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Eighteen
“There she is!” Ashley waved at me from the makeshift stage on the casino floor. “Get over here!”
I smiled, greeting people as I passed. When I reached my colleagues, Ashley grabbed my hand. “Everything okay?” Her warm brown eyes looked me head to toe.
“Perfect.”
Scott threw his arm around my shoulders. “Where’d you run off to?”
“Last minute snafu. It’s all taken care of, and I’m ready to celebrate.” I snagged a champagne flute off a passing tray and followed my co-owners onto the stage.
Joey was already up there, microphone in hand. He thanked the crowd for coming, SA Designs for our excellent work, and the city of St. Louis for being the best hometown he could ask for. There was cheering, clapping, and a call for more champagne.
I walked the floor, getting lost in the lights and sounds. Not in my wildest dreams did I expect the casino to turn out so well. The night was a success on all fronts.
“Mrs. Moretti. You’re needed up in the boss’s office,” a suited floor security guard discreetly said while maintaining a respectful distance.
“Tell them I’ll be right up.”
He gave me a firm nod and pressed his earpiece while relaying the message. “Ma’am. I’ll escort you up.”
“Wonderful.”
I followed him through the maze of machines to a set of stairs leading up to the casino's control center. Past the bank of security cameras was an executive office with one-way glass that looked over the gaming tables.
The guard opened the door for me but didn’t follow me inside. Instead, he closed me in with Marco, Joey, Aldo, Frankie, Mickie, and Taz.
“Gang’s all here.” I sighed and leaned against the door.
Marco sat back in the chair behind the desk, a frown so deep on his face I was sure he was creating new wrinkles. “What the fuck were you thinking?”
“What? No thank you?” I shoved off the door and downed the rest of my champagne. “I did what you couldn’t. You’re welcome.”
“Sasha?” Luca’s voice filled the room, and my step faltered.
“Luca?”
“Baby, what were you thinking?” He sounded tired, and I glared at Marco for dragging him into this mess.
“I was thinking that if I didn’t handle it, you’d be spending the next twenty years behind bars.” I slammed the empty champagne flute on the desk. “A better question is if anyone has let Zoe and Tootsie know.” Everyone fell silent. “What now?”
“Now, we pick off any remaining Cy sympathizers.” Marco glanced at Frankie, who nodded.
“Round them up.”
“Sasha, sit down.” Marco pinched the bridge of his nose.
I set my palms on the edge of the desk and leaned forward. “Marco, fuck off.”
“Sasha,” Luca called out. “You need to calm down.”
“No! They were going to let tonight slip away, expecting me to wait while they came up with a new plan.” I glared at Marco. “I did what I had to. It’s done.”
“I never wanted—”
“For me to be a part of this. I know. But Luca? I am.”
Marco’s face softened as he stood. “She’s right. We’re going to proceed as planned. By the end of the week, it should be safe for Tootsie and Zoe to come home.”
