by Mimi Barbour
“That must have pleased you.” She felt the little devil on her shoulder prodding her to be meaner but ignored the temptation. She soon changed her mind after picking up on the twerp’s condescending attitude. “We both know how much the casinos tend to keep their business under wraps.” Aurora stared the businessman down and smiled inwardly when he looked away first.
“Yes, well, we’re equipped to cover most contingencies.”
“Except for a thief who’s superior.”
“True.” Mr. Wimbly rubbed his fingers around the back of his neck. “As you might imagine, we also don’t want an irate customer venting his anger throughout the premises. It doesn’t bode well for our reputation—especially as a new venture.”
“I’m sure it doesn’t. Can we see the tapes in question?”
“Of course! Since we set up decoys for the last two nights, I’ll have to point them out as our employees. Other than our own people trying to encourage the thief to hit on them, you probably won’t pick up anything. We’ve been over the films repeatedly.”
Lisa agreed. “Maybe not, but we have to start somewhere.”
Chapter Nine
Aurora looked into the mirror at Lisa. “I know he’s your friend so I’m giving you time to say good-bye before I shoot her—him.”
“Rikki prefers being thought of as a her, a she… you know what I mean—a girl. And will be once she gets the final operation.” Lisa slouched across the chair next to where Aurora sat in front of the old-fashioned vanity.
“If he lives so long!”
Lisa stopped her giggle after she caught Aurora’s annoyed stare. “You agreed that we needed help with this undercover job, and that Rikki’s our best bet.”
“You mean Cory agreed. I didn’t have any say. By the time your enthusiasm caught him up in the plan, no one gave a good goddamn what I thought.”
“Cause everything you had to say was negative. I don’t want to piss you off, Partner, but you sure have a short fuse lately.” Lisa held out her hand toward Aurora. “Just sayin.”
“Yeah, yeah! Look, I’ve never worn this much make-up in my life, and if Rikki thinks I’ll put on that topless wonder… Aurora heard Lisa’s throat clearing and switched her gender reference… she’s nuts.” Aurora glared at the amazing white and silver threaded creation laying across the bed that Rikki had laid out for her.
“Shuu, she’s coming back.” Lisa pulled Aurora to her feet and thrust her behind the screen, then threw the gown in her direction. “Quick, put on the dress.”
Since Aurora and Rikki were closer in size, it had been decided that Aurora would be the one to go undercover for tonight. Lisa’s suggestion that her friend Rikki would lend them a dress, do the make-up and help set up the sting made sense since Rikki starred in one of the Extravaganza acts at the Mirage and knew the ropes in getting attention. With her help, they hoped to draw the thief toward Aurora and tempt the perpetrator to make a move. Spending money that the casino had agreed to provide, she’d lure the pick-pocket by gambling as if there was a never-ending supply of moola in her purse. Well, that was one fun aspec: she’d literally be gambling with house money.
“I found the heels for that dress, honey. It’ll look lovely on you.” Aurora stepped out from behind the Chinese-styled room-divider. “Hey, stop pushing your hair down. Those curls are supposed to be puffed up like that. How else can we show off the dress’s neckline, darlin?”
“What neckline? There’s no dress across my chest. Just two slivers of material halfway to my waist.” Aurora’s voice lowered to a growl. Thank goodness the dress flared out midway and hid the telltale bulge from her stomach. Realizing her hand lay protectively covering that area; she slapped it back down by her side. Rikki’s sharp gaze, followed by a sneaky grin, made her hackles rise. “How the hell did I ever get talked into this nonsense?” Earlier in Cory’s office she’d thrown out a plan, and the next thing she knew, she herself was the actress starring in the lead role.
Rikki patted her shoulder. “You have wonderful breasts, nice and plump and your skin is to die for, lovey. Quit pulling at those edges. Everything will stay in place.”
“They’d better, Rikki. Or I’ll come looking for you and we’ll have a chat.” Narrowing her eyes, she glowered at Lisa’s smiling friend who ranked as one of the most gorgeous… ahhh women that Aurora had ever been close to. Go figure.
