I sat on the trunk of the car and stared at the wall that stretched all the way down to the end of the shopping center. What would Viktor do if he found out about this? I glanced up at the falcon sitting atop the building.
Great. Blue was the most loyal member of Keystone, and if anyone would report this back to Viktor, it would be her. Maybe it would look better if I got the jump on her and called him myself. Or called the higher authority and reported the incident. Or ran away and joined the circus.
Flynn took the key fob out of Crawford’s pocket and tossed it in the driver’s seat before shutting off the power. After he closed the doors, he rejoined me.
“Did you see everything?” I asked.
He handed me my mask and folded his arms. “I couldn’t see what you were doing. I almost turned around, but I wanted to make sure you were safe. I thought it was just a light exchange. I didn’t know all that was going on,” he said, jerking his chin at the rear window. “When you got out, I couldn’t hear what you were saying, but I could tell you weren’t up for the task.”
“What gave it away? The twenty-three-inch sword?”
Flynn lifted his shirt on the side and scratched several red bumps on his flank. “Bloodsucking mosquitoes,” he murmured.
That suddenly reminded me of the fang marks I’d left on Crawford’s neck. Maybe the blade had sliced across the puncture marks. Would anyone notice? Would anyone care?
“Do you trust this cleaner guy?” I asked.
“Gal,” he said. “She’s a professional. Doesn’t ask questions.”
“How do you know her?”
“I shagged her once.”
“I’m surprised you’re not the one who owes her a favor.”
“We all take something from a relationship. Some of us are just more willing to admit what we want. Simone might pretend she hates me, but it’s all an act. She knew what I wanted in exchange for a little companionship. And I’m an excellent companion in the sack. When I didn’t want more, she resented me for it. That wasn’t in the agreement, but women are always changing their minds. I have aspirations for that smashingly handsome Chitah.”
I hopped down and decided to take my leave. “If you don’t need me here, I’m heading back to work. Thanks for helping me out.”
“Just a moment, love. Do you think I hide bodies out of the goodness of my heart?”
I turned on my heel to face him. “I’m not doing you any sexual favors.”
Flynn threw back his head and laughed. After wiping his teary eyes, he regained his composure. “That’s a first. I’m always the one who performs the favors, but that’s not what interests me. In fact, I’m keen on the idea that we met for a reason.”
I put on the mask and adjusted it. “Just tell me what the hell you want.”
“You didn’t drive off with this man for kicks.” Flynn nodded at the envelope I was still holding. “How much is in there?”
“Thirty large.”
Flynn jerked his head back. “That’s all?”
“If you want this money—”
“That’s not what I’m getting at. Remember I mentioned earlier about side hustles? I might have just the one for you, but I want a cut. Call it… a finder’s fee.”
I didn’t have the patience for this nonsense. I could still smell Crawford’s aftershave. It had transferred to my hair and face during our scuffle in the car. Eager to wash it out, I walked away.
“Have you ever fought professionally?”
I stopped dead in my tracks. Did he just ask what I think he asked?
“You see, I have this side business where I get paid for referrals. But few have your obvious talents. I think you’ll do very well, and I’d like a small cut of that. Call it payback for tonight. I think that’s fair, don’t you?”
I slowly turned. “What kind of fighting?”
Flynn closed the distance between us and lowered his voice. “They call it cage fights, but it’s more sophisticated than that. It’s not against anyone’s will. The fighters are handsomely rewarded. I don’t even see why it’s illegal if everyone is paid.”
“How did you get involved in something like that?”
He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. “I don’t exactly have any talents outside of the obvious. Arranged relationships aren’t as lucrative as they might seem.”
“Aren’t you afraid of getting caught? It’s illegal.”
“I have certain feelings about that. This isn’t like the days of slavery when Shifters were thrown into