Vegas heat

by Michaels, Fern

  "Damn it, Fanny, why are you always right? I'll call her when we hang up. Just out of curiosity, how many did you sell?"

  Fanny laughed. "At last count, a little over six million. Billie can give you the count right to the minute. She's on top of everything where those dolls are concerned. I told you, Ash, anything to do with kids sells."

  "At forty bucks a pop!"

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  Fanny laughed. "Uh-huh. Do you know where we sell the most?"

  "Where?"

  "In the shops at the casino. The other casinos stock them, too, out of courtesy to me. Our customers want to take something home to the kids. We can't keep them on the shelves. Billie delivers twice a week. Right now we can't keep up with the demand."

  "I'll be damned. And I thought decadence and opulence was where it was at."

  "I keep telling you, Ash, everything comes back to family. People come here to this Fool's Paradise in the hopes of hitting it big. When that doesn't happen, they have to go back to their ordinary lives. The gifts they take back home reflect that wonderful, ordinary life. Say wonderful things to Billie, and if you really are concerned about Jake playing with dolls, ask her opinion. Gotta go."

  "Bye, Fanny."

  21

  "Surprise! Surprise!"

  Fanny whirled around, startled to hear Billie Kingsley's voice. "How ... why ... ? It doesn't matter. I'm just so glad you're here. What's the occasion as if we need one?"

  "The occasion is ... ta-da! I have here, right next to me, my granddaughter Sawyer, my grandson Riley, and this imperious gentleman is Riley's grandfather Shadaharu Hasegawa."

  The old Japanese bowed low, his eyes merry. Uncertain if she was to bow, too, Fanny followed suit, then wrapped the old man in her arms. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you. Billie talks about you all the time. I'm honored that you have

  come to visit. Your grandson is very handsome," she whispered.

  "Yes. A chip off the old rock. Did I say that right, Riley?"

  "No, Grandfather, a chip off the old block."

  "Such strange sayings. He is handsome like his grandfather. You see. It is better when you say exactly what you mean. You will show me around this magnificent establishment, Fanny-san."

  "I would love to show you around just as soon as I kiss this lovely young woman and give your grandson a big hug.

  "Sawyer, you look gorgeous. However did you sneak away from that wonderful husband of yours and those adorable twins?"

  "It wasn't easy. Grandma said I needed a break, and she was right. Adam is so good with the girls. He dishes out lollipops and Popsicles hourly. You guys go ahead and do whatever you want. I'm going to put some money in the Thornton coffers."

  "I do love to hear things like that. We'll meet up later."

  "Welcome to Nevada, Riley," Fanny said, hugging the tall young man. "I'm delighted that we finally get to meet. Your grandmother talks about you nonstop."

  Riley laughed. "It's good to be here. I think my grandfather is expecting to pull a lever and have a ton of money drop in his lap."

  "You know what, that can be arranged," Fanny grinned. "However, it has to be our little secret."

  "You got it."

  "My wife is fixated with movie stars. Do you have any here?" the old Japanese asked.

  "All shapes and sizes. I can get you autographs if you would like to take them to your wife."

  "I would be too embarrassed to ask," the old gentleman said.

  "I'll do it for you. What brings you to this part of the country, Mr. Hasegawa?"

  ' 'My grandson said it was time to visit. The young are always right. I must apologize for not visiting sooner. Thaddeus insisted

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  I return with him from Japan. I find I cannot say no to Thaddeus. This is . . ."

  Fanny smiled. ' 'First-time visitors are usually speechless. At first glance it is rather decadent. After a while it becomes just another place, just another business."

  "Operating costs must be enormous."

  "Yes. How long will you be staying'?'"

  ' 'We will leave tomorrow for Texas, then I must return home. I have many daughters and a wife who depend on me. My grandson, as you must know, lives in Texas now."

  "And that makes you sad."

  "Very sad. He has been in my heart from the day he was bora. It is right that he learns about his father's family and his other homeland. One day if the gods smile on this old man, he will return. Right now he's being torn between our ways, and this new life here in America."

