A few angry curses called back, but oh well. The people would understand if they knew what was going on.
The guy was practically dragging Trixie as they went into the hotel.
John was hot on their heels, and ready to dish out some payback.
Chapter Thirty-One
Inside, the casino was busy with the usual assortment of players and guests.
The slots rang and buzzed. Electronic music came from various machines. Waitresses walked around with drink trays, eager to get the customers tipsy on the manager’s behest.
Drunk people played more.
The place was big and cavernous, with no windows or clocks so patrons would lose track of time for a bit.
The tactics of casino owners weren’t important right now, Trixie reminded herself.
Focus!
Her eyes darted around frantically as she looked for a security guard or someone to flag down. She couldn’t see anyone that looked official. But there were tons of people. Maybe she should just make a scene and pray some of them came to her rescue.
As if clued into her very thoughts, her captor said, “You make a peep and I’ll shoot you. Understand?”
Images of Trixie taking a bullet to the stomach or chest flooded her brain.
That can’t be how your life ends, bleeding out on a casino floor! Just go with him and look for a way out.
Or wait for Daddy. He’ll come to you!
Trixie felt a warmth spread in her stomach. Surely John would find her. Or had she messed up so badly by getting out of the limo that even he couldn’t rescue her this time?
It was possible. After all, her luck was bound to run out at some point.
Why do you do it, Trixie? Why can’t you just stay out of trouble? For once in your damn life!
Her captor stopped abruptly. His voice was low and almost a growl as he said, “We’re going to keep walking. Don’t cause a scene. Don’t try to get anyone’s attention. Just move. Do you know what the Tournament of Kings is?”
Trixie knew—the famed dinner show that had medieval jousting and other stuff like that. “Yes.”
“You know where it’s at?”
“Yeah.”
He smiled, but it seemed so cruel and full of malice. “Good. We’re going to walk toward it. There’s an exit back there. We just keep going. You be quiet and you might actually live through this.”
Trixie tried to speak but only a scared whimper came escaped her lips. She hated that the man knew she was afraid. But what else could she be given the circumstances?
She started walking when he gripped her arm again, keeping pace with him for a few seconds.
But then she stopped.
Her brain was going a million miles an hour once more.
“Wait.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said wait.” She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes as she gave him a hard stare. “You’re going to try and kill me eitherway. I’m a loose end. And it doesn’t make any sense that you’d leave me alive. Now, you’re probably looking for the evidence I stashed away that implicates you and your friends in all sorts of shady activities…”
