Page 67 of Strip Search

The breakfast buffet was a work of art. I had steak and eggs and a side of hash browns. I was considering going up and getting an omelet when Jackie's phone rang.

“I don't recognize the number,” she said, “But it could be Lisa.”

“You better take it. I'm going up for round two. Do you want something?”

“Chocolate croissant.”

I nodded and left to fill my plate. When I got back, our coffees had been refilled, but Jackie had her head in her hands.

“Did something happen?” I asked as a wave of alarm when through me.

She lifted her head. Her eyes were brimming over with tears. I snatched her hand and rubbed it. Then I noticed she was grinning like a fool.

“Travestycalled me back. They narrowed down to five people and I'm one of the five.”

“That's fantastic. When do they want to see you?”

“Tonight. Apparently, one of the backers is flying in and wants a say in the casting. It's at seven p.m. We should be back by then, right?”

“Plenty of time. But we should finish up here so we're there when the winery opens.”

“Good idea.” Jackie got up to leave, but I tugged her down.

“We've got time to finish your coffee and chocolate croissant.”

“Right,” she said. “I'm still reeling. I never thought I'd make it this far. They actually called me back. Thank goodness I wasable to sub in my information for Lisa's. That way Zimmerman never has to know.”

“Unless you get the job.”

Jackie shook her head. “I can't think about that now. One step at a time. If I start making plans, and it doesn't happen, I'll be crushed.”

I felt a flicker of satisfaction that she was considering taking the job. I wouldn't push now, but I was going to make it very easy for her to say yes to staying in Las Vegas with me.

“It will be good to see Lisa and talk to her,” Jackie said, cupping her coffee mug in her hands.

“Are you sure she'll want to see you?”

“Probably not,” Jackie said. “But ask me if I give a fuck.”

That's my girl.

The drive out to the winery was uneventful and we were the first ones in for the tour. Jackie immediately went into the bar area and I followed. It was a tourist trap, with wine barrel tables and fussy chairs. I wasn't much for wine. I just wanted this over as quickly as possible so Jackie could concentrate on her second audition.

“Is Lisa Mitchell working today?” Jackie asked one of the bartenders, who had a set of wine glasses in front of her and several open bottles.

“No, she quit last week.”

“What?”

The woman flinched at Jackie's vehemence.

“Sorry,” Jackie apologized. “It's just that I've come all the way from New York to see her and she mentioned that she was working here.”

“Yeah, that sounds like Lisa. She's only interested in one person, herself.”

Jackie opened her mouth to argue, but then switched gears. “Parker isn't here is he?”

“Parker who?”