I look at Callie. “What’s going on?”
“I couldn’t get in touch with you.”
“So?”
“So after taking one look at her I said, ‘Are you fucking Creed?’”
“And she said?”
“Yes. I love him.”
“She said that?”
“She did.”
“And you spared her?”
“I figured you’d want to say goodbye before I killed her.”
“But now you don’t have to.”
“Of course I do. Or you can, if you prefer.”
“Why?”
“Loose ends, Donovan.”
“She won’t tell.”
“They always tell.”
“She didn’t tell anyone she was working for Carmine Porrello.”
“So?”
I think about it a minute. “I’ll make you a deal.”
“I’m listening.”
“When the cops get here, to ask you about Eva, you’re going to need an alibi.”
“You’re my alibi.”
“I probably shouldn’t be seen with you. In case they have pictures from the airport.”
“Good point.”
“Gwen can be your alibi.”
Callie laughs. “You don’t think that’ll look suspicious?”
“No. Because you and Gwen are going to tell them you were switching partners tonight.”
“Why haven’t we called the police yet?”
“You fell asleep in each other’s arms.”
“She’s pretty hot.”
“Atta girl.”
“You think she’ll go for it?”
“I know she will.”
“You think she can pull it off?”
“She’s the best grifter I’ve ever seen. You should’ve seen her with Lucky’s investors. You wouldn’t believe it.”
“I’m willing to climb into bed with her till the cops come.”
“You can’t have sex with her.”
“What if she’s willing?”
“Then we should all have sex together.”
“You can’t be here, remember?”
“Maybe the cops won’t come,” I say.
“Let’s get her in the elevator,” Callie says. “Wake her up, coach her on what to say, get her naked…”
“You’re worse than me!”
“What can I say? You taught me everything I know.”
51.
We’re in Callie’s condo.
Gwen’s awake.
We hug and kiss, and she tells me she loves me.
