Casting the Dice

by Sue Ward Drake

  Randy came around the corner. She whipped around the end of another shelving unit, panting hard, and—

  Her stomach plunged. She’d run into the dead-end. No escape now. She flattened along the most protected side and the unsteady bookcase swayed against her back.

  Had Randy braced a hand there? Like Hal had?

  The case wobbled again. He didn’t seem to be moving from that spot, but eventually he’d see the narrow break at the end of the shelves. Did she have the strength to push this over on him, books and all?

  If she failed, she’d expose her whereabouts or jail herself behind a mound of books. But she had to act. Any minute his gun would appear around the corner pointing into her dead-end.

  One… two… She threw her whole body against the rickety bookcase. The shelving leaned. She slammed into the shelf again. The case tipped away from her. Books tumbled out the other side. The top of the falling case hit the shelving across the narrow aisle. The bookcases fell like dominoes.

  Dust choked the air. She coughed and staggered to the front. Police cruisers jammed the street. The door of the sedan stood ajar, and two cops held the driver—Randy’s lawyer, Marshall Wilson.

  Annie covered her mouth and caught sight of Aunt Edi and Mr. Costanza coming across the street.

  Hal burst inside with Jack, and she lurched out of the way. “Randy’s under that pile somewhere.” Cough. “Be careful.” Cough. “He’s got a gun.”

  Jack saluted and clambered over the debris.

  Hal pulled her outside. She leaned against the front of the adjacent building sucking in air until she finally stopped coughing. “There’s so much dust in there.”

  He smoothed a loose strand off her face. His lips moved, and she gripped his strong, solid arms. “I can’t hear you. My battery’s dead, but I’m okay, if that was what you asked.”

  He kissed her long and hard and pressed his forehead to hers.

  Jack shoved a handcuffed Randy Lemoyne past them onto the sidewalk. “Come on, let’s book him.”

  22

  Annie scanned the dining room of the Beaucoup restaurant on Royal Street. Beyond the hostess stand, sunlight filled a room with pale peach walls that matched the cushions of the chairs at the tablecloth-draped tables.

  She and Hal had over an hour to eat before her appointment with the attorney. Another four hours after that she had to be at the airport. She’d always believed in being fair. Now with money she’d had wired, today would be her only chance to take him out for a meal.

  She took his arm, sinking fingers into the weave of his navy blazer. For her last day he’d excavated the depths of his closet, but he stood silently, looking more carved-in-marble, Apollo-god than usual. Jack had dropped them at Magick Charms earlier, and they’d had to walk from there.

  “We can leave if you want and grab a hotdog instead.” She raised her eyebrows.

  “I’m fine.”

  Yeah, right. “Don’t forget I know that stands for ‘my leg is killing me.’”

  “It’s better, actually, and we need to eat somewhere.”

  “Somewhere? Kurt especially recommended this place. I can see why.” She took in the polished silverware and gleaming goblets on the tables.

  He pressed her hand. “I could eat anywhere with you and the food would taste fabulous.”

  “You didn’t feel that way about stale graham crackers.”

  The hostess came forward and led them to a window table. Other early customers lunched nearby, and she caught the scent of sizzling butter when a waiter lifted the cover off a plate.

  After another server poured their water and took their order, Hal withdrew a small notebook and pen from his inside pocket.

  She folded her hands on the tabletop. “What are you doing?”

  He lifted a finger for her to wait and scribbled numbers. “I’m writing down what I owe you.”

  “You should be celebrating the fact that I’m paying. Think of this as payback. For rescuing me. At least twice. And for being an all-around good guy.”

  “You kept a record. Any reason I shouldn’t?” His intense brown gaze sent the good kind of shivers through her.

  “No, but you have to eat half of the bananas Foster because it’s a dessert for two.”

  He laughed and unbuttoned his jacket. “I got a call from the police detective. LeNoux confirmed Randy and his friends were running a casino theft scheme.”