An hour later, pampered from arriving at Cascades in a stunning white limousine sent by the hotel, Aurora was stopped at the door by one of the handsomest men she’d ever met. His evening clothes were molded to a form both virile and lean. Thinking he must be an actor the hotel set up as her escort, she played the expected role and smiled winningly.
Medium height, wearing a cloak of masculinity no one could dispute, his magnetic charisma made her catch her breath. He’s too good to be true! Thick auburn hair styled with just the right amount of wave. Big grey laughing eyes that shone with intelligence plus an interesting inflexibility. And full lips most women would never tire of exploring. Whoa!
Aurora looked upward and grinned. She had no doubt that Lisa would be screeching at the unfairness while she watched the videos in the Eye in the Sky surveillance area with Hampton.
“Miss Morelli? I’m Jeff Waters. I own the Cascades and I understand there’s an interesting sting being played out tonight. One I’d very much like to be a part of.” His voice lowered when he spoke and Aurora had to admit to a certain amount of reaction. The man had one sexy sound.
She shrugged. “It’s your hotel. Just don’t get in my way.”
By the simple manner of gently holding her arms, he stopped her and forced her to a standstill. His gaze never left her eyes, and since she felt self-conscious of the dress she wore, she had to admit to a certain amount of respect for his ability to keep his glance from wandering. His hands, gentle to be sure but nonetheless persuasive, kept her from taking the step back she would have.
“Yes?” Her stare quelled most people who didn’t know her. It didn’t seem to faze him whatsoever.
“Just so you’re fully aware. You will not take any chances. We have no idea what this person is capable of, but I will not have you hurt. Is that understood?”
“Mr. Waters. I’m a cop, doing my job. And I give the orders. Is that understood?”
He smiled, and she watched his eyes grow cold like what she’d imagine the North Sea to look like during an ice storm. “Then know this. I have just found you and nothing—I repeat nothing is as important as you being safe. Come. Let us begin this charade.”
Aurora didn’t doubt his sincerity. But she had no idea why he said what he did or even how his declaration made her feel. All she knew was that when he took her hand, her fingers automatically wrapped around his, and when they sauntered through the casino, not once did she feel in any way threatened.
Like a true gentlemen, he took her arm and slowly meandered with her toward the cashier at one side of the extravagant casino where she was given a huge amount of cash and chips.
The sumptuous crystal-filled casino felt alive. Noisy machines vied with the sounds of merriment. Excitement had a smell all its own, and it fought against the choking scents of various perfumes some women felt they needed to attract the opposite sex. Gazing around, Aurora enjoyed the young faces full of eagerness, and as a cop, she hoped they kept their heads and stayed safe.
For the next few hours, she and Jeff roamed the various rooms playing some, losing a lot, and throwing money around like there was no end to it.
He talked her into a quick detour through the pub where the music had her toes tapping and her body swaying. She loved to dance and hated knowing that tonight it wouldn’t happen.
“Can I buy you a drink, Aurora?”
“Sure. I’ll have a virgin margarita, light on the salt.” Jeff’s shocked expression tickled her.
“You don’t drink?”
“Not on the job.”
“I’m sure your lieutenant would have no problem with you having one cockta
il.”
“Probably not. But since it’s my own rule, it never entered my mind.”
“Virgin it is!” His cheeky eye-rolling made her laugh.
As soon as the break ended, they continued the charade. Much later in the evening, while wandering the games room, a ringing in Aurora’s head became noticeable. She stiffened and prepared. Breath on her upper arm warned of what was taking place. Quick as a cobra, she snatched the wrist of the younger woman whose hand had withdrawn from between the inviting folds of Aurora’s evening bag. Clutched in that hand was the fat roll of bills Aurora had flashed with abandonment throughout the night.
Before Aurora knew what hit her, the culprit touched her neck in a typical shing lei move, which made her arm lifeless and her knees threatening to give way. Then the girl swung away only to find her feet off the floor and Jeff’s arm tight around her waist. Undercover hotel security, who’d been summoned with a nod from Jeff, crowded around them as if they were a party of revelers.
