Hazard Play (12 page)

“What’s our next move?”

“As much as Lucius didn’t want anything to do with me, he agreed to meet us for lunch today. You played him just right, Contessa. He likes you.”

“I didn’t ‘play’ him. He’s sweet...and I’m still not convinced that he’s this evil crook. Something doesn’t add up.” Tess toyed with her silverware.

“Look, I know what you mean, but crooks are successful because they’re sneaky; they know how to trick people. There is incontestable proof that he did it. I checked out all the evidence after I was assigned the case. He took the money and it’s my job to get him and the money back to the company.” Bailey motioned for the waiter and they ordered breakfast.

* * *

“Ms. Wycliff, so delightful to see you again.” Lucius beamed as he pumped her hand. “You look lovely in blue. It brings out your eyes.”

“That’s sweet of you to say. Please call me Tess. You’ll let me call you Thomas, won’t you?” She couldn’t help but smile at his obvious pleasure in seeing her.

“How’d your luck go last night after we left?” Bailey was acting more naturally today.

“So-so. I always decide beforehand how much I’ll gamble and if I get ahead of that, I stop. It wouldn’t do to go into debt, you know.” Lucius pursed his lips and frowned. “I don’t approve of people who cannot handle their finances. That causes them to take rash steps, which usually puts them in financial exigency.” 

There it was again. Tess had the unshakeable feeling that there was more to this embezzlement than met the eye. Lucius seemed to care about people and that meant he wouldn’t steal someone else’s money. And his comments about taking care of finances told her he wouldn’t
let
himself get into debt. 

What was going on? She stole a look at Bailey. He exchanged glances with her and imperceptibly shrugged his shoulders. Good. He’d picked up the same feeling.

“I ran into an acquaintance of yours last night.”

“Someone I know?” She hadn’t told anyone her plans.

“Miss Devere met you here at the hotel, didn’t she?”

Tess swallowed. “Miranda? Yes, she did.” She didn’t dare look at Bailey.

“Well, she told me you suggested she speak with me about her financial difficulties.”

Tess cleared her throat. “You sounded so knowledgeable last night. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all. I was skeptical at first; you can’t be too careful about unscrupulous people, you know.”

“I guess not.” This man could not be a criminal.

“But once she told me you sent her, I knew she must be okay. I gave her some steps to consolidate her debt.”

“Is she still here?” Tess asked, risking a brief glance at Bailey.

“Oh, no. She said she was going back home this morning.”

I doubt that.
Especially, if she’s as competitive as Bailey says.

Bailey broke in. “Are you ready to go to lunch? I thought we could drive down to Reno for a change in scenery. Maybe gamble a little, afterwards.”

“I guess Reno would be fine, but you must let me help pay for gas. I always like to pay my share.” Lucius took a small calculator out of his jacket pocket and punched in some numbers. “Now, it’s fifty-eight and one-half miles from here to Reno. At the current cost of gas, divided by two, I will owe you—”

“Whoa, partner. My sister and I were going to lunch there anyway, so you don’t owe us anything.”

“No, no. If you won’t let me share the gas, I’ll buy lunch.” Lucius was firm, even though his voice did waver a little.

“Let’s talk about this when we get there, Thomas.” Tess wanted to get to know him better. There had to be another explanation.  Perhaps someone had framed him. Lucius was so trusting; he might be the victim here, along with the company that had hired Bailey.

The drive was uneventful, although Tess was more convinced than ever that Lucius was an innocent man. He spoke of the volunteer work he did with the elderly, visiting them on a weekly basis, doing errands such as bringing their favorite magazines or picking up their prescriptions.

They settled on a Mexican restaurant for lunch and ordered. Tess kept silent while Bailey tried to get Monroe to talk about the money. “So, Thomas, given your business background, I’m surprised you gamble. You must have quite a tidy nest egg tucked away to feel you can afford ‘games of chance.’”

“Oh, no. Not really a lot of money. I have what I consider discretionary funds that I predetermined would not adversely affect my financial health should I lose. It is like Monopoly money, if you will. The key is to learn the games and play the odds properly.”

“Even smart people can find themselves in debt. Investments can be so volatile. Playing the market is a gamble. You’ve never worried about that?” Tess would bet her last dollar that Lucius was honest.

Lucius sipped his ice tea. “A person who does their homework can minimize their investment risks. Gambling for sport is quite different. I have made a study of gambling and it can be a science, if properly conducted. Oh, my, I sound so egotistical.” He turned to Tess. “Forgive me, dear lady. I don’t know what came over me.”

