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I leave the clubhouse, my mind spinning with questions. What is this ‘deal’ Ace is talking about? Who is really in charge in Vegas? The city’s neon lights draw me in, and I can feel the enormity of the situation. My thirst for answers drives me forward, and I will soon uncover the truth.
Settling back on my bike, I hit the road and head toward the Vegas strip. The hotel V had booked for me looms in the distance. The city lights of Las Vegas glimmer and dance in the night sky, the neon signs of casinos and hotels pulsing with energy and excitement. The streets are bustling with people, their colorful clothes and elaborate costumes caught in the flickering lights as I approach my hotel.
I follow the signs until I find a motorcycle spot in the parking garage. Collecting my things, I head inside and check in before heading to my room.
The room, it turns out, is a suite. A full-kitchen sits just off the entrance, and a sitting room lies behind it. The separate bedroom with an ornate gold king-size bed lies on the left side of the suite. Depositing my saddlebag onto the bed, I retrieve my phone and call Raze. He answers on the second ring.
“Did you make contact?” he asks, his voice gruff.
“I did. Went about as well as you expected.”
“I had a feeling. Ace has never gone quiet like this.” Raze sighs heavily on the other end of the line.
“His club is in deep with someone.”
“Any idea who?” Raze asks, his voice low and serious.
“Not yet,” I respond, walking over to the kitchen to grab a beer from the refrigerator. “Ace was being evasive. Talking about a deal they made that’s going to leave them sitting pretty for years to come.”
“A deal?” Raze repeats, sounding just as puzzled as I feel.
“Yeah, that’s all he would say about it, but I got the feeling that it’s something big.”
Raze is silent for a moment, then he says, “Okay, keep digging. See if you can learn more about this deal and who they’re involved with. We need to know what we’re up against.”
“I will,” I say, taking a long swig of my beer. “But, Raze, I don’t like the feel of this. They’re up to something, and I don’t think it will be good for us.”
“I know,” Raze says grimly. “Just be careful. Ace is a tricky son of a bitch. Watch your six.”
“I’ll be careful,” I promise, hanging up the phone and leaning against the kitchen counter. The weight of the situation settles in my chest like a stone. The Vegas chapter is up to something big, and I’m the only one who can find out what it is. It’s a daunting task, but I won’t back down. I sip my beer, steeling myself for what’s to come.
Whatever’s in store, I’m ready for it.
CHAPTER 4
CHARLOTTE
The drive to Las Vegas is filled with horrible off-key singing and talking. In six hours, it feels as if I have caught up on everything that has happened while we were apart. I hate to admit it, but Minny was right. I really need this time with her. My marriage to Terrance had stolen that time from us. I’m not going to squander a second of this trip, even if the thought of being around so many people sets me on edge. Terrance has done many things, but hating large crowds came with me into the marriage.
As we get closer to the city, the excitement in the car becomes palpable. We’re both giddy with anticipation, eager to lose ourselves in the madness of the Strip. Minny takes a deep breath, her eyes shining with excitement. “This is going to be the weekend of a lifetime,” she says.
We pull into our hotel parking lot, and Minny jumps out of the car before I’ve even had a chance to turn off the engine. I grab our bags from the trunk and follow her inside, my heart beating a little faster with every step.
The lobby is crowded, the air thick with the scent of cigarettes and cheap perfume. Minny leads us to the front desk, where a perky receptionist greets us with a bright smile.
“Welcome to the Luxor!” she chirps, handing us our key. “I hope you enjoy your stay!”
Minny takes the key from her hand and practically skips toward the elevators. I can’t help but smile at her infectious energy. This is exactly what I need—a weekend to forget about the stress of work and enjoy myself.
Stepping into our room, I’m blown away by the view. We’re on one of the hotel’s upper floors, and I can see the entire Strip stretched out before me. The lights are blinding, the energy electric.
I step to large windows and jerk back the curtains. As the sun sets in the West, millions of lights twinkle against the darkening sky. It reminds me so much of seeing Los Angeles from the hills—the never fully-dark sky with so many homes and businesses illuminating it.
“Pretty, isn’t it? There’s something about that view that just makes me smile,” Minny declares while pulling out a dress from her bag and tossing it to me. I barely catch it.
“What’s this?” I ask, peering down at the scrap of black fabric in my hands.
“Your dress. We’re going out.”
