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“It’s not just Popcorn He’s bringing two of the other guys, too I’ot us into this but I don’t knohat to do If you don’t—”

I cut her off “What other guys?”

“Diuy They are the other two I owe Popcorn just told me, if you don’t…” Her eyes fill with tears “If you don’t perfor to turn you in to the scholarship board at school He has pictures and video of you working”

Fear tangles indown

“I can’t believe this” I pressmy eyes The false eyelashes are heavy and the scent of ht up, and a nauseous knot churns in my stomach

“You’re going to do it though, right?” Lydia’s voice hardens

“I said, I’ else to say I need to get this deal done, pay off her li to screw it up now

10

Roan

What the fuck a in this place?

I look around e and the now topless wo, I have nothing but respect for women ant or need to do a job like this to pay their bills Life’s hard, and you use whatever means you can It’s just not the kind of entertain

I’d much rather be at home, with Linnie and Alice I wouldn’t be here at all if it weren’t for the guy I’ the brooch from, who apparently works here

A big bruiser of a man heads my way as I stand at the bar, and I wonder for a moment if it’s hi a little late Sorry Says to wait here at the bar Drink’s on Al” He’s clearly a ers at the bartender, who sidles over with a grin

“What are you having?”

A rurit my teeth If the brooch didn’t have the nareat-ancestors on it I’d walk out of here right now and forget it But as it is, I sigh and mutter, “Glenlivet”

“Man, we have Cutty Sark and Dewars”

“Dewars then,” I half snap, I don’t care