  “I still can’t believe Randy was the one who chased us on the freeway. When he told me, it was like he was discussing the weather. He didn’t even seem to realize he might also have been killed.”

  “His lawyer’s been arrested, too. Wilson.” Hal aligned his water glass precisely at his place setting. “Randy had bribed him, and the man needed the money. Mattie is suing them both.”

  “Sounds like something she’d do.” Annie smoothed a hand over the padded tablecloth. “I’m glad we had time to stop by and check on Fredo.”

  “What did he give you?”

  She handed over the necklace. “He says this will protect me from anyone thinking of casting an evil eye my way.”

  “Do you believe that?” Hal rested the blue glass pendant on his palm.

  “Fredo does.” She took the string from him and opened the clasp. “I’m going to wear it today. Just in case.”

  A corner of Hal’s mouth twitched, and his dimple winked at her. “Tell me about the Tarot card reading.”

  “Shala pulled only three cards, but would you believe out of the huge deck of like sixty cards, the Death card came up? I mean, that was the card you found with me, though I still don’t know how I wound up with it. Randy did confess to leaving me with the tiger mask, so maybe he stole it from her.”

  “You’re talking about the Grim Reaper?”

  She nodded. “Apparently the Death Card means old beliefs are dying. That could mean some of the warnings my mom gave me are no longer valid or true.”

  His dark eyebrows shot up. “Like the grudge you had against bounty hunters?”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised.” She held his gaze and smiled. “But I learned something important. The next time I come to town, I’ll know better than to visit the casino.”

  “You’re going to split that cracked bone if you keep jumping out of the car.” Jack closed his cargo space.

  “It’s not called a walking boot for nothing.” Hal dropped onto the airport curb and tossed his jacket inside the Cherokee. “Go park. I’ll call you when I’m finished.”

  “How long you need?”

  “I’ll let you know.” He and Annie needed to settle a few more things. She’d mentioned another visit, but when he’d questioned her for specifics, she’d put him off, claiming she was too busy to think about any of that now. He hadn’t wanted to push, but he did want to know.

  Jack took off, and Hal thumped into the terminal. The pain had subsided, but he’d have to wear the plastic contraption another few weeks.

  Annie had already checked her wheeled suitcase and received her boarding pass when he reached her. He hobbled to one of the padded benches near the security line.

  She settled beside him, and her knee bumped his thigh. “I can’t believe you paid off my aunt’s contractor for me.”

  That had been the first thing the lawyer had told them when they’d met him this afternoon. “You can put it on my tab.”

  “I will.” She glanced around the departure lobby and frowned. “Where’s Jack?”

  “Out of the way.” And good riddance. “Why?”

  “I wanted to thank him for helping out this week at the bookshop. All your brothers have been wonderful and Mitch’s wife, too. You have to thank Aunt Edi again for finding buyers for the first editions.”

  “She’s always been amazing.” Hal laid a hand on Annie’s knee, and she gave him a warm smile.

  “My phone is buzzing.” She found her cell and glanced at the screen. “The attorney told me he’d let me know when he filed the succession documents. He must have already d
one that.”

  She listened a few minutes, disconnected, and gave him a thumbs up. “He’s going to let me know when I can list the property. Aunt Edi says one of her friends is a broker and can sell it for me. Once a sale goes through, I’ll start sending you monthly payments.”

  “There’s no rush.” Hal patted her hand. “Pay off your other bills first.”

  “I do need to, thanks.” Her beautiful eyes glowed even more blue-green than ever. “You know I’m eternally grateful for your help.”

  “Eternally?” He draped his arm along the top of the seat, intentionally brushing her shoulder. “What exactly is involved in that?”

  She stiffened, all prim and proper librarian. “It means I’m going to pay you back.”

  He smoothed her frown lines. If he couldn’t get enough of touching her now, what was he going to do once she flew away?

  Annie’s eyes glistened, and she swiped at her cheeks.

  Hell. Hal gave her his handkerchief and pulled her close. What was wrong?