  "It's understandable. Young people need to find their own way and make their own mistakes. As parents and grandparents we must step aside. I think I know what you must be feeling."

  "I could never live here or work here. How do you stand all the clamor 0 '*

  "I tune it out after a while."

  "And how is your husband? Your past husband."

  • "He has good days and he has bad days. We take it one day at a time."

  The old Japanese nodded. "And your daughter Sunny? Billie speaks of your family as though we are all entwined. I like that. My sense of family is very strong."

  Fanny noticed Neal out of the corner of her eye. She offered a slight nod in his direction. "Would you like to try your luck, Mr. Hasegawa 0 "

  "Is your establishment in the need of funds, Fanny-san?"

  " No. No, I just wanted you to ... try one of the machines. When I first arrived here many, many years ago, Mrs. Thornton gave me a silver dollar to play. She gave one to my friend, too. We each won a thousand dollars. It was a wonderful

  experience. I always like to give special guests a silver dollar to try their luck. Pick a machine, Mr. Hasegawa."

  "If I lose your dollar?"

  Fanny laughed. "Then I'll give you another one."

  "I cannot refuse such an offer."

  Fanny looked around the crowded casino as the old gentleman made his decision. She saw Simon weaving his way toward them. For one brief moment she thought her heart would explode right out of her chest. Like Moss Coleman, Simon held a deep hatred for all Japanese. There was going to be a scene and there was nothing she could do about it. Billie had said Riley's grandfather was a gentle man. He was never going to understand Simon Thornton.

  Her heart gave another leap when Mr. Hasegawa made his choice and dropped in his dollar. She watched in slow motion as he pulled the lever. The delight in his eyes made Fanny smile as three sprigs of cherries danced across the front of the slot machine. The bells and whistles went off just as Simon shouldered his way toward the machine. Fanny sucked in her breath.

  "Easy does it, Fanny," Thad said quietly.

  "Grandfather, you won!" Riley said, pummeling the old man on the back. "Is it a jackpot?"

  "Did I win a jackpot, Fanny-san?"

  "I think you did, Mr. Hasegawa. Eleven hundred dollars! That's a hundred dollars more than I won that first time."

  Fanny saw Simon's mouth open, knew he was going to say something vitriolic, knew he was going to embarrass and shame the old Japanese, and she was powerless to stop him. She worked her way around the small crowd, her hand stretching out to cover her husband's mouth, but she was too late; the ugly words spewed out just as Billie yanked at Simon's arm. Fanny's balled fist shot forward and upward, knocking Simon backward. Thad caught him by the shoulders as Simon shook his head to clear it.

  "I saw that but I'm not sure I believe what I saw. Did you

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  see that, Grandfather?" Riley asked. "Don't pay attention to people like that man."

  "Yes, my grandson. I saw." To Fanny he said, "A magnificent uppercut. Is that the right expression, Thaddeus? Is the man a disgruntled employee?"

  Her eyes burning with tears, Fanny said,' 'No, Mr. Hasegawa, that was my husband. I am so sorry. Things ... I am so sorry." She fled then, Billie on her heels. Riley, Thad, and the old Japanese were left to pick up the winnings.

  "This is not a good thing, Thaddeus," Mr. Ha
segawa said. "The words do not matter. It is that fine woman who matters. We must do something."

  "You can make it right, Grandfather," Riley said, his eyes sparkling. To Thad he said, "My grandfather can do anything. American women are so. . . forceful. Grandma Billie was going for a hammerlock."

  "He sees these things in American films. My wife is as addicted to the films as he is. They truly are exceptional young women, are they not, Thaddeus?"

  "They are without a doubt, two of a kind. They're both like tigers where family is concerned. Fanny reacted, and Billie followed suit. You are considered family, Shad."

  ' 'And I am honored. Later, you will show me exactly how she did that," the Japanese whispered.

  "Trust me when I tell you Simon Thornton deserved that and more. We call it a one-two punch. Follow me, Shad, and I'll show you around. When the tour is completed, we'll head for the bar and one of those cigars you aren't allowed to have. And some sake."

  "Aahh."

