“Get in line,” someone growled. “I was here before you.”
“You don’t understand,” she said.
The tight throng of onlookers ignored her. Nobody moved out of her way. Most didn’t even notice her.
Sebastian chortled, sounding buzzed on dust bunny adrenaline, but she couldn’t see him over the heads of the excited throng. The commotion was drawing the attention of the casino security staff. Two uniformed guards armed with flamers were making their way toward the crowd.
“They’re going to arrest Sebastian,” Alice yelped, horrified anew.
“No,” Owen said, “they are not going to arrest him. Wait here—I’ll get him.”
Reluctantly, she stopped trying to break through the crowd. Owen went past her and kept going. People unconsciously moved out of his path, magically clearing the way to the triumphant gambler standing in front of theLost AlienTreasureslot.
She could finally see Sebastian. He was in midair, clinging to the large metal arm of the machine, trying to pull it again.
“Hang on, little buddy,” the gambler said. “It won’t work unless I put in some more tokens.”
“The dust bunny can’t play the slot,” one of the guards said sternly. “House rules.”
“What house rules?” the gambler whined. “I don’t see any rules about dust bunnies.”
“New rule,” the guard said. “You’ll get your payout but you’re not playing any more slots here tonight. Take the dust bunny and leave.”
“Don’t let him take Sebastian,” Alice shouted.
No one listened. Owen reached the big machine and plucked Sebastian off the arm.
“Time to go,” Owen said. “Your work here is done.”
Sebastian vaulted up onto his shoulder and chortled, ready for a new game.
“Wait, that’s my lucky dust bunny,” the gambler said. “I’m going to take him to one of the other casinos.”
“No, you’re not,” Owen said. “The dust bunny is with us. Ask anyone.”
“He’s right,” someone said. “I saw the dust bunny a few minutes ago. I recognize the sunglasses. He was with this guy and the Deranged Bride.”
Alice groaned. If only the casino floor would open a trap door and allow her to sink gracefully out of sight into the Underworld.
Owen, Sebastian on his shoulder, forged a path back to where she was waiting.
She grabbed Sebastian and tucked him firmly under her arm.
“Thank you for rescuing him,” she said.
“You’re welcome,” Owen said, “although I’m sure he could have rescued himself once he got tired of pulling slot machine handles.”
“Who knows how long that would have taken? He didn’t care if he won. He was in it for the lights and bells and whistles.”
The reporter from theCurtainhustled forward, camera at the ready. “I need a pic of the lucky dust bunny.”
Owen took Alice’s hand. “Let’s get that nightcap.”
Chapter Thirteen
The Amber Lounge was acozy retreat from the charged atmosphere of the gaming floor. The low lighting and intimate, high-backed booths provided a sense of privacy. Owen knew it was an illusion. In a casino, someone is always watching. Nevertheless, the curiosity seekers, tabloid reporters, and gamblers were kept at bay by the intimidating host stationed at the entrance.
The cocktail server came by to take their orders. After he and Alice had given theirs, the woman looked at Sebastian.
