Number 06 │ A Leverage Fanfiction

The Bottle Job | Part 2

We stood in the doorway to the back of the bar, the soft buzz of conversation muffled as we watched Doyle collect his men and make his way toward the exit.

Nate folded his arms, his gaze locked on the loan shark. His tone was firm but quiet enough for only us to hear. "If he goes back to Ireland, flashes that money to his father, he'll be back within a week—more muscle, more heat, more protection. He'll be in every corner of this neighborhood. We won't be able to pry him loose."

I glanced at Nate skeptically. "How can you be so sure?"

His jaw tightened, and he turned to me with an intensity that made it clear this wasn't guesswork. "Because that's what my father did. Now, I know this guy. I know what he's about. Right now, right here—this is the time to put a spike in him for good. It's our only shot."

Hardison leaned against the doorframe, his expression equal parts concern and curiosity. "Final shot–Nate, do you have another con up your sleeve?"

Nate exhaled sharply, a mix of determination and hesitation flashing across his face. "Uh, no, yeah, yeah. Well, yeah. No, this one's maybe a little bit more, uh... impossible."

Without waiting for more questions, he clapped his hands together. "Let's go to the storage room. Tara, stall him. Stall him."

<>

Nate clapped his hands together, the gears in his mind turning with an impossible plan. "So, we're gonna lure him into a high-stakes poker game."

Eliot leaned against a crate, his arms crossed. "Except you have no high stakes."

Parker cocked her head, eyebrows raised. "And no poker game."

Nate gave a small shrug, his confidence unwavering. "I've got enough to slow-play him for maybe half an hour. Hardison, have you found Doyle's address yet?"

Hardison was busy rummaging through piles of seemingly random items, mumbling to himself. "I'm a little busy. Hey, Nate, this green blanket—does it have, like, any special memories?"

Nate blinked, puzzled. "Uh, no. Why?"

Hardison casually tossed it aside as he checked his laptop. "Oh, no reason." He tapped a few keys, his voice picking up speed. "OK, the computer's still grinding out the cell phone info. I'll hit you with the address as soon as I get it." He trailed off as he headed upstairs, already shedding layers of clothes like he was late for a nap.

Nate turned back to the group, his tone sharp and decisive. "All right, you guys hit the road. Hardison's gonna text you the address. Doyle deals in cash—the rest of it will be at his office. Bring it to me."

I squinted at him, my voice edged with disbelief. "His money. You're gonna play him with his own money."

Nate smirked, his eyes glinting. "If we pull this off, Doyle's gonna leave every dime he owns on that table. And I assure you, his father will never forgive him for that."

Parker tilted her head, the spark of a challenge lighting up her face. "What if I can't crack his safe?"

The room went silent. Everyone stared at her like she'd just said water wasn't wet.

She laughed, "Seriously? C'mon."

I stepped closer to Nate, lowering my voice. "Let me ask you one more question. Would you even consider trying this if you were sober?"

He hesitated for a second, then gave a quick nod. "I'd consider it."

I snorted, rolling my eyes. "Mm-hmm."