“Caro came by with a case of that synthetic you liked. I gave her the key to your locker so she could get your keys. She put it in your car.” Valdez greeted me with that mental message when I got to the break room at the end of my shift.
I smiled and nodded, the only thing I could do when Misty walked up to me and linked arms.
“Give me a ride back to the apartment? We can change clothes then hit my favorite casino.” She patted Valdez on the head.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I grabbed my clothes out of my locker. “I need to do laundry.” I dragged Dom’s shirt on over my outfit. Oops. Blood stains on the hem. I hoped Misty didn’t notice before I tied the shirt tails together to hide them.
“You can do that tomorrow night. Come on. I told you I’m deep in the hole to those people and they’re pressing me—” Misty stopped when Donna walked out of the dressing room with one of her designer evening bags in her hand. She clearly had a tremendous purse collection and my mouth watered. It was perfect with a green strapless dress that showed off her tanned shoulders and complimented her red hair.
“Pretty dress, Donna. Going someplace special?” I nudged Valdez with my foot and we headed to the door.
“Lee is taking me to a fancy restaurant for a late dinner. He’s waiting outside.” She did a twirl, the short skirt showing off her long legs.
“Have fun!” Misty grabbed my arm. “Glory, wait up. I think I left my pocketbook in the dressing room.”
“No, silly, it’s hanging from your shoulder.” Donna gave Misty a shove toward the door. “Let’s get out of here. It’s late and I feel like I’ve been breathing Mae’s fairy dust all night. I need fresh air, don’t you?”
Misty gave me a look that meant “help” but there was nothing I could do. Donna practically dragged her out to the parking lot, Valdez and I right behind her. Sure enough, Lee stood next to Donna’s Jaguar. He was dressed in his usual black suit with a black shirt and black tie, looking handsome and very serious.
“Babe.” He kissed Donna and helped her into the passenger seat. “Ladies.”
We were parked next to Donna’s car. I unlocked my Suburban and opened the back door for Valdez to jump in. Misty walked around to get into the passenger side. Before she got there, Lee reached over and opened the car door, acting the gentleman.
“Thanks.” Misty tried to scoot past him but his arm blocked her way. She stopped as if trying to decide if she should duck under his arm or push it out of the way. She finally just looked up at him. “Lee? You have something to say?”
“You know what I’ve got to say. The deadline was yesterday. I’m not happy and my bosses are really not happy. What are you going to do about that?” He didn’t move, just stared at her.
“I’m working on something, Lee. I swear it. Glory is helping me. By tomorrow night, you’ll have a big chunk of what I owe.” Misty finally grabbed his arm and shoved. “You can’t get blood out of a turnip.”
“Save your country sayings for someone who cares, Misty. Money talks to me and my bosses. You also can’t dance with a broken leg. But it sends a message. Know what I’m saying?” He watched her climb into the car, then slammed the door, almost catching her leg in it.
I started the car then backed out of the lot, in a hurry to get away from Lee and the scene. I was shaking inside and Misty was shaking outside.
“That asshole! I wanted to tear him apart.” Valdez paced the back seat. He finally leaned over the passenger seat and laid his head on Misty’s shoulder.
“Did you hear Lee threaten me? Do you really think he’d break my leg?” Misty reached up and stroked Valdez’s muzzle. “Sweet dog. There’s nothing you can do. Though maybe you could pull your Cujo act on Lee if he comes to the apartment. You sure scared Sid, didn’t you?” She sniffled, fighting tears.
“I think Lee has thugs working for him who would be happy to break your leg or legs.” The car lurched when I ran into a curb. I jerked the steering wheel and tried to calm down. Yes, I’d believed the threat and wanted to do a little ass kicking myself. Going vampire on Lee would unleash a world of new problems. But it was tempting.
“All I need is a run of luck.” Misty opened her purse. “I got good tips tonight. A decent stake along with what I won the other night. We hit those High Limit Slots and stick to my plan and I’m sure I’ll make enough to get Lee to back off.”
