Everybody Loves Evie by Beth Ciotta

when he asked you a favor,” Tabasco said. “Way I see it, we win back the senator’s money, we win over two powerful men. Men who could make our lives heaven or hell. I vote for the easy life.”
    â€œDoesn’t cost us anything but time,” Gina said.
    â€œMaybe, maybe not,” Beckett said. “I have a bad feeling about this one.”
    â€œYou’re just bent because the victims are rich and influential,” she said. “Stop focusing on the financial angle and consider the emotional damage. Guilt, shame, anxiety. I’m not ready to turn my back on a mark just because she’s privileged.”
    Woody cleared his throat and pointed to me.
    Gina glared. “You have got to be kidding.” Pinch-mouthed, she angled away from Beckett and planted her knockout body next to Tabasco’s.
    She didn’t say anything else. She didn’t have to. I could read the disapproval in her kohl-lined eyes. She didn’t like that I was in this room. Didn’t like that, because of Beckett, I now circulated in her professional world. Basically, she didn’t like me, although I had never understood why. Mostly everybody likes me. I’m a likable kind of girl.
    Tabasco smiled at me in a way that probably caused most women to swoon. All I felt was the urge to roll my eyes. Gina elbowed him in the ribs.
    Woody backed away when Pops nudged me deeper into the room. The Kid probably doubted my mental stability. Based on our interaction thus far, I couldn’t blame him.
    Beckett turned. “What’s this about a family emergency?”
    He didn’t look any happier than Gina. My anxiety skyrocketed. I didn’t want to blow my job with Chameleon. I loved this job that I hadn’t even started. But I couldn’t, wouldn’t, ignore the troubles on the home front. Still, I didn’t want to discuss my parents’ behavior in front of the entire team. “I didn’t mean to interrupt—my timing stinks,” I blurted.
    Gina grunted. “What else is new?”
    Beckett shot her a look, then approached me. “Spill.”
    His tone was no-nonsense, but when he moved closer, I realized concern shone in his gaze. My gut said he’d understand. “Something’s wrong with my mom.”
    â€œIs she sick?”
    â€œShe’s…not herself.”
    â€œWhen are you leaving?”
    â€œRight away,” I said, grateful when he didn’t press for details. “I don’t have a flight yet, but—”
    â€œTabasco can fly you. He owns a plane.”
    â€œWhat kind of plane? One of those little propeller jobs?”
    â€œNot so little,” said the pilot. “Single-engine Cessna. Seats six to eight, depending on cargo.”
    â€œPropeller?” I pressed.
    â€œYes,” the team answered as one.
    â€œThanks, but no, thanks.”
    â€œMotion sickness,” Beckett explained, and though he probably thought he was being helpful, he’d made me look weak in the others’ eyes.
    Feeling defensive, I looked around his shoulder to Tabasco. “I appreciate the offer, but I wouldn’t want to pull you away from the senator’s case.”
    â€œAbout that,” Beckett interrupted. “What’s said between these walls—”
    â€œStays within these walls. Understood.” I pantomimed zipping my lip and throwing away the key. Not that I even knew who they were speaking of specifically. Still, I could keep a secret. My diary was full of them.
    There was an awkward silence. I’m accustomed to being the center of attention. I’d made a decent living in the spotlight for more than twenty-five years. But this was different. This was personal. I scratched my neck.
    â€œCommercial flight will cost her a fortune,” Pops said, “considering she’s booking last-minute. Why don’t you have the Kid work some of his magic?”
    â€œGood idea,” Beckett said.
    I