She couldn’t believe it. Jake playing hanger-on—she’d given him more credit than that.
Oh well, another loser. Too damn bad.
CHAPTER
48
AND SO KRIS PHOENIX HIT the stage like a fireball, bouncing around, filled with energy—all sprayed-on leather pants, spiked hair and cocky grin. Time had not slowed him down, and the audience went crazy. This was good old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll, and they loved it.
Madison remembered the first time she’d seen Kris Phoenix perform. Michael had taken her to an open-air concert in Central Park, and she’d fallen in love with the drummer from afar. She’d been fifteen and would’ve given anything to get backstage. But it was not to be. She and her dad had ended up eating hot dogs, while walking along Fifth Avenue. It was a good memory.
Michael. Daddy. She’d tried to put him out of her mind—but there were moments when it wasn’t possible. He was her father, the man she loved. And being estranged from him was incredibly painful.
The truth was she missed him.
How can you miss him? she asked herself scornfully.
Because I do.
That’s bullshit. He’s a murderer. HE KILLED YOUR MOTHER.
Nobody knows that for sure.
Oh yes you do.
“I’ll be right back,” she whispered to Natalie.
“Where you goin’?”
“Ladies’ room.”
She got up from the table and made her way to the back of the darkened room.
Kris was stomping across the stage, belting out one of his familiar hits. She didn’t care. She didn’t care about anything. If it wasn’t for Jamie she would’ve made a fast getaway.
The ladies’ room was empty except for an old woman with an enormous beehive hairdo who was stationed next to an ashtray filled with five- and ten-dollar bills. No cheap tipping at this hotel.
“Hello, luv,” the old crone said in a thick cockney accent. “Missing the show?”
“Looks like it.”
“Farrah Fawcett was in ’ere earlier,” the old woman confided. “Still got that lovely hair, she ’as.”
“Good for her,” Madison muttered, shutting herself in a stall.
Damn Jamie for coming to Vegas. It was such a bad idea, and now she, Madison, was supposed to be the one to save her, because she couldn’t depend on Natalie. It simply wasn’t fair. Didn’t she have enough to deal with?
She emerged from the stall.
“I used t’have lovely hair,” the old woman said with a mournful sigh. “I was a showgirl ’ere in the early days. Nearly went out with Bugsy Siegal, I did.”
Madison fished out a twenty and left it in the ashtray. Then she hurried from the room, and bumped straight into Jake. Literally.
“You know what I hate?” he said.
“Dating teenagers?” she said breathlessly.
“Ancient rock stars in too-tight pants with socks stuffed in their crotch.”
“You know what I hate?” she said.
“Tell me.”
“Men who sleep in my bed for a week, run off to Paris and never call.”
“You know what I like?”
“Can’t wait.”
“A quiet dinner for two in a romantic restaurant, which—believe me—is not easy to find in Vegas.”
She sighed wistfully. “Sounds good.”
He took her arm. “Then let’s go.”
“Can’t.”
“Why?”
“It’s too complicated.”
“What’s complicated?”
“Everything.”
“C’mon, Madison—I don’t have time to fight about this.”
“You’ve got to understand, Jake, I really would like to have dinner with you, but I’ve got this girlfriend, Jamie, and she’s in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“The man kind, of course.”
“Wanna tell me about it? Maybe I can help solve it. I’m a guy, you know.”
“Really?” she said, shooting him an amused look. “I was beginning to forget.”
He grinned. “And she’s quick with the quips.”
She loved his grin—it was boyish and yet very masculine.
Why am I punishing myself? she thought. What’s wrong with enjoying myself with Jake and not taking it too seriously. After all, tomorrow I’m turning thirty. Better do something to celebrate.
“Okay,” she said. “Here’s the sad story. Jamie discovered her husband was having an affair.”
“Happens all the time, doesn’t it?”
“The affair he’s having is with another man.”
“Oh—not so good.”
“Exactly.”
“So how are you helping?”