With as little fanfare as possible, Jeff half carried, half dragged the rambunctious thief toward the office, followed by Aurora who still suffered a slight aftereffect in her shoulder and arm.
Detaining the pickpocket, searching her and reading her rights, Aurora made note that the Asian female said nothing nor looked at anyone. Slender to the point of frailty, the short haired waif-like creature stayed closed-mouth throughout the proceedings. In minutes, a smiling Ham arrived from his obviously enjoyable sojourn with the surveillance team. He cuffed the sullen female and led her toward the door but stopped when Aurora approached and asked. “Where’s Lisa?”
“She got called out on break-in at her apartment. Two guesses who the offender is.” His eyebrows waggled and Aurora shook her head. Damn! When would that girl stop dating all the losers in Vegas? Ham broke into her train of thought and added. “Said to tell you she’d meet you at the precinct in the morning.” Obviously knowing Aurora well, he answered her question without one being asked. “Stand down, Rory. She called in. Buddy’s in the hospital… but she’s just fine. You go home now, lassie. We’ll catch up tomorrow.” He winked and escorted the culprit from the room.
Jeff stepped forward. “I’ll take you home.”
Aurora massaged her shoulder and slowly worked her neck this way and that before she noticed the rapt attention she was receiving from the guy. “Not necessary. I have a limo waiting for me. If you’d like to come to the office in the morning to fill out the paperwork, we’ll wrap up the case.”
“I can help with that soreness.” His hand moved slowly, arcing towards her neck. He seemed to wait as if he wanted her permission to touch her. She never said a word, just watched.
As if a trance were broken by his touch, she stepped back, ending the spell. “No thanks.”
On her way home, nestled in the warmth of the soft leather seat, Aurora thought of the handsome man she’d just left. She closed her eyes and rather than the debonair hotel owner, a bald, blue-eyed devil filled her head and his husky voice whispered. “I need time.”
Furious at her loss of control, she banged her hand on the armrest, but before she could clamp her lips tight, a sob broke loose.
Chapter Ten
Next morning a huge bouquet of pink roses, at least three dozen, sat waiting on her desk in the small cluttered room she shared with Lisa. The card read: “Flowers for a brave lady.”
“Classy move, Rory. The guy’s smitten.” Ham stood at the doorway, a twinkle in his eye and a look of mischief on his Irish mug. He’d obviously anticipated her arrival.
“Yeah, yeah.” She carried the heavy vase to the outer office with Hampton following right behind. While depositing her load on a small filing table, she threw the question over her shoulder. “Has Mr. Waters arrived to press formal charges and fill out the paperwork yet?”
“Sure, he’s in with the lieutenant. Cory said for you to go right in once you showed up.”
“Where’s my partner this morning? And don’t tell me she’s visiting the shmuck at the hospital or I’ll throw up.”
Ham’s happy expression disappeared and his hands formed fists to rest on his hips. “That girl needs counseling. The guys she picks are deadbeats at best and felons at worst. Last night she jerry-rigged her apartment knowing Buddy had broken in a few days ago. Sure as I’m standing here, the bastard breaks in, slips on the crap she smeared on the front tiles and falls—breaks his arm. Guess who felt so guilty when he called her screaming abuse that she had to take him to the hospital. The prick broke in to steal from her and she feels bad.” Ham’s disgust would be comical if not for the fact that she felt the same way. “We need to lock that lassie up at night to keep her out of trouble. Or else vet anyone she wants to go out with.”
Aurora agreed. “You got that right, my friend.” She moved in the direction of Cory’s office, noting the usual bedlam in the large central workplace where many of the other detectives resided. Thanks to a complete reorganization years before, she and Debbie—her partner at the time—had nabbed the small room she still called home. Now she understood it was probably Cory’s secret affection for the woman who he’d recently married that had cinched the deal.
Aurora noticed two uniformed officers approaching and leading the cuffed Asian chick from the night before toward the exit to where the cars were parked, most likely for her bail hearing. Suddenly her ears performed a warning serenade and instinctively she moved in closer. Sure enough, she saw the prisoner’s slippery move as the female wriggled one of her thumbs disjointedly and twisted her hand, freeing it from the manacles.
