Don’t get too caught up in it, John. Save Trixie. Then play and have fun.
That didn’t sound like a bad idea, he decided.
Not bad at all.
“Whoa! Look at this place!” Trixie said as the gang walked into the penthouse suite. “It’s massive!”
She ran toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that made up one wall, and John almost told her to slow down and walk but decided to let her go for now. She was just excited. And he didn’t see much in the path that she could trip over.
He still gave her a token, “Be careful, honey.”
“Yes, Daddy. Sorry. I just have never been in a place like this. One time I got to tour some of the properties that the company managed, so I saw some pretty nice rooms. But I’ve never actually stayed in one! Or been in one at night. Look at the city!”
John came behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck as they looked out over the shimmering Vegas lights.
“It is something.”
Man, it felt wonderful when she put her hands on his and leaned back against him.
“I love this city,” she noted. “Los Angeles is cool. But Las Vegas is home.”
Reflecting on her words, John wondered what their future would hold. If she truly loved Las Vegas, he couldn’t ask her to leave. Yet he had a job back in L.A. Her job was gone here.
What would they do?
He couldn’t worry about all that at the moment. It was imperative that he keep a clear head. Just keep Trixie safe for now, get her out from under these assholes, and then they could figure the rest out.
“Hey, guys! I’ve got some news.”
He and Trixie turned around to see a tall man with dark blond hair stroll into the main room of the giant suite.
“Stryker!” Harrison said.
The two guys hugged and it was obvious they were close. In fact, the way John had heard it told, they were more like brothers than friends.
“Most of you know Stryker,” Harrison said.
“Of course,” Ace said. “He’s our boss. Along with you.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think John or Trixie have ever met him,” Harrison said.
“Good meeting you both,” Stryker told the couple.
Trixie ran again, this time going to him. “I’ve seen all the movies you’ve directed! You’re my favorite. Do you rememberLoose Cannons? That’s the best! That car chase at the end was magnificent!” She gave a chef’s kiss. “A lot of people think only men like car chases. But that’s not true! And some people say thebest car chase is inThe French Connection, but I always thought it was a little boring. I mean, he’s chasing an elevated train! Come on. Now, some people citeBullitt, but…” She groaned. “I’m sorry. I have this thing where I just word vomit whenever I get excited. And I’m so excited to meet you, Sir!”
Stryker beamed with pride. “Hey, no need to apologize! I can talk movie car chases all day. And no need to call meSir, either. I’m a Little. Like you.”
“You know I’m a Little?” she asked.
“Yeah. I talked with Iris and them,” Stryker said. “They said you’re awesome but that you’re in some trouble. That’s why we’re here. We’re going to get you out of it.”
“Yeah,” Harrison said, “then we can have some fun time playing and stuff.”
“That sounds good to me,” John chimed in. “I think you all will have a blast. But honey, let’s focus right now on getting you out of this mess. Sound good?”
He hoped the redirection would help her focus. They all needed to keep their heads clear.
“Sounds great!” Trixie said.