“Jamie’s in Vegas . . . she came here to uh . . . sleep with Kris Phoenix.”
“Does she know him?”
“Of course she does. He’s been coming on to her for a while. Except now he has a permanent girlfriend by the name of Amber Rowe.”
“The actress?”
“That’s the one.”
“So how is your friend planning to jump into bed with him?”
“That’s the problem. I have to prevent her from making a fool of herself, because Amber is very much in evidence, and Jamie is under the impression she can get any man she wants. Usually it’s true.”
“So, you’re telling me we can’t have dinner ’cause you’ve got to protect this friend of yours?”
“That’s what friendship’s all about, isn’t it?”
“How about we both go protect her?”
“And what would you do with your teenage assistant?”
“What am I supposed to do?”
“You’re with her, aren’t you?”
“No. Antonio asked us both if we wanted to come along tonight. She’s a big Kris Phoenix fan and said yes. I tagged along because I was looking for you. When I saw you go to the ladies’ room I was right behind you.”
“You can’t leave her alone with Antonio. He’s a sexual predator, and she’s a baby.”
“Here’s the deal,” Jake said. “As soon as the concert’s finished I’ll send her home in a cab, you’ll take your girlfriend back to her hotel, then you and I will have a late romantic dinner. How does that sound?”
“I . . . uh . . . don’t know.”
“Well, I do,” he said. “You think I’m an undependable schmuck, and I probably am. But I thought I explained to you when we had dinner in L.A. last year, that after my wife was killed in a car wreck, I couldn’t get over the feeling that somehow or other it was my fault.” A long beat. “Here’s the thing, Madison. I don’t want anything happening to you.” Another long beat. “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s why I can’t get involved.”
“We’re not talking involved,” she said heatedly. “I just got out of an involved relationship with someone who dumped me. So I’m not thrilled when people leave and don’t bother to call. Anyway,” she added, “didn’t you tell me that you and your wife were separated when she was killed?”
“That’s right. But the night she died we’d gotten together and ended up having a big fight, so maybe she wasn’t concentrating. I dunno, Madison, but somehow I feel responsible.”
“Okay, Jake, after the concert I’ll take Jamie back to her hotel, you put your teenager in a cab, then let’s get together and talk.”
“Sounds good.” He looked at her quizzically. “Y’know, that’s what I like about you, Madison.”
“What?” she asked softly.
Killer grin hitting her full force. “You’re the smartest woman I know.”
•
“I wanna go to the party,” Jamie said stubbornly.
“Not a good idea,” Madison said, wishing Jamie would sober up and calm down. Jamie was not used to drinking too much, and it showed.
“Why not?” Jamie replied, tilting her chin in an aggressive manner, ready for a fight.
“How many times do I have to explain this t
o you?” Madison said, exasperated.
“She ain’t listening, girl,” Natalie joined in. “Her head is somewhere else. But I’ll tell you what—we’ll go find my camera crew and walk around the party for a few minutes. That way Jamie gets to say hello to Kris, an’ then we’re outta there.”
“Doesn’t anybody get it?” Jamie said crossly. “Don’t you understand my plan?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Madison said. “We all get it. But you’d better put your plan into action tomorrow, ’cause tonight Kris is definitely taken.”
“Fine,” Jamie said. “I’ll make a connection with him tonight and do the deed tomorrow. Does that please you?”
“No more drinking,” Madison warned.
“Christ!” Jamie grumbled. “Why do I feel like I’m back in college?”
“Does Peter even know you’re here?” Madison asked.
“Who gives a damn,” Jamie said, running her hand through her short blond hair.
“At least you should let him know you’re alive, otherwise he’ll be sending out search parties.”
“Who cares what he thinks,” Jamie said defiantly. “He’s ruined my life.”
“No,” Madison said gently. “Your whole life is ahead of you. Don’t you ever forget that.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Jamie said, her eyes filling with unexpected tears. “Surely you saw those photos? Can’t you see what he’s done to me?”
