Mr. Hanley slides the photo an inch closer. “Why don’t you look again?”
They don’t believe me.
I need to give themsomethingwithout linking myself to a man who is obviously a criminal. One who’s caught the FBI’s attention. My ex-boyfriend speaking to him in view of a casino camera is already a glaring connecting point. And since they’re passing something between them, that rules out the odds of their interaction being that of strangers striking up a conversation.
Squinting my eyes at the photo, I lean closer. “Come to think of it, I might have seen him before.” I pause to swallow around an ever-increasing lump in my throat. “It’s possible he’s the man who was hanging around my table tonight before my first break. But as I said, I donotknow him.”
“Any idea why he would be lurking aroundyourtable?” Mr. Hanley asks, one bushy brow arching higher.
My lower lip finds its way between my teeth. “I assumed he was just a creep.”
So far, no lies. That’s my legit assumption.
My lip nibbling becomes painful, so I stop and switch to under-the-table hand wringing.
The men all trade glances as the silence in here smothers me. It’s a wet blanket of accusation.
I bring my hands above the table, fanning them open. “I’m sorry. What’s this about? Did something happen? I promise you I don’t know his name. I’ve never exchanged words with him. Today was the first time I’ve ever laid eyes on him, and that was from a solid fifteen feet away. I honestly don’t know what you want from me.”
Mr. Votaw stands suddenly. “That’ll be all, Lila. Thank you for your time. You can head back to work now.”
Without hesitating, I shove back from the table, grateful for the escape opportunity. I smile at two of them, then turn on my heel silently.
“Hold up one sec.”
Shut up, Reed. Just shut your damnmouth.
Yes, hisdamnmouth.
If there ever was a man worth breaking my cursing rule for, it’s him.
It takes effort, but I keep my shoulders from sagging and slowly turn toward them.
Reed arches a brow at me. Even his eyebrow is cocky and irritating. “Ms. Kent, would you be willing to speak with Silas about him for us? Perhaps wearing a wire?”
Involuntarily, my spine stiffens. “I’d strongly prefer toneverspeak to Silas again.”
Facts.
Reed cuts a scathing look at me and then points his chin toward the door. He’s dismissing me. Such a pompous jerk. He’s the human equivalent of a cheap underwire bra.
Boy, the downshift from what I thought was love to what I know is hate was swift and final.
Turning my other lumpy sofa cushion butt cheek, I ignore the brush off. It isn’t the first time I’ve had to do that with him.
“Well, gentlemen, you know where to find me if you have more questions. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.”
Oops. That was a lie. I’m not sorry about it, though. Not at all.
FOUR
Ante up
REED
Reaching into my pocket,I pulse my fingers around my three-year Gambler’s Anonymous coin. The cold metal warms in my clammy palm. A prickle of sweat beads on my forehead.
I can’t fucking believe I’m considering sitting down at a damn blackjack table after all this time.
