Page 31 of Reckless Chance

“He was carrying a blue keycard. Those are only issued to employees.”

Damn. Just what I need—the Vegas mafia involved with someone who works for the Athena. The Rossi family should know better than to mess with me. Our families have had a standing agreement for forever. Why break it now—particularly when my college friend, Paxton Rossi, has taken over as head of the family?

“Have you spoken with the employee?” I ask.

“No. That’s the problem. We don’t know who it is yet.”

“What do you mean? You have him on video,” I say through gritted teeth.

“The man had his back to the camera, and after they finished talking, he walked away. He didn’t enter the building or the parking garage, so we can’t see his face. The only way we know he’s an employee is that we got a quick glance at the blue keycard in his hand. Those color video cameras we installed are paying off.”

My anger is rising higher as I bark, “Find out who it is. Now! I won’t have the mafia anywhere near my business. Do you hear me?”

“Loud and clear, boss. Don’t worry. We’ll find out who he is and kick him out the door,” Daniel says, saluting me as he walks away.

“The organized crime guys can check it out for you,” Fielder offers.

“Let’s hold off on that option for now. “We’ll figure out who the guy is and fire him. He’ll be banned from ever setting foot onthis property again. That should take care of it. If not, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay. I’ll keep you posted on what we find out in the Brentwood matter.”

“Thanks. My attorney is also looking into the accident. Her name’s Lowri Upton. She’s Cassie’s friend. You met her earlier this year at the Guest Chef Competition dinner.”

“I remember her. She’s quite attractive. I didn’t realize she was your lawyer.”

“She wasn’t then. We recently hired her to represent us in the legal issues surrounding Mr. Brentwood’s accident.”

“I see. If she’s going to be around for a while, I wouldn’t mind asking her out. Could you put me in touch with her?”

“She’s not available,” I declare, staring holes through him for even having that thought.

Hands up in surrender, he says, “Sorry, man. I didn’t know you were involved with her.”

“It’s not like that. She’s … never mind. Just leave her alone.”

He chuckles. “No problem. Message received. I promise to stay away unless we’re talking about the investigation, okay?” he asks as he’s leaving.

“Sure,” I grumble.

I’ll be around for those talks. Lowri doesn’t need his attention.

Feeling a little possessive, are we? Shit. What’s happening to me?

“Emily, get in here,” I yell.

“Yes, sir. What do you need?”

“Set up a meeting for me with Paxton Rossi. ASAP.”

Her eyes go wide, shoulders tense, and the writing pad she’s holding drops to the floor with a thud.

“Are you alright?” I ask in a calmer voice, watching her retrieve the notepad.

Without looking at me, she says, “I never expected that name to be spoken here.”

“I gather you’re familiar with the Rossis?”

“Isn’t everyone who’s spent time working in Vegas?”