“Three? No, that doesn’t sound right.”
“I’ve got copies of the emails you sent to Payroll.” Although radiating what he hoped was calm from the waist up, Alex’s nervous tic manifested under the desk. He put a hand on his knee to stop his leg from bouncing up and down. “You’re one of my drivers, Pierre. I want to make sure you’re okay.”
“It’s just a temporary cashflow problem.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?” When he caught the harshness in his tone, Pierre shook his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s okay. I am concerned, though. Several team members have come forward recently, saying you asked them to lend you large amounts of cash.”
“Ah, man. A twenty here, a twenty there. We’re not exactly talking about big bucks.”
“Those aren’t the figures I received.”
Pierre’s mouth opened and closed a few times. “Are you firing me?”
“No. I’m offering to get you some help.”
“I don’t need any help.”
“You’ve been seen gambling at the Golden Nugget.”
He let out a nervous laugh. “So that’s what this is about. You’re ticked because I didn’t gamble at Vice.”
“That’s not it at all. Do you deny you were gambling?”
“Is this because I ran into Wade? Is he the one who ratted on me? Because I told him I was just blowing off some steam.”
“There’s a difference between blowing off steam and addiction.”
“Addiction? I’m not addicted to anything. Ask anyone who knows me. I’m a straight shooter and always have been. Jesus, I’ve never even touched a cigarette.”
“Which is why I want to offer you my support. I know this can’t be an easy thing to handle. Less than twenty percent of compulsive gamblers seek treatment.”
Pierre rolled his eyes. “Oh, boy. Someone’s been doing his homework. You’ve got statistics on your side.”
“Pierre, you have an addiction. As your boss, I want to help you kick it.”
“Do you really think that little of me? Do you think I’m like those losers out there in your casinos, the ones who don’t know when to call it quits?”
“No one is calling anyone a loser.”
“Because I can stop anytime I want!”
“You were seen at the Golden Nugget five times this week alone.”
“What I do on my own time is my own business.”
“Three of those times were during your shifts.”
“Alex, come on. You’ve always said you don’t expect me, or any of the other drivers, to be your shadow. I can’t believe you’d insult me like this.”
“This isn’t an insult. Pierre. We work in the world of Vegas casinos. A place like this has a lot of temptation. You’re only human. That’s why I’d like you to take a paid leave and get some counseling. I’ll cover the cost and your job will be waiting for you when you get back.”
“I don’t need counseling. I just need a bit of cash. Maybe if you spotted me the money…”
“That’s not going to happen.”