Tess reached over and patted his hand. “Shh, I’m having a wonderful time learning about you. Don’t be sorry. You two will have to excuse me. I’m going to freshen up.” She had to get away from the table to think and talk with Bailey...alone. 

She went to the pay phone and texted him. “Bailey, we need to talk. Tell Lucius you need to make a call. See you in the hallway.”

Tess was pacing when Bailey met her. “This man is not a crook, no matter what evidence you’ve seen.”

“Settle down, Contessa. I admit he’s likeable, but so was Robin Hood. What do you expect me to do about it? I have to go by the facts.” He put his hand on her arm as if to reassure her.

“I don’t know. Sit him down and ask him point blank what’s going on? He doesn’t sound like he’s going to tell you about a couple of million dollars stashed in a Swiss bank account anyway, does he?”

“You’re right. He’s playing things pretty close to the vest. Okay, how about this? When we return to Tahoe, I’ll invite him up to the room for drinks. I’ll give him a chance to talk. He still skipped, through, and I have to take him back.” Bailey combed his fingers through his hair.

“You’ll see. Lucius is one of the good guys. Thanks.” She looked around the hallway, saw no one there, and reached up to give him a quick kiss on his mouth.

“Rand won’t give up. She was casing her options when she talked with Monroe. I would’ve made my move soon, anyway to beat her to the punch. Let’s get back. You go first.”

Returning to the table, Bailey said, “The Grand Sierra is the best place to play. Have you ever been there, Thomas?”

“This is my first visit to Reno. I haven’t budgeted for daylight gambling, so I’ll have to rework some numbers to see if I play.” He looked at Tess. “My dear, did you plan for a spontaneous trip?”

“I have enough to cover my buy-in. I promise I’ll be careful.” Touched with his concern, she promised herself she’d get to the bottom of his alleged crime. The facts weren’t adding up.

In the end, Thomas/Lucius decided he didn’t have the capital he wanted to play, so Bailey opted to keep him company in the bar while Tess found a game. There were eight tables in the poker room, but some of them had only four or five players. Bailey had told Tess to act naturally, so she picked one of them. Six was her lucky number. For a no-limit table, she usually put in two hundred dollars. She seldom needed more. She couldn’t help the thrill of anticipation snaking down her back as she settled into the chair.

“Gentlemen. I’m Tess.” She arranged her chips as the casino dealer sent out the first hand.
Pair.
Not great. Flop. 3 of a kind. 4s. Raise. Turn. Nothing. Check. River. 4 of a kind. Raise. Called. Showdown.
Tess collected the pot.

Of her five opponents, only one had experience. The others were vacationers, like the role she was playing. She had no intention of ruining their trip by taking them down. Focusing on the skilled one, a man about fifty, they went head to head. Sometimes, he won the pot. More often, she won. Occasionally, she folded when she could have played on had she wanted to risk it. When she’d won a thousand dollars, she cashed out and went to find the guys.

The two men had a table in the corner of the bar. Bailey stood and Tess slid into the booth so she’d be between them. “I’m buying.” She told them about the game.

“Excellent, Miss Tess. Be sure you keep those winnings. Many people get lured into losing everything for the momentary thrill.” He patted her hand.

He was such a sweet man. “Thomas, do I see a drink in front of you?”

“I do, on occasion, partake of an alcoholic beverage. Only one, of course, and no more. It wouldn’t do to overindulge,” he said.

“Good for you.” Tess thought she might be able to get him to open up if he were more relaxed. This might be her opportunity.

“What would you like, Sis?” She spared a glance at Bailey and the look in his eyes was anything but brotherly. She’d have to be careful not to linger because his expression caused heat to slide through her body, settling low and sweet.

“Vodka cranberry,” she said. “Thomas, we haven’t gotten a chance to know each other very well. Are you from here?”

“I’m visiting.” Thomas took a nervous sip of his screwdriver.

“Family?” She smiled reassuringly. “I brought mine with me.”

Under the table, Bailey put his hand on her thigh, bringing her warmth as well as excitement. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Again his expression showed what his words couldn’t. He meant it. Her limbs felt heavy and she unconsciously leaned toward him before correcting herself. She turned back to the quaint little man she believed was innocent and waited for his answer.

He cleared his throat. “No. I am actually meeting the niece of a client about their account tonight.”

“A working trip, then,” Bailey said.

Lucius took his handkerchief from his breast pocket and dabbed at his forehead as if it were hot. “More or less. Miss Clarissa Beaumont is looking at her relatives’ account that my company manages.” He dabbed again.

Tess felt sorry for him. He was clearly uncomfortable with the conversation. “Do you have any questions about us?” She didn’t want him to shut down. She felt that the more she learned, the closer to the truth she’d get.