Before anyone else was aware, she’d sprinted away and was heading for freedom. Moving in from behind, Aurora grabbed the girl’s arm and met with resistance. Powerful jabs from a cornered trained martial arts fighter came at her one after the other. Forced to protect herself with defensive moves, Aurora didn’t have much chance at offense until, getting far too cocky, the pickpocket began showing off fancy kicks which Aurora evaded skillfully. Then as her left arm flashed with the restraints still hanging, Aurora threw a punch to the side of her head and at the same time, nabbed the cuffs, and had her squashed hard up against the wall.
The red-faced cops, who’d watched the performance with open-mouth admiration along with everyone else, took over… and this time snugly tightened the cuffs, much to the prisoner’s disgust.
Aurora closed in on her opponent. “Nice try!”
A shrug was all the answer she received before the menace was pulled away. Ham moved in beside her and whispered, “Nice performance!”
Aurora copied the shrug and they both grinned. Then she faked a jab at his arm that he jokingly shied away from.
Smoothing her white shirt over the slight swelling under the waist of her slim-legged black slacks, she tucked the flyaway wisps of hair back into the elaborate French braids she’d created that morning to keep the long strands from bugging her all day. She headed in the direction of where two men waited for her
Cory, who knew her expertise, didn’t look surprised but Jeff Waters’ admiration stood out. He glanced in the direction of where the huge display of flowers now rested in a prominent position for everyone to enjoy and then back toward her with a sincere look of confusion, which she ignored.
Soon the three were settled in Cory’s office. “Aurora, Jeff here came to fill in some paperwork and has a request. According to the mayor, this morning Jeff made a handsome donation to the city in appreciation for our help last night and she has invited him to a large charity dinner in exchange for his benefaction. Jeff wanted to bring you as his guest—in honor of your part in capturing the nuisance who I understand has been operating in all the larger casinos, not just Cascades. Having the menace in custody is a plus all around.
Before Aurora could refuse, Cory continued. “This office wouldn’t dare refuse the thoughtfulness of the mayor and has promised Mr. Waters you’d give his invitation the consideration it deserves. In other words, the only thing to keep you from accepting
would be the birth of a baby—yours!”
Her stomach dropped at his reference to babies. Did he know her secret? She’d stopped the “no” from escaping but had automatically moved her head in a negative way which she knew Jeff, not being a fool, had caught. The mischief in his eyes warned her of his enjoyment in her discomfort.
A sensation she didn’t like at all took hold. Not one to put up with being forced to do anything against her will, she bit down hard of the swear words hovering to be released and instead she said. “If Mr. Waters has to resort to blackmailing women to date him, I have no choice do I?”
Cory shot to his feet, the dismay on his face comical. “Rory you’re pushing my buttons. You know that’s not the case,” he bellowed, not using his inside voice.
“Whatever. Tell me where and when. I’ll be there.” Curbing the reluctant grin that fought to appear from Cory’s discomfort, she moved to the door and waited.
Jeff approached warily. “Seven tonight. Give me your address and I’ll pick you up.”
“Not a chance. I’ll meet you. Just tell me where.”
“I like to think I’m a gentleman. Therefore when I date a lady, I collect her as proper.
Aurora moved into Jeff’s space, right up close so he couldn’t miss the stubborn hardness in her eyes or the resolve on her face.
“Au-ro-ra!”
She heard Cory’s warning and stopped. Her stare said it all and she watched Jeff acknowledge her unspoken complaint. Without another word, she walked to the door and Cory’s exclamation of “Dammit!” followed her out of the room. Quickly, she stuck her head back in and added. “And don’t call me Rory!”
Holding back from actually slamming the door, she closed it with enough of an emphasis to let the two inside know she wasn’t pleased. She stalked to her office to be greeted by a bubbly Lisa who’d just arrived, wearing her habitual happy expression.
Aurora spoke first. “You chirp good morning to me and so help me, I’ll deck you!”
