Betting on Both

by Sheryl Nantus

  It wasn’t hard to imagine her grandfather’s panic, his rush to get to New Orleans and take charge of the investigation, demanding immediate results and raining hellfire on anyone who got in his way.

  Fortunately he was arriving not only to see her safe and sound, but to the grand reopening of the Majestic, albeit a day early.

  This is going to be interesting.

  She noticed the tabloids, stuffed in the garbage bin. The crushed images were warped but they were still there.

  Very interesting.

  Kat held back a sigh as she sat and tried to eat, her stomach caught between hunger and nervous nausea. It took two false starts before her need for food kicked in and she attacked the steak with a vengeance, her nerves settling as she worked on the steamed broccoli and stuffed baked potato.

  She said nothing, watching the two men as they ate; Cole interrupted his meal twice to answer phone calls.

  There was no witty banter, no stealing off of each other’s plates, no joking or anything that usually accompanied their dinners. The silence in the room was suffocating.

  She looked over at Julien. “It’s bad, isn’t it?”

  “Depends on your definition. You’re alive and well and that’s all that matters.” He speared a piece of baked potato. “What else is there?”

  “My grandfather will probably fire you. And Cole.” She glanced at Cole, now standing in the corner as he snapped commands into the phone.

  “Maybe.” Julien shook his head. “And if he does, we’ll find something else. The Majestic will survive long after we’re all gone. I’m just glad to be here when she comes back to life. The question is,” he locked eyes with her, “what do you want?”

  “I want . . .” Kat paused as Cole sat. “What’s going on?”

  “Your grandfather is arriving within the hour. He’s suspended both myself and Julien. I confirmed the handover to my second.” He took a sip of soda and nodded at Julien. “You should be getting the notification any minute.”

  Julien’s phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and tapped the screen before dropping it on the table.

  “You’re not going to answer it?” Kat asked.

  He chuckled. “What for? I know Dennis can do the job. If there’s a problem they can call me.” Julien leaned back. “As you said yourself—I can find a job anywhere.”

  Kat studied the remains of her lunch. A flash of anger drummed through her, displacing the last of her fear from the kidnapping. “It’s not right. He’s not right.”

  “Then don’t let him be right.” Julien reached over and took her hand. “I told you this morning I couldn’t leave New Orleans to be with you. But now, after this . . .” He drew a staggered breath. “I’ll go with you no matter where you travel. No matter what happens.” He spoke quickly, as if running a race. “I can work wherever there’s a piano. I can promise you we’ll never starve.” Julien waved her unspoken protest away. “My grandmother would understand. I will not leave you.”

  Cole gave a low chuckle. “And bars will always need bouncers.” He reached over and took her other hand. “We might not be able to spoil you as much as we’d like, but we’ll take care of you as best we can.”

  Kat looked at their linked hands, unable to speak. It took her a few seconds to compose herself and answer. “I never got a chance to thank you. Both of you.”

  “There was no way we weren’t going after you.” Cole looked at Julien. “It was his street connections that found you. The cops were busy working through the surveillance tapes, and there’s a good chance you could have been long gone by the time they recognized and identified Robertson’s van.”

  “But I wasn’t. And you both came for me.” She squeezed Cole’s hand. “I don’t want to let either of you go. And I won’t.”

  “Your grandfather—” Julien started.

  “My grandfather and I will talk.” She ground her teeth together in anticipation of the lion’s rumbling roar. “But no matter what happens, I want to be with the two of you.”

  “But at what cost?” Julien murmured. “I don’t want you to leave your family.” He let out a pained sigh. “I know what it’s like to lose those you love.” He tapped his chest. “It leaves a gap in your heart that never heals. I won’t have you walk away from your grandfather, from your family. It wouldn’t be right.”

  Kat went to speak, then caught herself, the emotions warring for control.

  “But we don’t have to discuss this right now. Rest. Get your strength back. There’s nothing that can’t wait.” Julien bent to kiss the top of her hand. “I’ll go make sure things are running smoothly. Won’t want to ruin my chances at a good reference. Call me if you need me.” He rose and moved away, holding her hand until the very last second.

  He tilted his head at Cole and walked out of the suite.

  Kat swallowed hard. “I don’t know what to do. What to say.”

  “I can’t help you there. Keller’s on the plane with Jacob; he’s going to want to talk to me.” Cole turned her hand around and placed a gentle kiss on her palm. “I’ve known the man for years. He’ll be honest with me.”

  “I don’t want you fired,” she whispered.

  “I don’t want me fired either.” Cole laughed. “Let’s face it, this was going to come out sooner or later. I wish it had been after the reopening but things are what they are.” He hesitated, choosing his words with care. “I agree with Julien. I know what it is to lose someone you love. I know the hole it digs in your heart. I don’t want you to look at us sometime in the future and wonder why you gave up your family. No regrets.”

  He tilted his head and studied her. “As I said when we began all this—you’re the one in charge here. You have to decide what’s best for you, not what you think would make us happy.” Cole looked at his watch and sighed. “I’ve got to get going. I might be suspended but I’ll be damned if I won’t help the fellows get ready for McMaster’s arrival. Everything needs to be perfect and I’ll make sure it is.” He kissed her softly. “Whatever you decide to do, know we’ll both be behind you. All the way.”

  She felt the tears fill her eyes and sniffled, trying to keep from crying.

  Cole brushed his finger along her cheek. “We’ll talk soon.” He went to the door and opened it. “Love you.”

  The lock clicked shut behind him, giving her some privacy.

  She cupped the mug of coffee with both hands and drank deeply, savoring the rich taste.

  She’d survived the worst day of her life so far.

  Now all she had to do was calm her grandfather, hold a successful reopening, and figure out how to keep her relationship with both men going.

  After dealing with Robertson, it should be a breeze.