  “Sorry.” She wiped her cheeks.

  “I realized something when we visited the cemetery yesterday.” He rubbed a thumb over her knuckles.

  She turned so both her knees connected. Heat shot up his thigh. “What did you realize?”

  “I don’t need to be ashamed of my dyslexia. I’ll never excel at reading and writing, but I can function as well as everyone else. You’ve proved that to me.”

  She raised her beautiful brows. “Oh, yeah, how did I do that?”

  “By example. You don’t make excuses for your hearing problem.” He squeezed her hand.

  “We all have a past,” she said, thinking of her father and probably the ex-boyfriend.

  His gut clenched, and he gazed at her a moment. “I know now I don’t have to let bad emotions run my life.”

  She leaned forward as a group of chattering passengers walked behind them. Hal caught her gaze. “Do you want me to repeat?”

  “I think I got it.” She beamed at him. “I noticed you put flowers on your father’s grave.”

  Hal shrugged a shoulder. “Mom would have wanted me to.”

  “You’ve forgiven him.” She made it a statement not a question.

  He should tell her the truth and bare his soul. Good practice for later, though he didn’t know exactly how that “later” was going to happen. “My father knew how to be a cop, but he didn’t know a thing about being a husband or a parent.”

  Hal rubbed his sweaty palms together. “I don’t know if I’ve forgiven him, but I don’t hate him any longer.”

  “I’ve changed, too.” Her cheeks grew pink, and she bent to put away her phone.

  He curled a finger under her chin and tipped it up so she had to look at him. “Don’t change too much.”

  “I doubt that’s possible.” She straightened her shoulders. “It’s more like I’ve learned to trust my emotions. After I landed here, things kept happening one after the other so fast I could only react. There was no time to think. You trusted me even when I wasn’t myself, and I appreciate that so much.”

  A smile refused to be smothered and stretched across his mouth.

  “It was only me and my mom when I was growing up. Even before we moved to Nevada, I didn’t see my aunt much. You and your family showed me what a family can be like. I’m envious of that. You’re lucky.” She patted her legs. “Now, about the cars—”

  No wonder Annie had so many debts. She kept taking on unnecessary ones. “Don’t worry. Insurance will replace my car and pay for the repairs to Kurt’s. My brother is fine with that.”

  “I told him to let me know if he has a deductible so I can pay that.”

  She looked so delightfully determined, Hal couldn’t help giving her hand a quick squeeze. “You just take care of yourself, Annie.”

  “Like you have.” She dropped her gaze to his orthopedic boot.

  He laughed. “The foot is healing. I’ll be good as new.”

  Her expression sobered. “Seriously…”

  His breath caught, and he swallowed hard. They’d had a great day. He wanted to end it that way, too. With happy smiles.

  “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” She pulled her purse into her lap. “I’d be dead by now if you hadn’t rescued me.”

  “Can’t have that,” he said.

  “Right. Who would pay my mom’s medical bills?” She grinned.

  “Sell the shop and pay those off. You and I can settle up over the phone or through e-mail.”

  “Or when I come back to visit? I think I should. You could teach me teach me to swim. If you don’t mind?”

  “Sure.” He saw his chance now. “But swim lessons are a long-term thing.”

  “You don’t mind that?”

  “It’s actually a good idea.” He hadn’t thought this far, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he heard the ring of truth.

  Her gaze pulled at him like tropical waters urging him to dive in. “We’ve barely known each other a week, Hal.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” He took her hands and pulled her closer. “I love you, and I want to see you again as many times as I can.”

  “I love you, too,” she whispered against his lips.

  Thank you for reading Annie and Hal’s story. Keep reading for a sneak preview of Jack’s story, Fleeing the Storm, coming next. Keep up with the Big Easy Brothers series by visiting Sue at SueWardDrake.com or by signing up for her newsletter: https://suewarddrake.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/

  SNEAK PREVIEW

  FLEEING THE STORM

  * * *

  Grace Comstock lifted her head and listened.

