CHAPTER 1
BASTIAN
It looked like an ancient Egyptian temple.
I walked across the stage. The show was coming together well. The massive columns rising toward the ceiling looked like real stone, but I knew they were merely foam, expertly painted by the stage crew.
Lights clicked on, showcasing a large statue of the Ancient Egyptian god, Anubis, the jackal-headed god of funerary rites. I knew the special-effects team was still working out some kinks, but I could easily imagine the cast on stage, in their Egyptian costumes, telling the story of the god, Osiris, and his goddess wife, Isis.
It was a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and rebirth.
Yes, the Avernus Casino had a hit on its hands. The tourists would flock to see it.
My lips curved.Perfect. I enjoyed the challenge of running my casino. I also enjoyed making lots of money.
“We need to beef up security around the VIP seats,” a deep voice said beside me.
I flicked a glance at my friend and security consultant, Nash Oakley. He was studying the auditorium seating, his arms crossed and a frown on his face.
“Agreed. We have a Saudi prince coming on opening night, along with several New York heiresses on a bachelorette party. Not to mention lots of local Las Vegas personalities.”
Nash grunted. I knew he was working through the security plan in his head. “I’ll coordinate with Theo.”
Theo was head of security for the Avernus. The older former military man always got the job done.
“Excellent.”
I saw Forrest, our eccentric costume designer, push a rack of clothes onto the stage. Several actors trotted along behind him, most of them already in costume.
“Come on, come on.” The goateed man waved at them. “I need to see if everything works under the lights. There’ll be adjustments that I need to make. Hurry up, now.”
I saw the muscular Osiris—clad in a white skirt, a collar of gold and lapis lazuli draped over his chest and shoulders. His large headdress was the white crown of Upper Egypt, adorned with a golden cobra. He was followed by the willowy Isis, wearing a gauzy, white dress, and a vulture headdress in brilliant gold.
It was a gripping story—the god Osiris killed by his jealous brother Set, who throws his body into the Nile. Osiris’ wife, Isis, searches for him and brings him back to life with her magic, and they conceive their son, Horus. But Osiris’ time on Earth is over, and he becomes the King of the Underworld.
I watched Forrest hover, tugging on hemlines, and fussing over crowns and headdresses. It was the perfect show for the Avernus. I felt a special affinity to the underworld.
As a former assassin, it felt right.
That’s why I’d called my casino the Avernus, after a volcanic crater and lake in Italy that was rumored to be an entrance to the underworld in Roman mythology.
Nash was another former assassin. In fact, quite a few retired assassins called the Avernus home these days. My lips quirked. I seemed to have a knack for collecting battered souls.
I liked that the casino kept me busy. It was what I needed to stop from overthinking. I knew that the past was best left in the past, but sometimes, things best left in the dark liked to rear their heads. Still, I’d learned that regrets never helped, never changed the outcome.
I’d come from nothing, then been recruited into the CIA. I’d become the best assassin they’d ever created. Then, I’d faked my own death and started a new life.
Now, it was my choices, my way.
“By the way, I sent that report you requested to your email,” Nash said. “On the Red Ribbon Killer.”
I was careful not to stiffen. “Thank you.”
“You going to tell me why you’re interested in a notorious serial killer who’s never been caught?”
“No.”
Nash sighed. “Fine. So, do you have a plan for dealing with Lark?”
