Page 16

"I won't," I promised, the irony not lost on me. I'd already compromised plenty, starting with that impulsive walk into the wedding chapel.

"See that you don't." She stood, smoothing her skirt. "The hearing is scheduled for 9 AM Friday. I've arranged a preliminary meeting with the three primary commissioners this afternoon. Consider it a preview of what you'll face."

After she left, I allowed myself one moment of closed eyes and deep breathing before straightening my shoulders and heading to the conference room.

The meeting was as brutal as I'd expected. Three commissioners with distinctly different agendas waited around the polished table:

Commissioner Frank Watts, a silver-haired traditionalist who'd spent thirty years in regulatory roles and viewed innovation with the suspicion of a bomb squad technician.

Commissioner Josephine Diaz, a political pragmatist whose primary concern was the commission's public image and relationship with the current administration.

Commissioner Naomi Montgomery, a younger reformist who genuinely believed in modernizing regulatory approaches but needed data to support her positions.

"Investigator Clarke," Watts began without preamble, "explain to me how spending your evenings with the subject of your investigation constitutes proper regulatory oversight."

I kept my voice level, professional. "My presence at the Jade Petal during off-hours has provided invaluable observational data on operational practices that wouldn't be visible during standard inspection windows."

"Observational data," he repeated skeptically. "And these observations required you to leave the gala on Mr. Hardwick's arm? To spend consecutive nights in his establishment?"

"The investigation took an unexpected turn when we discovered evidence of systematic sabotage," I explained, sliding a preliminary report across the table. "The timeline necessitated immediate and continuous presence."

Commissioner Montgomery leaned forward, genuinely interested. "These sabotaged gaming machines—you believe they were deliberately compromised to create compliance violations?"

"The evidence supports that conclusion," I confirmed. "The programming alterations were sophisticated, designed to create the appearance of systematic cheating while avoiding immediate detection."

"Convenient," Watts muttered. "Alleged sabotage that requires you to work closely with Hardwick, just as his licensing deadline looms."

"With respect, Commissioner," I said carefully, "the evidence is documented and verifiable. The machines have been secured for independent examination, and the access logs clearly show unauthorized programming changes."

Commissioner Diaz, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "The governor's office has expressed interest in your collaborative oversight model. They believe it could represent a more efficient regulatory approach."

"It's showing promising results," I agreed. "By working directly with the Jade Petal's security team, we've identified patterns that might have been missed in a traditional adversarial investigation."

"Or you've been manipulated into seeing what Hardwick wants you to see," Watts countered.

"Your history with him creates an additional complication.

You shut down his previous establishment, correct?

How do we know this isn't some elaborate revenge scheme—or worse, a capitulation due to personal feelings? "

The question sliced uncomfortably close to my own doubts, but I maintained a neutral expression. "My professional record speaks for itself, Commissioner. I've never allowed personal considerations to influence my findings."

"Until now," he said pointedly.

Before I could respond, the conference room door opened, and Enzo Ricci entered with the smooth confidence of someone who knew exactly how much power he wielded.

"Commissioners." He nodded respectfully. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I was informed you were discussing the Jade Petal investigation. As a concerned industry member with relevant information, I requested permission to join."

I kept my expression neutral despite the fury building inside me. This was a calculated ambush, and someone on the commission had facilitated it.

"Mr. Ricci," Commissioner Diaz greeted him. "What information do you believe is relevant to our discussion?"

Enzo took a seat, his expensive suit and manicured appearance projecting the polished image of Vegas old guard.

"I have concerns about the objectivity of the current investigation.

" He withdrew a manila folder from his briefcase.

"These photographs were taken the night of the Jade Petal's gala opening. "

He slid several glossy prints across the table—professional-quality surveillance shots showing Easton and me dancing, his hand at the small of my back, our faces close together. Another showed us leaving the casino, his fingers intertwined with mine.

