the pits. In fact, I don’t recruit Shifters at all. They just happen to have an opening for a female Mage, and I can’t think of a better candidate. It’s good money, Robin. Enough that you won’t even miss my cut.”
What was a nice guy like Flynn doing recruiting women for cage fights? Didn’t he realize that the higher authority could execute him for his involvement? Then again, money drove people in our world to do the unthinkable. Unless you wanted to work for the rest of your long life, hoarding as much money and property as possible was the only way to secure a good future.
“I don’t make this offer to just anyone,” he said, dipping his chin. “But the way I see it, you’re searching for more money. You’ve got the skills, and I’ve got the connections. They have confidentiality rules, but once you’re involved, you’ll obviously keep them. You’re free to come and go as you like. You only fight on the nights you’re requested, and I can arrange someone to fill in for you at the club.”
“Simone wouldn’t raise a stink about it?”
Flynn snorted and leaned against the car. “That’s more tips in her pocket. You needn’t worry. I’ve got that woman wrapped around my finger.”
“Doesn’t look like it to me.”
“She’s my queen. Simone is the only woman who ever made me think twice about settling down, and she knows it. That’s why she didn’t take a promotion working at another club for more money. She’s sticking around in hopes that I’ll straighten out my act. But that’s not what a wise man taught me.”
“And who was that? Don Juan?”
Flynn winked. “More like Dionysus. So what’ll it be, love? Getting into the car with strangers and performing insidious acts in back alleys for a wad of cash, or working a job that utilizes your given talents? You’ve got moves I’ve never seen, and you’re not afraid of a fight. If you tell me to sod off, I’ll respectfully walk away. But keep in mind I need assurance that you won’t reveal my secret.”
“Meaning you’ll have a Vamp scrub my memories.”
He winked. “I’ll make sure they do it right.”
“How much?”
“Six figures to start, and that’s after my share. There’s a betting pool, so I don’t know how they go about figuring everyone’s worth, but that’s a lot of money for one job.”
I twisted my mouth and looked at the ground as if mulling it over. This was no amateur affair. They must have been betting with insane amounts of money in order to offer girls that kind of pay. I kicked a pebble, and it skittered across the concrete. “I can’t say no to that kind of money. I’m in.”
“Smashing!” He reached out to grip my shoulder and then snapped his hand back. Flynn gave me a wry grin as if to say he remembered my warning about grabbing me. “I’ll get in touch with my contact tonight. He’ll want to meet with you and go over details.” Flynn grew serious and wagged his finger at me. “Do not tell anyone. Not a single soul. In fact, don’t let anyone at the club know you have a second job. Not unless you want the Regulators sniffing around.”
“Don’t worry, Flynn. I don’t have any urge to spend the rest of my life in jail.”
A car rolled up behind me, and the headlights flooded the dark space.
Flynn scratched his tummy. “Did Crawford give you a business card or anything else I should know about?”
“I’ll burn it.”
He flicked his eyes down to the envelope.
“I’ll drop this off at my place before going back to work.”
“Get rid of it,” he warned me. “That kind of money is cursed.” Flynn shuddered before stepping away. “Run along now. I’ll take care of the rest.”
The cleaner stayed inside her car while I headed off. When I passed an alley about a block away, I set the envelope of money inside the tent of a homeless man.
Chapter 18
Instead of returning to the White Owl, I headed back to the hotel. Now that I had my connection, it left me with mixed feelings. When the bust went down, I would have no choice but to report Flynn. He seemed like a regular guy who just needed the money.
I left a message with the club manager, informing her that the owner had sent me on a special errand that would take the rest of the night. I knew she’d relay it to Houdini, and he could decide