Carlos POV
"Call Jam already, Santiago," Luis ordered.
I immediately pulled out my phone and dialed Jam's number. No answer.
We were sitting inside Jenna's car. We'd received a tip that this was the syndicate's newest illegal gambling den. The building in front of us was large, its name displayed boldly across the façade—Lecienti. A gay bar. People had been coming in and out nonstop for a while now.
"So? Where is he?" Luis asked again.
"He's not answering. Hold on, I'll try again," I said, dialing Jam's number once more. Where the hell did that guy disappear to? He knew this was important. Luckily, he finally picked up on the second call.
"Oh?" he answered casually.
"Oh?" I snapped. "You idiot! Where are you? We've been waiting forever!"
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my teammates scanning the area.
"Sorry. I was on my way, but my stomach decided to start a rebellion. I'm close now—just wait there," he explained.
"Hurry up," I ordered before hanging up.
"So? Where is he?" Jenna asked.
"On his way," I replied.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Just past five," I said, glancing at my watch. She nodded.
"We wait until it gets dark before going in," Luis said.
---
A short while later, Jam finally arrived—arms full of food and soft drinks.
"Damn it, Vergo! What is that?" Jenna snapped.
"Food. We're pulling an overnight stakeout, right? Thought we might need something to eat while we—ow!" He didn't get to finish before Jenna smacked him on the head.
"All you ever think about is food!" she scolded.
"What? You don't want any?" Jam said with a grin.
"Shove it!" Jenna shot back.
"No, no! Don't eat it, okay?" Jam teased.
"Both of you, shut up," I cut in.
"So what's the plan?" Jam asked, chewing.
"Two of us go inside and gather evidence. The other two stay here and keep watch," Luis explained.
I shifted slightly, scanning the surroundings.
"And how exactly are we getting in?" I asked. "It's a gay bar."
"I've got it!" Jam suddenly said.
"What is it? Spit it out," Jenna urged.
Jam's lips curled into a slow, suspicious grin.
"Carlos," he called.
"Yeah?" I raised an eyebrow. His grin widened.
"You pretend to be gay."
Everyone turned to look at me.
"What the hell?!" I blurted out.
"No way. You do it—or Luis," I said, pointing at our leader.
"I'm staying outside. I can't," Luis replied flatly.
"Then you do it," I pointed at Jam. "It was your idea."
"Wait, I need to pee," he said jokingly.
"Stop messing around. I'll go with him," Jenna said.
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. I didn't have a choice.
So we went back and bought women's clothes. Jenna picked everything—outfit and makeup included.
I stepped out of the dressing room wearing a crop top and a skirt, nearly losing my balance in the sandals they'd handed me.
"I thought I was just pretending to be gay. Why do I have to wear this? Can't I just—"
I didn't get to finish. Jenna slapped lipstick onto my lips.
"Put this on," Jam said suddenly, appearing beside us.
I froze when I saw the wig in his hands.
"W-wait. Why is there a wig? Do all gay guys wear wigs?" I asked.
"Don't ask questions. Just put it on," he said, struggling not to laugh.
I had no choice.
"Stay here. I'm grabbing foundation. Come with me," Jenna said to Jam, leaving me alone.
I stared at myself in the large mirror.
"This is unbelievable. They totally set me up," I muttered, adjusting the absurdly short crop top. A soft laugh echoed nearby. Elena appeared in the mirror, trying—and failing—to hold it in.
"Pfft."
"Wow. I'm glad you're back to normal," I said, shaking my head. "But you're laughing at me?"
"Sorry—it actually suits you," she laughed.
Elena was annoying no matter what, but I preferred seeing her laugh than cry.
"Who are you talking to?" Jenna asked when she and Jam returned.
"No one," I replied quickly.
Jenna had changed too—short skirt, tube top.
"Wow, my darling looks amazing," Jam teased.
"Move, before I punch you," Jenna warned.
A moment later, we headed out.
We stepped out of the car dressed like this.
"Psst! Santiago! Do your best, huh? Hahaha," Jam called out.
"I'll deal with you later," I muttered.
"Put these on. We'll communicate through them," Luis said, handing us small earpieces.
"Let's go," Jenna said.
Walking in the sandals was torture. As we approached the guard, Jenna elbowed me.
"What?" I whispered.
"Talk to him," she said with a smile.
I swallowed and stepped forward.
"Hi, sir," I said, pitching my voice higher.
He looked me over from head to toe and nodded.
"Thank you," I added, throwing in a wink.
He smiled—but then blocked our path.
"Wait. Women aren't allowed inside," he said.
"Ah… she's with me. Please, just let us in," I said, forcing a smile.
"Rules are rules," he replied.
I clenched my fists. Damn it.
"Sir… maybe this will help," Jenna said, slipping him some cash.
"Well then… go on in," he said.
That was fast. I shook my head as we entered.
Inside, loud music and flashing lights swallowed us whole. I tapped my earpiece.
"We're in," I whispered.
Jenna motioned for us to split up. She headed upstairs. I stayed below, scanning the crowd—when suddenly, someone grabbed my ass.
I turned to see a guy winking at me before disappearing into the crowd.
"Son of a bitch," I muttered to myself.