“I wouldn’t want to pry, my dear.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not prying if we volunteer information. I’m a home health care nurse and I have a lot of elderly patients. I admire you for caring about older people.”

“You aren’t married? I notice you have the same name as your brother.”

“I’m a little gun shy. My last relationship ended painfully and I’m afraid, I guess, of risking my heart.”

She heard Bailey release a sigh. More like a faint exhalation and she felt his gentle touch. “I’ve never felt the need to settle down,” he said. “Lately though, finding and being with a good woman is looking more and more enticing.”

Tess was speechless. Was Bailey trying to send her a message? Maybe she could send a message back. “A woman would be lucky to have a guy like you.”

“I think there’s always time to love,” said Lucius.

“What about you, Thomas?” Bailey smiled warmly. Tess thought he was softening toward the man he’d been sent to capture.

He blushed. “Oh, my. I’m afraid I don’t get out much. And women don’t care for my type.” He looked at them. “At least, they haven’t for as long as I can remember. I never had many dates in high school or college.”

Tess reached under the table and squeezed Bailey’s hand to share the moment. “Thomas, you’ll find the right woman. And she’ll recognize how wonderful you are.”

They fell silent for a moment.

“That’s enough of that, dear friends.” Thomas straightened in his seat. “I really must get back in time for my meeting with Miss Beaumont.”

“Of course,” said Tess. “We’ll leave now.”

Thomas excused himself and left them alone.

“Bailey, do you really think he’s a crook?” Tess clutched his arm for emphasis.

He stroked her cheek as if he couldn’t keep from touching her. “Honey, I have a job to do. I need to take him in. If he’s innocent, it’s up to the courts and lawyers to prove it.”

The drive back to Tahoe was uneventful. As they left the car, Lucius said, “Thank you for the delightful day.”

“Thomas, let’s have dinner tonight.” Bailey put forth his most charming smile. “You can meet us at Tess’s room.”

“Yes, Thomas. We’d love to visit more.” Tess was nervous about confessing her part in the scam to catch him. Hopefully, when they got him to explain what happened to the money, he would understand why they’d done it.

“I suppose I could. You’re very kind. I’m so glad I’ve run into such nice people,” Lucius said. “I must freshen up before I have my meeting. With that, he left them.

He was innocent. Perhaps tonight, she would be proven right.

Rand entered the house to the sound of drilling in the area of her bedroom. Danny McLeod’s work ethic pleased her. He hadn’t lost any time in starting the remodel. He’d asked her not to look at his progress until he let her. She’d agreed because of the novelty. It also didn’t hurt to rein in her need to control anything and everything around her. She’d kept her word and hadn’t looked.

She set the grocery sack on the kitchen counter and unloaded it. Opening the refrigerator door to put away the eggs, she saw a six-pack of Grapette shared the shelf with her iced tea. She smiled. A hunk like Danny drank Grapette? Another surprising piece of information about her contractor. She’d offered him the use of the fridge so he could bring his lunch with him. She took out a can.

She went into the bedroom and waited for a break in the noise. “Danny,” she called out when the drilling stopped.

The bathroom door opened and he came out, closing it behind him. “Yeah?”

She handed him the soda and watched him pop the top and take a long drink.

“Thanks. I was ready for a drink.”

“So, when did you get hooked on that?” She indicated the soda.

“Five years old. My dad took me to the grocery store and I saw that bright purple can and he said it tasted like sweet grapes. I was sold.” He took a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped it across his sweaty forehead.

“I pictured you as a Bud man.”

“I wouldn’t turn it down in a social occasion, but I don’t think my boss would want me drinking and drilling.” He smiled conspiratorially.

She laughed. “Point taken and your boss appreciates your diligence. Drink all the Grapette you want.”

He handed her the can. “Thanks. I’d better get back to it. I have another hour before I leave.” He paused. “Have you looked in the bathroom?”

“No, I gave my word.” She held up two scout’s honor fingers.

“Good. I promise it’ll be worth the wait.”

Rand left the bedroom and checked her phone messages in the Think Tank room. Bailey had left a “stay the hell away from Lucius Monroe” voice mail, which meant Monroe had told him about their meeting. She’d have to make her move soon if she wanted to get her bounty. She spent the next hour refining her strategy to take Monroe into custody.

Danny stopped in the door to the Think Tank. “Hey, just wanted to tell you I’m heading out and I’ll lock the front door on my way out.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

“I’ll be back tomorrow morning. If all goes well, I’ll finish the master bath late next week.”

