Page 85 of Double or Nothing

We’ve also practiced switching out positions, so we can fill in for each other in case of emergency. Eva insisted on Natasha learning my role at the slot machines. Everything from how to transmit the video to exactly when to hit the button after receiving the signal.

The key is for us to work very fast, moving from casino to casino along the Vegas strip, hitting as many slot machines as possible. Speed is of the essence.

The plan is to begin at the Bora Bora and finish the night at the Imperial. The guys will be strategically located along the way to watch our backs and will move along with us throughout the night. Once we reach the Imperial, everyone will be at the same location.

“Here we are, ladies!” King says. He pulls over into a parking lot a block from the Bora Bora Casino to let us out. “Shake a leg! Call me if you need me. I’ll be waiting on standby.”

“Don’t turn off your cell phone,” Natasha tells him.

“I won’t.”

Natasha and I step out of the SUV and pause for a moment on the crowded sidewalk.

“Are you sure you’re ready?” she asks me. “Don’t answer. Youareready.”

“Yes, we’re both ready,” I say. “Let’s go. Showtime, baby!”

36

JADE

Two hours later…

I’m walking down the Vegas strip alongside Natasha on our way to the Imperial Casino. One last stop for the night and then this will all be over. We’ve been riding a high, having smoothly hit several casinos already, and the thrill is intoxicating.

“I can’t believe we’re almost done,” I say to her. “This was much easier than I expected it to be. Everything is working out exactly as planned. We were worried about nothing.”

“You did the hardest part by breaking the code,” she replies. “Everything else is easy. How shall we celebrate tonight when we’re finished?”

“Sleeping for eight hours,” I say, rubbing my temple. “I haven’t slept well in forever.”

“You can sleep when you’re old,” she says. “It’s Christmas Eve! Everyone will go to Platinum later and drink all night. Eva promised me a chilled bottle of the best Russian vodka and I will teach you how to drink.”

We smile at each other and she slips her arm through mine. If someone didn’t know better, they’d think we were best friends out together to celebrate on Christmas Eve.

We beat the system, and our plan worked.

We’re on the sidewalk, one block from the Imperial, when the prepaid cellphone in Natasha’s handbag suddenly rings. We glance at each other in panic.

Only Eva has the number.

The disposable cellphone is only to be used in case of an emergency and then thrown away. Natasha grabs my arm to pull me to the side. She hits the answer button and puts the phone to her ear.

“Yes?” she answers, her voice wavering.

Twenty seconds later, she hangs up.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. “What’s happening?”

“An alert is being circulated with our photo to all the Vegas casinos,” Natasha whispers urgently. “Eva said to abort and split up. Keep walking while we talk.”

I hurry to keep up with her rapid strides. “She wants us to quit? Now? But we’re so close. Dammit! The Imperial is the biggest score.”

I’m not ready to give up. No way in hell.

“We must change clothes,” she says. “Fast. In there.” She points to a small boutique hotel squeezed between two high-rise casinos.

We hurry inside the hotel and go straight to the restroom. Fortunately, there isn’t a line for the stalls. A rarity in Las Vegas. Natasha rushes into one stall while I take the other.