  Fanny woke when Daisy woofed softly from the foot of the bed. She looked at the bedside clock. What would wake her at 4:10 in the morning? She climbed from the bed, slipped into her robe and slippers, and crept down the hall, Daisy at her side. In the moonlight filtering through the blinds, Fanny was

  able to see the old Japanese sitting in one of the red chairs, his head in his hands. She stood still, not knowing if she should make her presence known.

  "Did I wake you, Fanny-san?"

  "No, Mr. Hasegawa. Can I do anything for you? Can I make you some tea or coffee?"

  "I think I would like some tea if it isn't too much trouble."

  "It's no trouble. Would you like it in the kitchen or here in the living room?"

  "The kitchen will be fine. My wife and I have our tea at breakfast in the kitchen before the girls can bombard us. My wife's favorite room in the whole house is the kitchen."

  "Mine too. My next favorite things are the red chairs. I have two just like them at Sunrise. Mr. Hasegawa, are you awake for the day, or are you going to go back to sleep?"

  "I rise early. Why do you ask?"

  "Would you like to take a ride to Sunrise? It's only about forty-five minutes from here. I can show it to you as the sun is coming up. We can be back here in time for breakfast with your family."

  "Yes. Shall we have the tea to go?"

  "Absolutely. Just give me a minute to get dressed and we can be on our way."

  "I feel like a conspirator," the old man said as he climbed into the Rover. He laughed when Daisy hopped onto his lap.

  Fanny drove steadily, sipping her tea and making light conversation. As they approached Chue's house, she wasn't surprised to see him outdoors with his snowblower. She stopped the car. "Mr. Hasegawa, I'd like you to meet my very good friend, Chue. Chue and his family are part of my family. He's lived on the mountain as long as I have."

  The old Japanese inclined his head. Chue bowed low. Fanny smiled as the two men chattered like magpies. Billie had told her the Japanese was fluent in seven languages. Obviously Chinese was one of them. She wondered what they were saying.

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  "He said you are a saint," Hasegawa said. Fanny burst out laughing. "He says he owes you his life. It's a wonderful thing the first Mrs. Thornton did and more wonderful that you followed in her footsteps. Loyalty today is something young people know little about."

  Fanny drove on, her eyes looking toward the horizon. ' 'This is Sunrise, Mr. Hasegawa. My son Sage and his wife and daughter and my Sunny's two children will be moving here ... soon. Ash and the children are in town this week. I can make us fresh tea. You need to talk, don't you? I can tell something is wrong. If it's not my business, don't be afraid to tell me. I'm a good listener, and I never betray a confidence."

  "I know this, Fanny-san. Yes, we will talk in your kitchen over fresh tea. My grandson has told me of this place. He speaks lovingly, fondly of it because that is how Billie has spoken of it to him. He knows where the crooked path is, knows which cottonwood the birds nest in, the step that creaks, I believe he said it was the fourth one from the bottom. He knows about the fried egg sandwiches at midnight. He knows these same things about Sunbridge." His voice was so sad, Fanny felt like crying.

  "There's more, isn't there, Mr Hasegawa? It isn't just Riley."

  "How do you know this?"

  "I just know. It seems at times my life moves from one crisis to the next with barely a breath in between. I've gotten quite good at anticipating bad news and things that are going to affect my life in one way or another. I think it's a sixth sense most women have. Are you ill, Mr. Hasegawa?" Fanny felt her stomach muscles tighten with the words she'd just uttered.

  "How did you know?" he asked.

  "Well... for many years I worked with fabrics and designs. Your suit is . . . designed to .. . camouflage your weight loss, I suspect. The tailoring is impeccable. Are you, forgive me for this question, trying to keep your health a secret from youi grandson?''

  "Yes. I don't want him to feel he must return to Japan with me. I believe in my heart Riley desires to live in America. It was always his dream to come here and live among his father's people. When his mother died it became more important to him. Each of us must find our own way as you said. Riley will find his. I cannot put obstacles in his path for my own selfish desires."

  "Will he forgive you when he finds out?"

  "I do not know. I must continue on the path I have chosen."

