well, hello, Mr. Knight in Shining Armor.” Mandy curled her finger through her hair and tilted her head. I held back a groan.
“Hello, ladies. I’m Rafa.” He had a thick accent. “We go.”
The bouncer smiled and stepped aside.
Rafa took us, one on each arm, and led us up the stairs into the night air. We were so high that I saw a few stars shining through the city haze. The wind, although still hot, felt good. Rafa was not as tall as I was, but very nice-looking. He had an old-fashioned air about him. Must be the mustache and twenties-style suit.
“Rafa, do you live around here?” Mandy spun around to face him and he smiled.
“Ladies, please drink.” Rafa flicked his finger and waiters and drinks appeared like magic. From the looks we were getting, I pegged him as someone very well known, but I feared his English was limited to “hello,” “ladies,” and “drink.” He liked to stick to the basics.
“Great,” I said. “We’re getting hit on by a guy who can only say ‘hello.’”
Rafa grinned again and said, “Hello.” He held up his glass and we toasted to nothing.
Mandy laughed. “I bet he can say ‘yes.’ All men can say ‘yes,’ no matter the language barrier.”
“Yes.” Rafa slipped his hand to my lower back and skillfully pulled me to the dance floor. Dang, he was good.
The rooftop bar made the space below look rundown. There was a long table full of appetizers and desserts. The drinks up here were on the house. I wondered who was footing the bill.
“Rafa, do you understand what I’m saying and just can’t speak English well, or do you not get a word of it?”
He smiled and kissed my cheek. “Yes.” He pointed at his chest and said, “Rafa.”
I tried to remember some of the Portuguese I studied, but most of it was how to ask for the bathroom or how much the clothes were or when to get off the bus.
I wanted him to know I was having a good time and thank him for letting us upstairs, so I said something I thought meant that I liked it up here.
His eyes lit up and he licked his lips. He pulled me in closer so my chest was pressed against his. My heart sped up. I liked my personal space, and this was way out of my comfort zone.
“Hey, can I cut in?” Mandy yanked me to her and Rafa stepped back. After a frown of annoyance, he bowed slightly and walked to the bar. In a minute he was chatting up a tall blonde in killer heels.
“Thanks, friend.”
“Yo, what did you tell him? He was all over you.”
“I said I liked it up here … I think.” I grabbed my phone and spoke into my translator app. My phone translated it, and I read the screen and groaned. I turned it toward Mandy and she laughed.
“You’d like his clothes off. Ha! He probably thinks he hit the jackpot.”
I glanced over and looked away quickly. “Great, he’s staring at us. Let’s get out of here.”
Mandy snorted. “Why? He is hot and rich, and you’re single, unlike me.”
“I’m not available. I’m dating Solomon.”
“You won’t even call him your boyfriend.”
“Well, I’m not making out with some drug lord named Rafa. He’s good-looking, yes, but kind of creepy.” I danced us toward the edge of the building and looked out over Rio.
The city was pretty with all its twinkling lights, but it had a dark gloom hanging over it. Or was it just me?
“Wow, what a view.” Mandy leaned on the railing and sighed. “Even the slums look good at night, with all the lights and laughter. And look at that moon.”
“Yeah, not a bad view for a couple of Boise girls.”
Mandy side-hugged me and we watched the full moon hang there. I could smell the ocean and it made me sleepy. I was partied out, though it wasn’t even past two in the morning.
“You about ready to call it a nigh—” My phone vibrated and I yanked it from my purse, relieved that Solomon wasn’t MIA anymore. But the text wasn’t from Solomon.
Miss Steele, they found Tanya. Please come.
It was Eddie Lofton.
EDDIE LOFTON SAT IN a stiff couch in his hotel lobby. His eyes were bloodshot. Mandy pulled up a chair from a nearby table. I paced in front of them, too jittery to sit.
Muscular men in suits stood not far behind Eddie. Their eyes moved around the room, but they stayed as still a
s statues.
Eddie’s voice was rough. “I’m sorry for contacting you so late, but I just didn’t know what to do. I don’t know anyone here, and—”
“I’m glad you did. What happened? Is your wife …?” I didn’t want to say the word, but by the look on his face, I knew. She was dead.
“They found her body in the slums, in a Dumpster.” His voice broke, but he managed to hold it together. “They shot her in the head.”
Mandy gasped and muttered, “Oh my God.”
My mind whirled. Maybe it wasn’t the Blondes after all—they never killed their victims. Tanya must’ve been targeted because of her husband—why would they kill her over a few credit cards? Or perhaps something had gone wrong with the Blondes.
“Are there any leads?” I didn’t want to push him, but the whole thing made my head buzz.
Eddie ran his hand through his salt-and-pepper hair and nodded. “They believe it was that gang, the Blondes. They found a note shoved in her mouth.” A spark lit his eye—he was angry. “It said, ‘All rich belong in the ditch.’”
Mandy put a comforting hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Lofton.”
He kept on talking, as if he was in a trance. “They found Nancy too. Her body was in a bombed-out car in an abandoned parking lot. The Jeep from yesterday was found under a bridge, burned out. No DNA evidence was recovered. The police don’t have any leads.” His shoulders slumped.
Lady Justice was out of her league here. From the little I knew from reading about them, it would take superheroes to bring the Blondes in. They could hide from the law for years in any of the shacks lining the mountains. The Blondes were heroes on the other side of the tracks, so no one would give any information on them. They would also have enough resources to split the country at any moment.
What bothered me most was why the Blondes had suddenly changed. Why go from a successful Robin Hood micro-kidnapping venture to murdering a high-profile person? It wasn’t just dumb coincidence that they killed both Tanya and Nancy—someone had picked them on purpose. Or Eddie. I eyed him with renewed interest.
The Steele Collection Books 1-3: Sarah Steele Legal Thrillers Page 16
