Page 83 of Reckless Chance

She beat me to the punch. Gotta love that spunk.

“Like she said,wewill escort you to the theater. First, tell us how you know your suspect is there? And why do you think it was one of our performers?”

“We’ve tied one of your performers to Mr. Brentwood. They had motive, opportunity, and means. They also have the build and blond hair we can see in the video footage your security department shared. As for how we know they are in the theater, we followed them here. Now, pleasetakeme to the theater before they leave.”

“Why won’t you tell us who it is?”

“Walls have ears, and we can’t take the chance that someone will alert them, and they will run.”

“That’s rather insulting,” Lowri says.

“Forgive me, but we’re dealing with a murderer. I don’t care if it’s insulting. I’m not risking the suspect getting away,” Fielder says.

“Fine. Let’s go,” I hiss.

I lead the way, with Lowri by my side. Leaning down, I whisper to her, “This is a shit show. Not only did a member of the public die, but also, my employee may have murdered him.”

She nods.

46

LOWRI

We’re all in a foul mood as we traipse to the theater. I’m pissed that Fielder is being secretive about his suspect, not to mention he’s dissing the Athena’s security. Sean’s worried about the hotel’s reputation, and Fielder is grumbling about the lack of respect for authority.

Sean’s perfected the art of walking and texting. I assume he’s alerting Daniel to the situation, but I doubt that’s required. A bunch of police officers lurking about wouldn’t go undetected by the massive camera system in the Athena. Daniel should already be on his way to the theater.

I know I’m right when Sean shows me his phone’s display.

Sean: Police are going to arrest performer for murder. Get to the theater NOW!

Daniel: Already on my way. Who is being arrested?

Sean: It’s apparently a secret. Don’t let anyone leave the theater. Make sure all exits are covered.

Daniel: Will do.

I nod. As we continue walking, Fielder makes a call. I strain to overhear the conversation he’s having with his team. His short one-word responses aren’t helpful.

“Mr. Cartwright, everyone’s in place. Call off your security. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“I will not. My security is here to make sure none of my employees or guests are hurt when you attempt to arrest someone you refuse to identify. We could easily arrange to detain the person if only you would work with us. Given your stubbornness, I have no choice but to have my team protect our people,” Sean says.

“Fine. We’ll coordinate with Daniel. You and Lowri stay a safe distance back. This person has already killed once. We don’t know what they will do in response to our attempt to arrest them.”

Fielder places another call to his team and arranges for them to explain the plan to Daniel.

We enter the theater through a side entrance near the stage. Our presence is obscured by the booming music and the darkness of the seating areas. The only light focuses on the two performers on stage. Reese and Amelia are rehearsing an acrobatic scene where they dance together high above the stage, each supported by their limbs entwined in silks. They’re mesmerizing to watch.

Suddenly, the music stops, the house lights turn on, and at least ten police officers and Athena security guards storm the stage while Reese and Amelia dangle from their silks.

“What the hell is going on?” Reese yells.

“I’m Detective Fielder and these are members of the Las Vegas police department. We need you both to slowly lower yourself to the stage.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Amelia asks.

“It will be easier to talk when we don’t have to yell. Please come down,” Fielder says in a calm, but firm, voice.