Eloy glanced at the clock, wondering when he was going to hear from Chloe. He needed the diagram of the Flair department store by 3:00 so his crew could be briefed.
Of course, he wouldn’t meet with the operators who were participating in the operation. That was the job for his baby-mama, Neema Otis. They had two kids together.
He gave her money each month to help pay for the children and keep a roof over her head. In return, he asked her to be the wall between him and his retail crew.
Neema wasn’t stupid. It was an arrangement that worked for both of them. She didn’t have to work and could stay home and take care of the kids. He knew she’d never turn him in to the cops because she needed the money he provided.
His thoughts returned to Chloe. She was a feisty little bitch, thinkin’ she could spin a deal with him for the photos he took of her. His clients had gone nuts for her and wanted more.
He was already scheming how to get her to start doing live shows on his Lady Bits website. He’d make a fortune off her.
His burner phone rang. “Who’s this?” he said.
“It’s me. I’ve got the drawing. I’m not the best artist, but you’ll have a good idea of where things are.”
“Great. Do you want to bring it over to me now?”
“I can’t. My mom needs me here at the house. I can snap a pic of it and text it to you.”
He made a face. “No. I told you, one reason I’m so successful is that I don’t take any chances of being connected with the operation.” He lit a joint and took a hit to calm his nerves. “What the hell is so important you have to stay home?”
“Um, my mom has her bowling league today and there is some new furniture being delivered. I’ve got to let the delivery guys in.” Her mom’s plans were true, but the delivery was a lie. She didn’t want to see him anymore.
“All right. Where do you live? Just this once, I’ll come to you.”
“That won’t work either. My dad is working from home and is meeting with some of his colleagues.”
Colleagues? Who the hell talks like that? “I’m not gonna bother them. I’ll get the sketch and bounce.”
“When do you need it?”
“I told you. No later than three.”
Through the phone, she sighed. “Are you sure you don’t want me to just text it to you?”
He briefly considered having her send it to his burner. “No. How about if I drive to you, and call you when I get there? I won’t even leave my car.”
Silence filled the line. “All right,” she said. “Call me and I’ll meet you at the foot of the driveway.”
“Okay. See you in a bit.”