“How much do you owe?” I hit the gas, eager to get home and change clothes. When Misty told me, I hit the brake. “What? You could buy a house with that much money. Start a business with it. What were you thinking, losing that much?” A horn honked behind me and I accelerated again. “Honestly, Misty, that’s a small fortune.”
“I know. It sneaked up on me. I had no idea I owed that much until one day Lee confronted me. You can set up a tab, keep it going. Then finally all your chickens can come home to roost.”
“That’s a lot of chickens. How did you even get started?” My mind was blown.
“I grew up watching Mama work as a dealer. But she really wanted to gamble. She got tangled up in it and was blackballed. She never forgot it. She turned from one addiction to another. She drowned her sorrows and died of liver disease a year ago.” Misty sighed.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. You know, I couldn’t wait to be old enough to try the casinos. I love it, Glory. It’s a thrill—the lights, the noise, the challenge. You know what I mean, don’t you?”
I had to admit, I did. It was the chance for quick money that made me keep trying. But I had lost too many times and hadn’t come out ahead yet. I pulled into our parking lot, then bundled my dirty clothes together and found the case of synthetic in the back of the car. The name on the box was confusing. NRG. Oh, Energy! Misty was curious and wanted to try it but I put her off again with an explanation of it being a prescribed medication again.
My phone rang as we were hurrying upstairs to change clothes. Jerry.
“Go ahead, Misty. It’s my boyfriend.” I glanced at Valdez. He just sat on the bottom step, gazing out at the dark parking lot.
“Hi.” I pushed Valdez off the step and sat down. “How’s New Orleans?”
“Uneventful. Not like Las Vegas. I hear you had a run-in with werewolves.” Jerry sounded serious. “Are you all right?”
“Sure. If you’ve been getting reports from Valdez, I guess you know that.” I sighed. “Did he tell you I almost killed one?” I glared at V. Did I have no secrets? What had he told Jerry about my visit with Dom? Where I’d spent my death sleep?
“He did. My God, Gloriana, you could have been seriously hurt. What’s going on out there? Do I need to come have a talk with Mayer?”
“And tell him what? To make peace with the wolves?” I took a breath. Big mistake, the nearby dumpster was overflowing with garbage. “We all have enemies, Jerry. Dom hates wolves. It’s something from his past. For now, they’ve called a truce.”
“And you just had to get involved. With a sword.” He was trying to stay calm. I recognized the tone in his voice.
“If you remember, I learned to handle a sword pretty well.” I started up the stairs. “I miss you. When are you coming here? Would you hurry if I said I needed you to fend off a pack of wolves?”
“I’d have them fueling the jet right now.” He groaned. “If that’s true, I’ll be there before dawn. I can hold you during our death sleep.”
“I would love that.” I stopped in front of our door. “But there’s no danger from the wolves now. We settled things. If you have business you need to tend to there in New Orleans…”
“Unfortunately, I do. The hotel construction has hit a snag and the permits we need for the casino are not coming through as promised. I have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow night that I shouldn’t miss. But if you need me, I will let that all slide. I swear, Gloriana—”
“I love you, Jerry. And miss you. But stay where you are. I will see you on Halloween. That will have to be enough.”
“I love you
. I can’t wait.” He ended the call.
I pressed the phone to my heart. Always my hero, ready to run to the rescue. I had to remember that when I was tempted to see other men. None would ever measure up to Jeremiah Campbell. I was sure of that. I walked inside and found a short red dress that would help me fit into the crowd at Misty’s favorite casino on the Strip. With good makeup and another effort with my hair, Misty pronounced me ready to go.
“You know I’m not going to sit and wait here. Pass me off as a service dog.” Valdez was on my heels when I opened the door. “I already got ripped a new one for not keeping you away from werewolves last night.”
“The dog can’t come, Glory.” Misty looked surprised when I reached for his leash.
