Part 3 (2/2)

Down the center of the casino was a line of large birdcages hanging from the ceiling. Inside were nude dancers. A few of the cages had more than one girl and they were making out. h.e.l.l, it was more than making out. It was erotic and kind of sleazy at the same time.

Note to self: Don't look up. Holy c.r.a.p. Eyes forward.

The girls were a distraction so that people didn't pay attention to how much money they were losing. She knew that. Still, though Mariska had partied hard in her early college days, hitting some of the not-so-lovely bars in Austin, New Orleans, Vegas and L.A., she'd never seen anything like this.

Jackson glided in with his arm around her shoulders. The warmth of him helped her get her bearings in the sea of people. He moved as if he knew exactly where he was going. She walked beside him, and admired Jackson's way of looking like he owned the room. The man definitely didn't lack self-confidence, which was the exact opposite of how she felt.

Now that they were in, her stomach tightened with unease. She felt completely overwhelmed.

This was a dumb idea. We're never going to find him in this mess. Seconds after she thought it, she spotted Gladstone. He was across the large expanse where the slot and poker machines were lined up.

She must have tensed, because Jackson leaned down and whispered against her ear. ”Where is he?”

He's good. Jackson was so in tune with everything around him that even her slight movement caused him to take notice. She reached up and touched his cheek to help with the charade and to hide their lips as she whispered back, ”Straight ahead and to the left. End chair at the big table.”

Jackson hugged her, and then kissed her again, lingering a little longer than necessary for their theatrics. She didn't mind a bit.

”Good job. Now follow me.” He winked at her.

Jeez, if he didn't stop touching her like that she would melt into the floor. Seriously, she'd be the wicked witch of the west in a puddle, or was that the wicked witch of the east. She could never remember.

If Jackson knew what he did to her, he'd run for his life. His touch around her shoulders sent electricity through her body, heating and teasing. Her nipples tightened, which was unfortunate since the thin halter she wore didn't hide much.

Great. They really are going to think I'm cheap eye candy.

Taking their time crossing the floor, they watched some of the tables for a few minutes. Then they stopped to play roulette, and Mariska won. ”Oh, my, Gawd. This is so much fun!

”I've never been this lucky,” she said as she cashed in her coins for bills. Since her purse was barely big enough to hold her phone and lipstick she handed the money to Jackson.

”That's how they pull you in,” he said under his breath as he led her toward Gladstone. They were close enough now that she could see the lines of worry etched in the other man's face, shadowed by a couple of days' whisker growth. His pile of chips wasn't very high.

”My guess is he's been here for at least two days. He probably started out with a big wad of cash and now he thinks he can win it all back.” Jackson took her hand in his and moved into the crowd that surrounded the table. There were four other men and the dealer playing. It was a form of poker but she didn't recognize the game.

When Jackson let go of her hand and moved forward she was shocked.

”Desmond, is that you?” Jackson had waited for a lull in the action while the dealer shuffled the cards. He stepped forward and stuck out his hand.

The other man shook it but had a look of uncertainty on his face.

Jackson carried on his ruse. ”What the heck are you doing here?” He tilted his head back toward Mariska. ”The little woman is here with me. Where's your wife? She was complaining this morning that I was no fun shopping, maybe the girls could spend the day together tomorrow.” He glanced at his watch. ”Make that later today.”

Desmond Gladstone wasn't sure what to think of Jackson. She could tell from the wary look in his eyes. Bloodshot eyes that revealed he'd been at the table way too long, and it looked as if he'd had one too many drinks.

Alcohol could make a man stupid. h.e.l.l, it could make a woman stupid. She'd made plenty of mistakes after a few too many. His hair was mussed, and though he was in his early thirties according to the background report the agency sent, he appeared much older, haggard and unhealthy, as if he hadn't had a decent meal or a shower in days.

Jackson continued the charade, looking around as if trying to find the other man's wife. Gladstone took the bait.

It wasn't surprising since Jackson was so d.a.m.n convincing. The man should have been a star in Hollywood for the show he put on. He acted as if he'd known Gladstone all his life, and even Mariska would have believed the scheme if she didn't know the truth.

”She's back in the States. I'm here on business.” Gladstone shook his head as if he'd been in a daze, then he sat a little straighter in his chair as if to make himself look more important.

Monkey business. She couldn't help it. Gladstone's poor wife was back home worried sick and here he was in the middle of a card game. Of course if the wife had mentioned a gambling problem, it would have made the agency's job much easier.

”We were going to grab a late dinner. When do you think you'll be finished here? We'd love to catch up. Do you know it's been almost two-” Jackson was interrupted by a large man who stepped in front him.

The man barked an order, and Jackson held his hands up. ”Hey, I'm only trying to say hi to an old friend.” He leaned around the burly man. ”We'll wait for you and then we'll head out for some dim sum.”

Gladstone glanced down at his chips and a look of defeat washed over his face. ”Shouldn't be long.” It wasn't.

After four more hands, Mar watched as the man slid his chips forward, calling, ”All in.” She held her breath, her nerves raw with antic.i.p.ation. He's a friggin' lunatic, or he has a really good hand.

When he flipped up the three kings, she thought he'd won. Then another man at the end of the table had five spades.

Gladstone's head fell to his hands in despair.

”A flush will kill you every time,” Jackson said beside her. He'd taken her hand again and she appreciated the calming effect he had on her.

That was until he motioned with his eyes to the side door. She gave a slight nod that she understood.

Oh, h.e.l.l, we're making a break for it.

”Well, old man. You can't win them all,” he said to Gladstone. ”How about you come with us and we'll buy you some dinner. Looks to me like you could use a break from the tables.”

Gladstone stared blankly ahead as if he didn't hear Jackson.

”Hey, Earth to Des. Come on, let's go eat,” Jackson encouraged the man. ”It's on me.”

The other man finally glanced up. ”Uh. Sure.”

The dealer pointed a finger. ”Markers?” He told Gladstone. ”You have good credit here. We take care of you and you can win money back.” The stilted English wasn't lost on Mar. They didn't want Gladstone to get up from the table.

The bouncer guy, who had stepped in front of Jackson, put a hand on Gladstone's shoulder. ”You stay.”

Jackson s.h.i.+fted so he was inches from the big burly man, and Mar wondered if he was getting ready to take out the bodyguard. They'd have to make a run for it if he did that, and she wasn't exactly sure she could manage it in four-inch heels. Though, with the adrenaline pumping through her veins she had a feeling she'd make a good go of it. Everyone seemed so tense, and the bodyguard looked as if he'd have no problem pummeling Jackson.

Moving two steps closer, Jackson gave the bodyguard a wink. ”Hey guys, I'll bring him back, but the man needs to eat. Surely you can spare him long enough to have a quick meal with friends. I'm sure he wants a chance to win his money back.”

Gladstone shrugged the guard's hand off his shoulder. ”I'll be back, but I'd like to spend some time with my friends,” he said to them.

”Maybe I'll even come back and play a few rounds.” Jackson gave the table an affable smile. ”I think I'd very much like a chance to win my friend's money back from you guys.”

Gladstone stepped down from the platform where the table sat and stood beside Jackson. ”Okay, buddy. Let's find us dim sum.” Moving a protective arm around the other man's shoulder he used his other hand to motion Mar to walk in front of them. ”Keep moving and don't stop even if the guards say something,” he whispered to her.

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