“Fuck.” Reese pulled into a parking space and turned off the engine, put the phone on speaker.
“My guess,” Chase said, “Heath’s found out about the life insurance policy—the three million dollars that goes to Griff.”
“Christ, more trouble we don’t need.”
“It was only a matter of time.”
“Can you talk to him?” Reese asked. “Get him to hold off a couple of days?” When Kenzie looked at him with those big golden-brown eyes, everything inside him tightened. “Kenzie has family in Dallas. She isn’t going to run away.”
“Where are you?” Chase asked.
“Shreveport. Hawk’s in town. Guy named Sawyer DeMarco is behind the kidnapping. Owns the Pot-of-Gold casino. Arthur Haines owes DeMarco big money.” He went on to explain how it all fit together, Lee Haines’s murder, the extortion, Daniel Haines, and the gaming permits.
“The mob involvement ratchets up the danger,” Chase said. “You should have called.”
He’d planned to. Things were moving way too fast. “We’re talking now. I’ll call if we come up with something new.”
“Kenzie’s with you?”
“She’s here.”
“I’ll try to get Ford to hold off as long as possible. I’m not far away if you need my help. Both of you stay safe.” The line went dead.
“Let’s go.” Reese checked them into the hotel and they carried their bags and laptops up to room 310. The third-floor suite was high enough for protection and close to the stairs in case they needed to leave without being seen. As soon as they were settled, he phoned Hawk and gave him their location.
“Haven’t heard anything more from the kidnappers. Figured if we’re here, there’s a chance we’d learn something useful.”
“Could turn out to be a good idea,” Hawk said. “With DeMarco involved, it’s possible the kidnappers are holding the boy somewhere in the area.”
Kenzie stood so close, Reese could feel the jolt of hope that ran through her body. Sliding an arm around her waist, he eased her against his side and kissed her cheek.
“Anything new on the shooter?” Reese asked. “After talking to Arthur, it’s clear Haines’s killer must work for the mob, just like you figured.”
“I’ve got a meet with one of my informants later tonight. He’s got something. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“I’ll leave a key for you at the front desk. We’re in suite 310. There’s a sofa in the living room if you need a place to crash.”
“Thanks.”
The call ended and Kenzie went to the window to stare off toward the river. Reese tried not to think how sexy she looked in her tight jeans and blond wig. But he was a man and he wanted her. Add to that, this was Kenzie, and everything about her appealed to him.
His groin swelled. It wasn’t the right time, but his body didn’t seem to care. He forced himself not to glance at the bedroom door.
“Come on,” Reese said. “Time to go to work.” Setting a hand at her waist, he urged her out of the hotel room.
They made their way into the warm, humid night and loaded into the pickup, Reese stashing his .45 in the glove box. The big Ford engine fired up, and he pulled out of the lot. The casino wasn’t far, but they were driving instead of walking, keeping their options open in case they needed to leave in a hurry.
It was dark as he drove down Texas Street toward the river. Up ahead, the Pot-of-Gold sat to the left on the water’s edge, the casino shaped like an old-fashioned riverboat docked near the bank. The hotel tower next to it was twenty stories high. The entire property glowed with neon lights—crimson, emerald green, electric blue, all reflected on the surface of the river, creating a stunning rainbow of temptation for hopeful gamblers.
Reese parked the truck, locked the glove box, and helped Kenzie down. As he pushed through the front door of the club, the sound of bells ringing and the whirl of slots greeted them.
“You play blackjack?” Reese asked.
“I like to play, but I haven’t gambled much. I can’t afford to lose.”
Reese took his wallet out of his back pocket. “You can tonight.” Taking her hand, he pressed a wad of bills into her palm.
Kenzie shook her head, moving the heavy blond curls that hung past her shoulders. “I can’t take your money.” She tried to give it back. “If I play, I’ll just lose. I’ve never been a lucky gambler.”