“Are you kidding? Nothing would be luckier than Valdez. We’ll say he’s my service dog. I had him all over Jerry’s hotel and no one said a word.” I pulled him outside and turned to lock the door. I just prayed we didn’t run into Animal Control in the parking lot. Yes, Sid had changed his story, but the woman in charge had acted like she hadn’t believed a word of it.
“Lucky?” Misty didn’t look convinced but she was so eager to go, she went along with it. “You know you’re driving. My car was towed away yesterday afternoon. Another repossession.” She tripped on down the stairs in her high heels.
I couldn’t believe how unconcerned she seemed about what must have destroyed her credit. I said something about it as I unlocked the car.
“Honey, I haven’t had decent credit in years. It’s a crime how quick car lots will give you another loan. You can’t imagine the interest rates though. After I get these guys satisfied, I’ll save up for another down payment. Cab fares are killing me. What I really need is a new boyfriend. At least he could provide transportation. A rich one might even pay off my debts.” She got in and adjusted her skirt. She looked great in a short black mini and a red and black sequined top. Her dark hair drifted to her shoulders which still glowed with a bit of fairy dust on them. There was no denying that Misty was beautiful.
I liked Misty and really hoped she’d dig herself out of her problems. Relying on luck didn’t seem like much of a plan. Of course, praying for a new boyfriend to rescue her wasn’t much either.
She waved her hand which had several pretty rings, all fake, on it. “I’d like to think there’s a man out there I could count on but Sid taught me a lesson. I’ve been aiming too low. Now I won’t be satisfied with less than the best. I sure won’t meet anyone like that in our club. From now on if a man shows an interest? He’ll have to prove himself to me, that’s all I’m saying. I want the goose that’ll lay the golden egg.” She pulled a compact from her tiny purse and powdered her nose.
I was very afraid smart geese would run away from this compulsive gambler. By the time we drove up to Caesar’s Palace, Misty’s casino of choice, I’d heard all about Misty’s fantasy of hitting it big at the slot machines.
“Caesars’s Palace. Wait till you see the place, Glory! I can’t believe you haven’t been there yet. All the tourists love to try their luck there. It only makes sense that the machines pay off to keep out-of-towners coming back.” Misty smiled at the valet who opened her car door.
“Why thank you.” She dazzled the teenager with her long legs then turned to open the back door and grab Valdez’s leash. “This is my service dog. I don’t know how I could cope without him.” She patted his head then led him toward the entrance to the hotel/casino.
I followed. Obviously, Misty was in charge here. Valdez looked back at me, making sure I was sticking close.
“Misty! Wait up.” Her long legs made her stride hard to match, especially since I was dazzled by what I saw. The entrance was a fantasy of high ceilings, marble, and hunky men in skimpy costumes right out of a Roman orgy. They held spears and looked solemn, but one of them winked at me when I stopped to admire his oiled pecs.
Misty kept charging ahead, past a cocktail lounge with waitresses who wore mini togas that showed off their long legs and firm butts. I had to admit, my costume at the Velvet Slipper wasn’t so daring compared to what I was seeing here. I could hear the noise of the casino dead ahead while Cleopatra was being rowed past us in her barge. Seriously. I was about to lose sight of my roomie and finally had to yell at her to stop.
“I’ve got three hundred dollars to bet. Help me figure out the best way to use it, not lose it for a change.” I held up my evening bag, shaking it for emphasis.
“Why, little lady, I’ll show you how to play some games here.” A man in a white suit with a blue bow tie that matched his eyes stepped up to me as we got to the entrance to the casino. He had a highball glass in one hand and a stack of money in the other. “Look. I just won a jackpot over there. Follow me.”
“Misty!” I gave her one last look before she disappeared into the forest of slot machines, dragging Valdez with her. “Damn it.” I looked down to where the man held my arm. He seemed determined to lead me away. “Who are you?”
“Ronald P. Davenport, at your service. Call me Davenport, everyone does.” He nodded, as if doffing an invisible hat. “And you are?”