Rand grinned. “I’d say I can’t wait, but since I promised I wouldn’t peek, I’ll let you do the honors.”

“I’ll be here when you get home. Take care.”

She waited until she heard the front door shut and then went to the front door. She watched him get in his truck and drive off. “You’re a good guy, Danny McLeod.”

Maybe she’d ask him to dinner when he was finished with the house projects. She’d never been afraid to defy tradition. If she liked a man, she’d ask him out. She hadn’t had many refusals.

Deciding she was hungry enough to cook dinner, she went to the kitchen and pulled out her pasta pan. Spaghetti sounded good. She turned on the stereo and began to cook down the sauce. The best decision she’d ever made was buying this house. This home. She’d never experienced such contentment. Life was good.

She heard a discordant sound from the other end of the house. Then a chilling silence. She turned off the stove, took the sauce off the burner and slipped off her sneakers. Her gun was in the bedroom, but if she were quick, she could retrieve it before an intruder knew she was there. Creeping along the wall of the hallway, she made her way to the master. Turning the corner, she ran into a giant of a man, his face hidden by a stocking mask. She kicked at his knee as hard as she could. He bellowed in pain. She couldn’t take him in a fight. He was double her weight. As she wheeled to run, another masked man appeared. He raised his hand and clocked her on the side of her head with his gun butt. Then it went black.

* * *

Danny arrived at Rand’s house around nine the next morning. He didn’t usually see her until later in the afternoon, but the garage door was open and her car was there. He took his toolbox out of the truck bed and walked up the driveway to the front entry. He always knocked first in case Rand had decided to work at home.

The door stood ajar. Danny frowned and pushed it open. “Rand?”

No answer. A large footed vase from a hallway table lay shattered on the hardwood floor, shards of green, blue and red strewn all the way to the kitchen. He stepped through the debris, uncaring whether he crushed the glass or not.
What the hell happened?

Danny wheeled at the sound of movement from the living room. Rand stood at the bottom of the sunken floor, both hands grasping the entry molding. He reached her in two steps.

“Careful.” Putting one arm around her waist to steady her, he helped her to the sofa. She leaned heavily against him before settling on the cushions.

“I’m fine.” The torn shoulder of her blouse and her disheveled hair didn’t lend any credence to her murmured comment. A trickle of blood traced its way down her temple.

“You don’t look fine. Sit there until I get back.” He found a washcloth in the hall bathroom, moistened it and hurried back.

Rand lay with her eyes closed. As reluctant as he was to disturb her, the source of the blood worried him. He knelt on the carpet in front of her and dabbed at the wound. She winced at the first touch.

“Sorry.”

“I’ve had worse.” She inhaled lightly as if it hurt to breathe. She tried to sit up and gave a sharp gasp before settling back again. “Maybe.”

“What happened?” he said as she took the cloth from him.

“I don’t suppose you’d buy I ran into a door?” She pressed the wet compress against the cut on her head. A huge purple and green bruise started on her forehead and extended down to the cut.

“That’s not funny.” His heart rate was just now resuming its normal pattern. “I’ll call the police.”

“Wait.” She grabbed his arm.

He stopped when she bit her lip in pain and dropped her hand. “Why?”

“There’s no point because I didn’t get a good look at them and they didn’t take anything.” She dabbed at the laceration some more.

The bleeding had stopped, but Danny was concerned about a possible concussion. “A doctor, then.”

“I told you it’s not bad. I’ll be okay.” She moistened her lips with her tongue. “It hurts but trust me, I’d go to a doctor if I thought it were serious.”

“You can’t know for sure. Lie still.” He rose and walked toward the kitchen phone.

“I said no, damn it.” She swung her legs off the couch and stood up. She took two steps, swayed. “Danny—”

He turned and reached her before she crumpled to the floor. Sweeping her up into his arms, he held her carefully. She nestled against his chest, her eyes closed. He took her into the master bedroom and put her on top of the coverlet, smoothing her hair away from her brow. She winced. “Sorry. I might’ve gotten another bump on the head.”

“Now do you see why you need to be checked out by a doctor?” He took her hand in both of his.

She shook her head.

He frowned. “I don’t get it.”

The color had returned to her face and she smiled faintly. “I guess you could say this is one of the downsides to my job.”

“And I don’t like you cracking jokes about a home invasion.” His grip tightened before he realized what he was doing. “Sorry.” He released her.

She took the washcloth from her forehead and put it on the nightstand. “I surprised them. They came in the back and must have thought I wasn’t at home.” She sat up halfway, paused and then completed the action. “That’s better.”