“So I guess he’s being punished.”
“Yes,” Jamie repeated, reaching for another martini. “I guess he’s being punished.”
•
Kris had taken ten bows, waved to his adoring fans and vanished. Now it was time for all the invited to make their way to the main penthouse of the Marigiano Hotel, where the after-concert party was due to take place.
Madison stood up and looked around for Jake. She spotted him and waved. He waved back.
Hmm . . ., she thought. Am I making the right move seeing him later?
What the hell—why deny herself? She didn’t want to marry him, all she wanted was some love and attention, and maybe some great sex. Was that so terrible?
The Blaine party had already left the room, escorted out before the final bow.
Madison grabbed Natalie’s arm. “Keep your eye on Jamie,” she said. “I have to talk to Jake for a minute.”
“Oh, now we’re talking to Jake, are we?” Natalie said with a sly smile.
“Yes, Nat, do I have your approval?”
“Whatever gets you through the night, girl.”
“Thanks,” she said sarcastically.
“Although it’s a shame he’s not a real player,” Natalie mused. “You know, superrich, that kinda shit. How cool would that be? We’d be able to take free trips on his plane and stuff like that. Look at Carrie Hanlon—she was sitting with two of the richest guys in America.”
“Do you think she’s sleeping with Joel Blaine?” Jamie ventured.
“Naw,” Natalie said. “He’s a creep.”
“I think he’s kind of sexy in a swarthy kind of way,” Jamie said.
“Oh, please,” Madison said. “Right now, with all those martinis inside you, you’d think the waiter was sexy.”
“Well, he is,” Jamie giggled. “Did you catch his cute little ass? If Kris is a no, maybe I’ll settle for him!”
“Lordy, lordy!” Natalie sighed. “Save this girl from her bad, bad self!”
CHAPTER
49
BY THE TIME MADISON, Jamie and Natalie reached the party it was packed with press and guests, all attempting to hustle their way toward the VIP section in the back.
“That’s one place I ain’t going,” Natalie said, rolling her eyes.
“Who wants to?” Madison agreed.
While Jamie said, “Watch me, guys.” And before either one of them could stop her, she was on her way to the VIP area, only to be prevented from entering the inner sanctum by two burly bodyguards.
“I’m Mr. Phoenix’s interior designer,” she said haughtily. “Would you please tell him I’m here. Jamie Nova, from New York.”
“Yes ma’am, but you’ll have to wait until we get clearance,” one of the guards said, placing a heavy hand on her arm.
She flicked his hand off. “Kindly don’t touch me,” she said imperiously.
“Sorry, ma’am. We gotta check you out.”
“Go ahead—I’ll wait.”
By this time Madison had caught up with her. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“Making arrangements for tomorrow,” Jamie said, slurring her words—but only slightly. “Is that okay with you?”
“Please sober up,” Madison pleaded.
“Sure,” Jamie said with an obliging smile. “I’ll be perfectly sober tomorrow when I fuck Kris Phoenix.”
•
Leon Blaine wanted to gamble; Joel Blaine wanted to go to the Kris Phoenix party; Carrie Hanlon wanted to get back to her suite and finally liaise with Eduardo; Marika wanted to leave Las Vegas and get away from Leon’s latest infatuation.
Leon won. Naturally. So they were escorted to a roulette table, which was immediately closed to the public, and Leon began to play, piling stacks of chips on the table as if they were going out of style. To Joel’s fury, Leon’s number kept on coming up. He was winning yet another fortune, the lucky old bastard.
After a while Leon handed a fistful of chips to Carrie. “Cheval twenty-nine,” he commanded.
“What does cheval mean?” she asked.
“Place your chips around a number—surround it.”
As she did so, a crowd gathered. Several guards formed a barrier to keep them away from the table.
“This table is closed,” one of the guards told an eager fan, who was anxious to get a closer look at the very famous Carrie Hanlon.