“Glory, I mean Gloria Simpson. Not at your service. Will you let me go?” He gripped my arm, his hundred-dollar bills crumpling as he did. I could shake him off but it would take some effort and probably make a scene. In the distance I heard a bark. Valdez, letting me know he was ready to come if I needed him. I sent him a mental message to stay where he was for the time being.
Davenport immediately released me, two bills drifting to the floor. “Sorry. Too much celebrating. I really did hit it big at the High Limit Slots. Want to give them a try?”
“I’d better start slow and low.” I reached down and picked up the two hundreds. “These are yours. How much did you win?”
“Ten thousand dollars. Isn’t that cool?” He finished his drink and put his glass on a passing waitress’s tray. “Holly, would you bring me another?” He smiled at her then me. “I don’t suppose you want anything. Got to keep a clear head.”
“No, I don’t. Ten thousand? That is cool.” I could certainly use that kind of cash. “How much did you have to bet?”
“A few dollars, that’s all. Honest.” He held out his hand. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
“Wait.” I felt a nudge at my hip. “Here’s my service dog. We got separated. He’s going to be my lucky charm.”
Davenport reached out a tentative hand. “Will you be mine too?”
Valdez stiffened. He didn’t growl but he backed up, closer to me. I gave him a look but for once he was silent.
“Guess he’s undecided.” I held onto his leash.
“Let’s see if he does bring you luck. Come on.” Davenport smiled and gestured down an aisle of slot machines.
“Where’s Misty?” I looked back into the crowded casino as I followed my new friend.
“She found a machine she liked and I might as well have been invisible. I saw how that guy grabbed you as we came in. No way am I letting you out of my sight now.” Valdez pushed between us when Davenport stopped in front of a machine.
“Here we go. I’ve been watching this one. A few people have tried it, putting in money but walking away before there’s been a big pay out. It’s due.” He waited for me to open my purse. “How much are you willing to risk, Glory?” His smile seemed genuine.
I tried to guess his age. If anyone else was watching us, they’d probably think he was my older boyfriend or maybe my father. He could be in his forties or older with his silver hair but his handsome face was unlined and his body was trim and seemed the result of regular workouts. In a previous century we would have called him dapper with his neat bow tie and shined shoes. He had a matching blue handkerchief in his suit coat pocket. The suit itself looked expensive and was a beautiful cream color that matched his hair.
I thought about Misty, hooked on her machine when a man like this might be just the type who could take care of her. He could be considered a little old but not too old and he
was certainly tall enough since he towered over me.
I dug out the three hundred I’d gotten in tips the last few nights. I’d saved this since we hadn’t managed a trip to the bank. I heard Valdez clear his throat.
“Is the dog all right?” Davenport looked concerned.
“He’s fine. The smoke in here bothers him.” I was busy studying the colorful machine in front of me. I should stay away from these. I’d tried them already and had no luck. Old films showed slot machines with levers to pull. Modern ones just had buttons. Tiffany was right. You could lose money fast. I’d stuck to the cheap slots so far. Those were bad enough. Misty had admitted she was an addict. I could see how that had happened. You would get behind and think just one more try and your luck would turn.
The machines in this row were much more expensive. There were places where I could slide my bills in for a chance to win. Or lose. Bills! Fives, tens, even twenties. I hadn’t dared try them before. The air was thick with smoke and the sweat of anxious gamblers, staring at the machines in front of them. Why were they so fascinating? I looked up when I saw Davenport wave his hand and the air around us suddenly cleared.
“Is that better, Glory?” He smiled down at Valdez. “Dog?”
I stiffened and dragged in the cleared air around me. It was tainted. Not vampire, not shifter, something else. Evil? Perhaps. Threatening? If so, why wasn’t Valdez dragging me out of here or tearing a hole in Davenport’s designer suit?
“What are you?” I backed up a step.
“I smell it now. He’s a demon, Glory. We need to get out of here.” Valdez jumped in front of me, tying me up in his leash. He pushed me back but all he managed to do was make me stagger.
Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas Page 20