  "Is there anything I can do?" How anxious she sounded. As if there were really something she could do for one of the richest men in the world. She knew, though, that if this kind, gentle man asked her for a moonbeam, she'd try to find a way to get it for him.

  The old Japanese smiled. "Two things, Fanny-san. When we walk through your gardens, I would like a cigar, and you will follow through on your promise for the film stars' autographs?''

  Fanny clapped her hands in delight. "Ash has cigars here in the closet. I don't know where he got Cuban cigars, but he got them. Sometimes I think Ash can do things other people only dream of doing. I'm going to miss him terribly. My children will miss him so very much. I don't know if I'll be strong enough for them."

  "You must pray for strength. I will pray for you also." The old man shifted his mental gears and said, ' 'Tea in little bags. It is amazing to me that you do not die from this. Sugar in little packages, rice in bags you boil in water, fast food that gallops when you speak into a clown's mouth." He shook his head, his face full of utter disbelief.

  "It's called convenience. That's what people want today. I do it myself if I'm running behind."

  "When my grandson returned to Japan the last time, he asked for flapjacks. My household did not know what a flapjack was. Such scurrying, so many telephone calls to fmd this out. It was a mission."

  Fanny laughed. "They're pancakes."

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  "I know that now. Gravy, grits, fried potatoes. My stomach rumbles at the mention of the words."

  "So does mine. It's light now, would you like to see the sun come up over the mountain? It's beautiful. I'll get you your cigar. We even have sake, Mr. Hasegawa. After our walk we can have some if you're chilled."

  "I will take it if it kills the taste of the tea. I am not allowed these things. I sneak them. Thaddeus brings me wonderful cigars. My daughters pretend not to know I smoke them in my garden. We play a game. They fuss and fret, especially my youngest daughter Sumi."

  "Put this shearling jacket on, Mr. Hasegawa." The old man obliged. He puffed contentedly as they walked the perimeters of Sunrise. Fanny chatted nonstop, recalling little scenarios of her life, Sallie's life, her children's. The Japanese smiled indulgently.

  "And this is the family cemetery. It's so peaceful and serene when the trees and flowers are in bloom. I used to come here often to rest and think. I always felt so comforted when I walked away. Have you seen the cemetery at Sunbridge?"

  "Yes. I found it strange that a man would bury his horse next to where he
was to rest in eternity."

  "Yes." It was all Fanny could think of to say.

  "I, too, have such a cemetery at my home. It is high on a cherry blossom hill. I go there often to think. The petals on the blossoms are so delicate and fragile they appear transparent. I find your mountain interesting. I cannot imagine living on a mountain."

  "You're shivering. It's time to go back inside. It's a new day. For a long time I hated new days because I was afraid of what they would bring. Now, these new days are rushing by so fast I barely catch my breath and there's another new day in front of me."

  "What can I do for you, Fanny-san?"

  "Be my friend."

  "That has already been done. My spirit meshed with yours the moment we met."

  Fanny stopped on the path. "Do ... you believe in ... do you think that ... sometimes I feel like Sallie is . .. there ... you know, supervising, watching out for all of us ... that kind of thing?"

  "Do you believe it, Fanny-san?"

  "Sometimes. I guess one has to keep an open mind until someone proves that it isn't so."

  "A perfect answer."

  Inside the warm kitchen Fanny boiled water a second time. She laced the tea generously with sake from Ash's liquor cabinet. She watched as the old man cupped the hot cup in both hands. He pretended to roll his eyes in delight.

  They spoke then like old friends, of the past, of the present, of Fanny's dreams for the future.

  "Thaddeus has shown me pictures of the center you and Billie-san dedicated to my son-in-law, Riley, and your daughter Sunny. He told me many things of this fine place. We drove by on our way to your casino. It wasn't visitors' day, so we could not go indoors. I will help."

  "Oh, no, I can't let you do that. We're okay. We get some nice donations from the street. We have this foundation ..."

  "I know of this foundation. Much money is required. Thaddeus told me Billie-san sometimes loses sleep over expenditures. This is not good."

  "It keeps us on our toes. It's more than kind of you to offer."