“Did they take anything?” Not that he cared, because if they’d taken everything she owned and left her alive, he was okay with that.

“When I came to, I heard them talking. They were looking for something to do with the case I’m working on. I pretended to be unconscious and they left.” She straightened her blouse. “My laptop was still in my car trunk and that’s where I keep all my research and notes. Since I had my hands full with my groceries, I hadn’t gone out and gotten it, yet.”

He paced over to the window and looked out at the Sierra Nevadas. “You won’t go to the police or the ER?”

“I promise you I’m okay. Thank you for helping.” She stood and joined him.

“I’m going to pick up a few things.” He used every bit of his willpower to keep his emotions under control. “Will you stay here and rest?”

“Yes. I need to get cleaned up.”

“Absolutely not when you’re alone. What if you get dizzy? You can’t be certain you don’t have a concussion. Promise me you won’t shower until I’m back.” He led her back to the bed and helped her lay down.

“Maybe you’re right. I’ll rest until you’re here.” Her voice got fainter as she spoke. Danny waited until she dropped off to sleep before securing the front door and leaving.

He was back forty-five minutes later with his backpack. He let himself in and put his things in the extra bedroom.  Then he called his boss at Harrah’s to tell him he was staying home with a sick friend, but had found a co-worker to cover his shift.

After he got off the phone, he went into Rand’s bedroom. She was still asleep. He’d been able to subdue the terror he’d felt when he thought she might be hurt or worse. It had helped that he needed to plan how he was going to get her to agree to him staying in her house. She was a strong woman, unused to asking for or accepting help.

He leaned down and touched her cheek. Even pale from her ordeal, she was stunning. Her copper-colored hair was shot through with gold highlights and the curls wound around his fingers as if they were alive.

She opened her eyes and he fell into their striking green depths. She inhaled sharply and caught her lower lip with her teeth. He couldn’t look away. Didn’t want to. Brushing his thumb over her lip, he tugged it loose. Its softness seemed to be made for kisses, his kisses.

“Danny.”

Her whisper broke the spell and he withdrew his hand. “Feeling better?” He was still inches away from her lips. She was so appealing. He straightened. Now that she was awake, he was more tempted than ever to grab her and kiss some sense into her. He’d never thought he’d be interested in an Olivia Benson-type, but this woman was like an irresistible force of nature he couldn’t resist. He didn’t want to.

“Yes.”

He helped her sit up. “If you’re feeling strong enough, I’ll help you to the hall bath. I’ll be right outside if you need anything. Deal?”

“Deal.” She smiled. Faintly, but she smiled.

He retrieved her robe from the hook on her door and helped her to the bathroom. “I’m waiting in the hall until you’re through.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“I’m still waiting.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall beside the bathroom door.

She rolled her eyes, which caused another wince, but she didn’t argue. She shut the door and a minute later, Danny heard the shower turn on. Fifteen minutes and the shower turned off. Rand opened the door wrapped in her fluffy yellow robe.

“I couldn’t wash my hair.” She frowned. “I feel like a weakling.”

“Lunchtime. I’ll warm up some soup.” He led her into the kitchen, handling her as gently as possible.

“I don’t have any soup in the house.”

Danny studied her. As fragile as she looked right now, he knew how strong she was and he had to handle her without making her feel out of control of the situation. “This isn’t canned soup. While I was gone, I stopped by my neighborhood deli and picked up some minestrone. It’s my favorite.”

She reached up and pushed back a few strands of hair. “It sounds good.” Rand stood. “I’ll get some bowls and spoons.”

“No, you won’t,” Danny said. “I’m waiting on you. Sit back down.” He thought for a minute she was going to fight him on this, and she looked like she considered it. However, she sank into the chair without a word.

Danny found the bowls, filled them and put them on the table. He pulled two spoons from a drawer and two napkins from the caddy near the fridge. “What would you like to drink? I made coffee, but you also have tea, so I can get that.”

“Coffee. Please.” She dipped her spoon into the soup, scooped up a portion and blew on it before swallowing. “Umm, so good.”

“Told you.” He brought coffee over for them both and sat. They ate without conversation for a few minutes.

“What time do you work at Harrah’s?” Rand asked. She looked more like the Rand he’d met less than two weeks ago. Her color was better and she looked more alert.

Here we go.
“I’m not going in tonight. I’m staying here in the extra bedroom tonight.”

For a minute, her face went blank. “Excuse me?”

“I’m staying here in the extra bedroom tonight.”

“I haven’t invited you,” she said evenly.

“I invited myself.” Danny leaned back in his chair. “Tell you what, let me know who I can call to stay with you and I’ll leave.”