  There it was again.

  Her pulse revved, and she stepped to the bedroom doorway. Crain wasn’t supposed to return to New Orleans until tomorrow, but maybe she was cutting the timing too close.

  Wes Crain had always made her feel slimy and unclean. Even in her sister’s presence. Even before his arrest. But Melanie had often called the man she’d worked for wildly unpredictable.

  Grace recognized the sound as coming from the kitchen refrigerator, and a pent-up breath swooshed out. If she didn’t calm down she’d give herself a heart attack. Then who would look after her orphaned niece.

  She tucked a pile of sweaters into the carryon and swept her gaze around her sister’s room one more time. Anything she didn’t take now she’d have to leave. Like the beautiful purple gown her sister had worn to the Grammys that still hung in the closet. Melanie had always liked to look good in her job as live-in personal assistant to her concert promoter boss, but that night she’d eclipsed many of the nominees.

  Grace sniffed, tears clogging her throat. Melanie would never again wear this dress. She grabbed a tissue from the bedside table and stared at the shimmering gown, wondering if she would ever wear something this fancy.

  Probably not. She settled the hangar back on the rod but didn’t remove her hand. Katie might one day want to wear her mother’s dress. Right?

  Stop dithering. Make a decision and leave. Collect Katie from the sitter and cry later.

  Grace folded the gown into the carryon bag.

  A door closed somewhere in the house. Male voices spilled into the silence. One of them laughed.

  Her blood iced.

  Crain had been bugging her about picking up her sister’s stuff for weeks. She’d wanted to collect everything in his absence, but at least she could still take him by surprise and waltz out before he got all touchy-feely.

  She squared her shoulders, made a final sweep of the bureau contents, and walked toward the male voices.

  Wes Crain flopped in a leather armchair behind a monstrous glass and driftwood coffee table. The tall, blonde guy who stood behind the couch saw her the moment she stepped from the hallway. Was he a rocker from one of the groups Crain booked?

  No, not with those bulging muscles or that probing gaze and tightening jaw. Crain hadn’t had the best publicity since his arrest, and he must have hired a bodyguard. Nothing to
do with her.

  “You’ll be glad to know I’ve finally collected all my sister’s things.” She stepped into Wes Crain’s line of sight.

  The tumbler in his hand jerked. “What are you doing here?”

  Her stomach flipped like a fillet of fish in a well-greased skillet. She laid a house key from her ring on the coffee table. “You asked me to come over and collect anything of Melanie’s that I wanted. I finally had time. There’s her key.”

  He set the glass of dark liquor down and wobbled to his feet, brushing the spill from his tropical-print shirt. “Why didn’t you tell me you had her key?”

  “Because I didn’t have it. Not at first.” She edged toward the door. “The police only recently gave me her things from the wreck.”

  “You could have told me.”

  “Would you have changed the locks?”

  “Probably not.” Crain laughed, and Grace suppressed a shudder. “I trusted Melanie. You’re probably like her that way, too.”

  But he fell silent, and his eyes narrowed. She smiled. “Don’t worry. I knew what was hers.”

  “Did you get everything?”

  “What’s left can be tossed.” She held her breath against the smell of bourbon wafting from him.

  He straightened the overnight bag’s strap on her shoulder, his hand brushing her bare neck. “Let’s go check.”

  “I’ve already checked.” She couldn’t get another thing in her car, anyway. She edged toward the door, but the Viking wrapped his thick fingers around her arm, halting her as effectively as an anchor.

  She went still. Should she resist or go along and make them happy? She could answer any questions now and never have to worry about the man again. Wasn’t that what she wanted?

  Jack Guidry banged on the door frame. “Hello, anyone home? Need a signature for a delivery.”

  This skip had been arrested for assault and robbery, and the takedown could go either way. Jack carried backup firepower, but he’d prefer to make the arrest without any fuss. He also preferred to strike early in the day, not in late afternoon like now when everyone was inside avoiding the heat.