“Can you do that?” asked a woman from Ontario in bright-orange Bermuda shorts.
“In this casino, ma’am, we can do what we like,” the guard replied.
Joel threw some chips down on the table, concentrating on thirty-five—his lucky number.
Leon placed a stack of chips worth a total of twenty thousand dollars on number twenty-nine.
The croupier spun the wheel.
“C’mon, thirty-five,” Joel muttered under his breath. “C’mon, you motherfucker.”
He had to beat his father—at least at roulette.
“Twenty-nine,” the croupier announced.
“Shit!” Joel muttered. He couldn’t catch a break. And Leon, one of the richest men in the world, had won over half a million dollars.
Carrie joyfully clapped her hands together. “How much did I win?” she asked Leon.
He picked up his drink and sipped it. In his experience there was nothing like hard cash to make a woman happy. And even though Carrie Hanlon probably earned big bucks, it wasn’t the same as the sexual charge of handling stacks of hundred-dollar bills. Cold hard cash.
“Enough,” he said, reaching for a Cuban cigar.
•
“Your New York apartment is really taking shape,” Jamie said, fingering the delicate diamond cross that hung on a thin gold chain around her swanlike neck.
“Thanks to you, luv,” Kris responded, mentally drooling as he checked out this blond morsel.
Jamie tried the soft smile that melted most men’s hearts. “When will you be in New York, Kris?”
“Depends,” he said, admiring her small but perfect breasts.
“On what?”
“You, beautiful,” he said, giving her the full power of the intense baby blues. “I think you an’ I could make—” Before he was able to finish, Amber appeared. “Where you bin, luv?” he asked, grabbing her close, suffused with sudden guilt.
“Talking to your manager,” Amber said. “And attempting to avoid the press. They’re everywhere, Kris.”
“Oh—tryin’ to come on to you, was ’e? ’E’s a horny old bastard.”
“Of course not,” Amber said, frowning at such a thought. �
�You know I like to stay in the background at these things.” She stared at Jamie.
“Uh . . . ’ave you two met?” Kris said. “This is Jamie, uh . . .”
“Nova,” Jamie supplied, slightly put out that he didn’t remember her full name.
“Yeah, Jamie Nova,” he said confidently. “She’s my uh . . . interior designer in New York. Tarting up the penthouse, she is.” He put an affectionate arm around Jamie’s shoulder. “I’d like you to see it, luv.”
“Actually, I’ll be in New York next week,” Amber said. “I can see it then.”
“Howzatt?”
“I have to do the Letterman show, which I hate.”
“Why’re you doin’ it then?”
“I promised. I never break promises.”
“So stay in the apartment. Is it ready, Jamie?”
“No, Kris, it won’t be ready for several months.”
Damn! she thought. He was obviously interested in this girl. Not that Amber was any great shakes to look at. Thin and waif-like, with angular features and long, lank hair. What could he possibly see in her?
But Jamie was not to be put off. Revenge was on her mind. And what sweeter revenge than having a one-night stand with Kris Phoenix?
“So, Kris,” she said lightly. “Can we get together tomorrow? I have some concepts I wish to discuss with you. What’s a good time?”
“Uh, dunno,” Kris mumbled. “Maybe in the afternoon.” He turned to Amber. “What’ve we got goin’ on tomorrow?” he asked.
“Whatever,” she answered vaguely, shielding her face with one hand as a camera pointed in their direction.
“Amber’s shy,” Kris explained.
“We should definitely get together,” Jamie said, giving him a long, innocent stare. “Just the two of us. I want to be sure everything is exactly the way you want it, Kris. As you know, I’ve been dealing with your people, so it’ll be good to speak to the real boss.”
“Got it, luv,” he said cheerfully. “Whyn’t you call me around one?” And he threw her a sneaky wink.
Jamie nodded, satisfied that tomorrow he would be hers.
•
It was past midnight by the time Madison and Jake finally got to consider having a romantic dinner for two.
Lethal Seduction Page 35