"Can we truly trust the judgment of an investigator who spends her evenings with the subject of her investigation?" Enzo asked, echoing Watts's earlier question. "Particularly given the Jade Petal's numerous regulatory concerns?"

"What regulatory concerns would those be?" I asked evenly. "Our investigation has found no violations in the property's current operations."

"How convenient," Enzo said smoothly. "Perhaps because you've been distracted by more... personal interests."

The insinuation hung in the air. I breathed steadily, focusing on facts rather than the anger simmering beneath my professional veneer.

"The collaborative oversight model has proven remarkably effective," I stated, directing my comments to Commissioner Bryant, who seemed most receptive.

"This approach uncovered sabotage attempts that traditional methods would have missed—specifically, the internal tampering that could have compromised customer protections. "

"Alleged sabotage," Enzo corrected. "Conveniently discovered just as questions about Ms. Clarke's objectivity began circulating."

"The physical evidence has been secured," I countered. "Independent technical analysis will confirm our findings."

"Assuming the evidence hasn't been tampered with," he suggested with practiced concern.

I felt a flash of genuine anger. "Are you accusing me of evidence manipulation, Mr. Ricci?"

"I'm merely raising questions that the commission should consider," he replied smoothly. "The timing is remarkable, wouldn't you agree?"

Before the conversation could deteriorate further, Commissioner Bryant intervened. "I believe we've heard enough for this preliminary session. The full hearing will provide opportunity for complete presentation of evidence from all parties."

As the meeting adjourned, Enzo caught me in the hallway, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Investigator Clarke."

"I'm doing my job," I replied evenly. "Something you seem intent on preventing."

His smile never reached his eyes. "Easton Hardwick took something from me years ago. I'm simply returning the favor."

The personal nature of the vendetta surprised me. "This isn't about regulatory concerns at all, is it?"

"It's about justice," he said quietly. "Something you claim to value." He studied me with calculating precision. "He'll destroy your career without a second thought when he's done with you. Just like he did to others who trusted him."

Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me with more questions than answers about the tangled web I'd found myself in.

***

"So you're the guy who's got my sister breaking protocol," Giselle announced the moment Easton slid into our booth at Vérité, an upscale restaurant far from both the Strip and the commission offices.

I nearly choked on my water. "Giselle!"

"What? It's true." She extended her hand to Easton. "Giselle Clarke. Artist, straight-shooter, and very protective sister."

To his credit, Easton didn't flinch at her directness. He shook her hand with a genuine smile. "Easton Hardwick. Casino owner, rule-bender, and man currently trying to salvage both our careers from said protocol-breaking."

Giselle's eyebrows rose appreciatively. "Honest. I like that." She settled back, studying him with the same intensity she applied to her artistic subjects. "So, Easton. Tell me how a man who built a casino empire ends up working so closely with the regulator who once shut him down."

"Giselle, this isn't an interrogation," I protested.

"It's fine," Easton assured me, his focus on my sister. "The short answer? Unexpected circumstances and the strange alchemy that happens when adversaries suddenly find themselves facing a common threat."

I blinked, surprised by his candor while still maintaining our secret.

"And the long answer?" Giselle pressed.

"The long answer is more complicated." His expression turned thoughtful. "I spent three years rebuilding after your sister shut down my first venture. Blamed her entirely, told myself she was just making an example of me to advance her career."

He glanced at me with a sincerity that made my chest tighten.

"I was wrong. She was right to shut us down.

I was cutting corners, taking risks I shouldn't have taken.

Working with her these past few days, seeing her integrity, her precision, her refusal to compromise even when it would be easier.

.." He shook his head slightly. "Let's just say my perspective has changed. "

Giselle's expression softened. "And what about your current relationship? When I suggested Harlow attend your gala, I didn't expect things to progress quite so quickly."

"The circumstances are less than ideal," he acknowledged with diplomatic care. "But I can't honestly say I regret how things have evolved, despite the complications it's created."

His admission hung in the air between us, loaded with implications I wasn't ready to address in front of my sister.