“I think so,” Debra replied casually. “Next time, just give me a list. I’ll memorize it.”

“You’ll have it tonight, and you’d better know it by tomorrow,” Drake said.

“For real?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

“And the video I asked for?”

“Not happening.”

“Come on, Drake. I need it for protection. You saw what happened tonight. Yvonne threw champagne in my face. Next time, it could be acid.”

“She won’t get another chance.”

“What do you mean…”

Before Debra could press further, Kale interrupted, “Boss! Something’s wrong with the car!”

Drake tensed, grabbing Debra’s arm. She tried to pull away, but he commanded, “Hold onto the handle.”

Debra felt the car speeding up unnaturally, and a sinking feeling hit her. Something seemed to be wrong with the brake lines. But Kale seemed to handle the situation with ease. The car was heading straight for the riverbank, and at this speed, they’d plunge into the water in no time.

Drake rolled down the window by her side. “On the count of three, hold your breath and close your eyes. Got it?”

“Okay.” Debra nodded, her heart in her throat.

“Three.”

“Two.”

“One.”

The car hit the water with a deafening crash. Icy water rushed in, stealing Debra’s breath away. Kale swiftly swam out of the car and pulled her out through the window. The three of them crawled onto the riverbank, soaked and gasping for air.

Debra coughed violently, her lungs burning. Drake looked at her sorry state and chuckled.

“You look like a drowned rat.”

“Very funny. I’m injured, you know. A little sympathy wouldn’t kill you.”

“Sympathy? Never heard of it.”

“Boss, the brake line was cut,” Kale interjected!

“How predictable.”

“I’ll get someone to retrieve the car.”

Debra sneezed, her body wracked with shivers. Both Drake and Kale turned to look at her.

“Don’t blame me. It’s freezing out here,” she muttered, her clothes clinging to her like a second skin.

Drake muttered, “Get another car here.”

“Yes, boss.” Kale made the call, and soon another car arrived.

Debra and Drake climbed in. Her teeth chattered loudly, and Drake glared at the driver.

“Can’t you turn up the heat any higher?”

“I’m sorry, boss. Right away.”

“Shut the fuck up and drive.”

“Yes.”

Drake glanced at Debra, noticing her stifling a laugh. “What’s so funny?”