Secret Identity by Alex Segura

Author:Alex Segura
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Flatiron Books

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

They didn’t walk far.

Marion made a beeline across the street, to a chipped, faded BAR sign that simultaneously screamed “dive” and “perfect” to Carmen.

They entered the dimly lit, nameless watering hole and almost immediately felt the gush of cool air that signaled an empty bar at midday. The hustle of Grand Central was gone, muted by the dark, secluded bubble they’d entered. The bartender nodded as they took two stools at one of the many empty square tables past the main bar. Carmen wasn’t sure, but it’d sounded like she and Marion both sighed upon reaching the grimy seats and counter. They’d both wanted out of the convention, even if they hadn’t realized it.

“Long day?” Carmen asked, trying to make some small talk. She realized she barely knew this woman—their only link was Harvey, and it was a tenuous one.

“Oh, it was fine,” Marion said, rifling through her small purse. “I did my duty and manned the Warren table with Louise for an hour. Then Jim set us free. Told me to ‘network.’ So I did for five minutes, but then I found you.”

She looked up and gave Carmen a soft smile.

“You showed up at the right time.”

“That’s what they say,” Carmen said, still trying to keep it light. Before she felt the need to say anything else, Marion was walking toward the bar.

“You a whiskey girl, or no?” she asked.

“A beer is fine,” Carmen said.

Marion scoffed.

“C’mon, my treat—there are no smelly boys around. We don’t have to pretend to be one of them here,” she said, her arm motioning toward the empty bar that housed them. “It’s just us badass bitches.”

Carmen laughed, the sound rich with relief. Marion was right. This wasn’t a continuation of the convention, or of their day jobs. She didn’t know this woman, no—but she and Carmen had more in common than she did with most of the people at the Commodore, and that was worth something.

“Johnnie Walker Red on the rocks, if they have it.”

Marion shook her head.

“I can’t allow that,” she said, reaching the bar, her back leaning against the long, chipped wood paneling. “Black Label or we’re done here.”

Carmen nodded, smiling.

“You’re the boss.”

Carmen watched as Marion ordered the drinks—the ease with which she carried herself; airy, light, no stress. Carmen felt a tickle of jealousy. She prided herself on being cool and aloof, keeping people at arm’s length when it was required. But that was also a defense mechanism. A skill learned over years of compartmentalizing everything going on outside. If she didn’t show what she was feeling, she didn’t have to think about it. Even better—no one would ask.

Marion returned and slid Carmen’s drink over to her. She took a short sip, feeling the liquid warm her mouth and throat. It felt good. She needed this, needed some kind of release from everything she’d been feeling and pondering the last few months. The Lynx, Harvey, her job, Katherine, her papi—if it wasn’t one thing, it was the other, but it was always something.

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