Chapter 52 Blood On Cotton

• Maria's heels announced her arrival like gunshots against marble. The sound brought the whole crew's heads up, their faces splitting into grins that'd make sharks nervous. Some whistled. Others hollered. All of 'em acting like they just saw their favorite prize fighter step into the ring.
• Viktor's voice boomed over the racket, thick as a .45. "Well, well! Our million-dollar baby finally shows! Chicago's favorite wanted woman!"
• Maria didn't miss a beat. She spread her arms, playing to her audience. "Figured I'd give the bounty hunters a night off. They've been working so hard lately." Her lipstick caught the light like fresh blood.