“Sid,” Sloan said as he checked the monitors.
“Yeah, boss,” Sid’s voice crackled.
“Shut the fuck up and pay attention to what the hell you’re supposed to be doing.” Sloan’s voice deepened with meaning.
The airway went silent until Sid’s voice broke in again. “What the hell crawled up his ass now?”
“I can still fucking hear you,” Sloan growled.
“Dammit, I hate these fucking things. I never know when the fuck they’re on or off,” Sid grumbled.
Even as anxious and on edge as he was, Slade grinned when Jared laughed through their earpiece.
“Fuck you, Jared,” Sid hissed. Once again, the airway went quiet.
Silence continued as they waited. It was part of their job, patience for what was to come.
“Hey, guys?” Jill’s voice filled the van, but it was distorted.
“Is something wrong with her mic?” Slade leaned closer trying to hear.
“I think she’s still too far.” Sloan turned some knobs. “Jill, can you hear me?”
“Yes.” Her voice was clearer. “I’m getting ready to turn in. Who am I supposed to ask for? I’m sorry. I forgot.”
Sloan and Jax shared a look. “It’s all right, Jill,” Sloan reassured her. “Hailey Ayres. She is expecting you. And Jill…”
“Yes.” Jill’s voice was crystal clear, indicating she was close.
“Breathe,” Sloan said. “You’re not alone.”
“Yes, sir.” A big exhale of breath came over their earpieces, making them smile except for Slade. His eyes were glued to the monitor.
Finally, they saw the black Nissan pull into the lot. “We have eyes on Jill,” Jared confirmed. “Steve and Adam just drove past with no signs of being followed.”
Slade watched Jill get out of the car dressed in dress slacks, heels and a loose fitting shirt. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but open your blouse a little more. The collar is blocking some of the view,” Slade told her as he watched the other monitor that was connected to her choker. He waited until they had a clear shot. “That’s good.”
Jill suddenly stopped before opening the door. “Did you give them a name?”
“Shit,” Sloan hissed, holding his hand over his mic. “Okay, hurry and think of a name.”
The door opened before they could handle it and a man stood there looking at Jill. “You lost, honey?”
Everyone in the van held their breath.
Jill gave a girly laugh. “No. I was just getting ready to open the door.” Jill walked past him with a flirty grin. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” The man grinned, closing the door. “Now, how can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Ms. Hailey Ayres.” Jill looked around, giving the guys a great shot at the inside.
He picked up the phone. “Who should I tell her is here to see her?”
“Lola.” Jill gave him a large smile.
“Lola?” Sid whispered in the earpiece.
“Shut up, Goddammit,” Slade hissed. “You’re doing great, Jill.”
An older woman headed toward Jill, a frown on her face. “I’m Hailey. How can I help you?”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Ayres.” Jill stuck out her hand. “I was told to be here at four and ask for you.”
“Oh, but I thought your name was Jennifer.” The woman’s eyes went to someone behind Jill.
“Shit.” Slade looked over at Sloan who was watching the monitor closely.
“I’m sorry, it is, but Lola is my stage name.” Jill laughed nervously. “I’m so nervous. I’ve never worked in such a beautiful place and I want this job so badly.”
Everyone held their breath waiting for the woman’s reaction. Everyone breathed easier when she gave Jill a proud smile. “Thank you.” She also looked around. “I’ve worked hard to make this a respectful place.”
“Obviously, all your hard work has paid off,” Jill responded appropriately.
“Now, Jeremy told me you were a half-breed. I’m so sorry about what’s going on out there. Believe me, I don’t believe in what they are doing with your kind.” The woman patted her arm. “We do not discriminate here.”
“I appreciate that,” Jill replied. “I’ve stayed low key and under the radar. Hopefully, all of this passes quickly. We’re not all bad.”
“Oh, I know that, honey.” Hailey smiled, grabbing her hand. “I’ve got all different types of girls here, human, vampire, but you are the first half-breed. Men are going to be all over you.”
Slade’s fist tightened at that, but Sloan pointed at him and mouthed, ‘Calm the fuck down, now’.
“Do you allow them to touch your girls?” Jill asked worried.
“Oh, heavens, no,” she laughed. “I meant they will all want to be at your table. Now, come on. Let me get you with the other girls and they will get you going.”
Sloan covered his mic, leaning toward Slade. “I swear I will shoot your ass if you even make a move toward that door. She is doing fantastic.”