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“You’re on edge.”
“I’m fine, Jade.” As the mayor headed in my direction, I exhaled. “Time for a show.”
“Remember, this is for charity. No matter who people think you are on the inside, this is the event they’ll remember for months to come.”
“Words of wisdom,” I told her, trying to smile as the man approached.
“Constantine Thorn. This is a fabulous event.”
“I’m glad you were able to make it, Mayor.”
As he shook my hand, I scanned the casino floor, nodding as several people acknowledged my presence.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And who is your companion for the evening?” Mayor Parker asked as he turned his attention to Jade.
“Jade Rollins, Mayor Joshua Parker.” She’d chosen to continue using Rollins, her Wellington name conjuring up additional bad memories.
“Lovely to meet you.” She held out her hand, her shake firm. The woman was tenacious as ever. “I understand you have some fascinating views on your city including the people you represent.”
He shot me a look and I couldn’t help but feel smug. “We can certainly get into a political discussion later if you’d like, Ms. Rollins, but tonight is about the children of our great city.”
“Yes, Mayor,” she said, her tone admonishing. “I hope you remember that.”
“You look very familiar, young lady. Are you from around here?”
“No, I’m from Miami, but I believe I will be staying for an extended period of time.” She squeezed my arm, keeping the same smile on her face from the moment she’d walked in. “As Mr. Thorn’s fiancée, I hope to become fully entrenched in his business operations.”
He seemed surprised. “I’m certain your assistance will be greatly appreciated.”
The mayor glanced toward me, but I’d already grown weary of the meet and greet.
“Have a fabulous evening, Mayor,” I told him in a brushoff, heading toward another area inside the casino.
“Here I thought you were a people person,” she said, half laughing.
“There is nothing worse than men who enjoy hearing themselves talk. That sums up the mayor. He’s also a hypocrite.”
“That I could tell. You’re worried that one of your enemies is going to rush into the building or the Feds will burst in and arrest you.”
While she was trying to tease me, I sensed she was anxious as well. I’d sent everything I had to Brogan, hoping his contacts could track down her father. So far, he’d experienced no further success than Barrett had.
“I’m worried that Danika’s lovely event will be destroyed.”
“Then don’t allow that to happen.”
I peered down at her, lifting my glass of champagne. As she touched hers to mine, the twinkle in her eyes reminded me of the night in the casino in Miami. She was a lioness in expensive clothing, waiting to pounce on anyone who stood in my way. I admired her more than I’d managed to say, but my concerns were growing. Several arrests had been made earlier in the day, men from the smaller cartel rounded up in stages. The evening news had been filled with officials linking their organization to several prominent citizens. The talk was about a cleanup of the city and there was no doubt it would continue.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tristen trying to garner my attention. While he’d milled the crowd, trying to get the vibe from anyone who might provide information as to the police’s intentions, he was actively attempting to head in my direction. I motioned to Zane before returning my attention to my lovely companion.
“Stay with Zane. Enjoy the festivities but do not try and leave his sight.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, but I need to check with several of my men.” There were several floors of the building, the bottom two containing casinos and dance clubs, restaurants and private rooms. There were well over two thousand people in attendance, more expected.
Zane flanked her side, giving me a nod. I squeezed her arm and headed toward Tristen. He finally pushed his way through the crowd. “What’s wrong?”
“The warehouse was just raided.”