  Cole punched the elevator button multiple times, cursing all the way. The helicopter had arrived a few minutes ago and he hadn’t been there to meet Jacob McMaster.

  He hadn’t been allowed. Upon going to the security office he’d been told to stay in the hotel lobby, far from the landing pad and from any contact with the businessman. There was no doubt the snub was intentional and meant to show how displeased the elder McMaster was with the situation, despite Kat’s retrieval.

  But his exile wasn’t permanent.

  He was going to see David Keller, his superior. David had flown in with the elder McMaster to deal with—Cole mentally quoted from the text message—“the incident.” Cole wasn’t sure if it referred to the kidnapping or his relationship with Kat, but there was only one way to find out.

  Julien had stayed out of sight, thankfully. Word had it he’d taken up residence in the Majestic’s bar, playing piano, waiting for the situation to resolve itself. He’d torn a hole through the management on his way there, checking in and notifying everyone that despite his suspension, if the reopening was anything less than magnificent he’d hunt each and every one of them down and make them regret slacking off.

  The message had been well received. The staff was sharp, on point, and the preliminary l
ookovers by the reporters had produced glowing results based on the chatter Cole had overheard so far. Julien had hit it on the head—the previous owners had covered up so much of the Majestic’s history with the glitz and neon it’d lost all character.

  Now it was back, loud and proud.

  The elevator doors opened. Cole stepped inside and tapped the button for the fifth floor, where Keller would be waiting for him.

  Cole had already seen a few of the early media releases proclaiming the Majestic’s return to be one of the best things that had happened to New Orleans this year, the hype sure to be passed around by the McMaster public-relations office.

  Credit would go to Kat, of course, but those in the know would have to give Julien a nod for his vision. It could help him find another job in another hotel, far away from the Majestic. Odds were good McMaster’s competitors were already lining up to try and poach him, not knowing he might already be on the way out.

  Julien had a good chance at not only surviving “the incident” but turning it into a positive.

  Cole’s situation wasn’t the same. Getting blackballed by Jacob McMaster could send his security career into a death spiral.

  A smile came over Cole’s face as he remembered the feel of Kat’s naked body against his, the taste of her lips.

  He’d do it all again in a second to keep her safe and with him. With them.

  The elevator doors opened and he headed down the hall.

  David was standing by the open room door, waiting for him. Sweat beaded on the security director’s forehead, and Cole knew it wasn’t from the short trip from the helipad.

  David looked both ways down the corridor before extending a hand. “Good to see you.”

  “You too.” Time to cut to the chase. “How bad is it?” Cole asked as they shook hands.

  “Better than it was a day ago.” The middle-aged man swept a hand back into the hotel room, leading him inside. “Good God, Cole. How the hell did all this happen on your watch?”

  Cole settled himself on the sofa and unbuttoned his suit jacket. If he was going to get chewed out, he’d be comfortable. “Which ‘all’ are you referring to?” He couldn’t help smiling. “There’s been quite a bit going on here lately.”

  David sat opposite him. He’d already lost the jacket and tie, the dress shirt unbuttoned at the top. He scowled, showing his disapproval of Cole’s humor. “Where do you want me to start?” He tugged a cream-colored handkerchief from one pocket and mopped his head. “Shit. Is the AC even on?”

  David went to the air-conditioning unit and checked the setting. “On full. Damn.” He returned to sit down, refolding the handkerchief and placing it on the table.

  Cole watched, knowing the man’s avoidance routine. He didn’t want to talk about this any more than Cole did.

  David leaned forward, entwining his fingers. “Okay. Let’s take it from the top. Banging Kat McMaster.”

  “Don’t say it like that,” Cole snapped. He ground his teeth together, calling back his anger. “Don’t say it like that,” he repeated.

  David’s eyebrows rose, signaling he knew he’d stepped over the line. He nodded. “I stand corrected. Your relationship with Kat McMaster.”

  “Better.” Cole rubbed his head with both hands, trying to control his temper. “Sorry. Shouldn’t have gone at you. It’s been a rough day.”

  “No, no.” David’s smile was thin. “I’m sorry. I should have chosen my words better. I apologize. And yes, it’s been a rough day.” The smile grew. “You did a great job with the retrieval. But one thing at a time. About Kat.”

  “Okay. Let’s try this again.” Cole took a deep breath. “I’m with Kat because I want to be. Because I love her. That’s the honest truth.” Cole looked at him. “You know my record. You know I’ve never ‘banged’ a client.”

  “True.” David eyed him. “Which is why I’m here and you didn’t get a phone call telling you to collect your final check at the front desk and to get the hell off of the property.” He leaned back, spreading his arms across the back of the couch. “I know you, Cole. We’ve worked together for years and you’ve never even had a social drink with a client, much less ba—” He caught himself before Cole could react. “Never had a drink, much less a relationship. So tell me all about it. From the top and don’t leave out anything.”

  Cole raised one eyebrow.

  David chuckled. “Okay. Maybe some things.”

  It was easy to lose himself in the music, to feel the love and passion running through his fingers into the notes and out to the audience.

  And, Julien admitted to himself, to feel a whole lot of pride.

  The Majestic was, well . . . majestic once again.

  The pre-opening crowd was devouring the old-style atmosphere, the antique renovations adding a level of class to the casino he’d only seen in his dreams. The slot-machine rows were standing-room only, the poker tables were filled to capacity, and the rumor was that more than one Hollywood star had snuck in to play at the high-stakes tables to see and be seen in the grand old lady’s coming-out party.

  The staff had been dressed in retro costumes for the reopening, pulling the casino back in time to the 1800s with all of the flamboyant attire from intricately stitched waistcoats and vests for the men to long ornate dresses for the women. It was easy to see the French influence in the fashion, dragging everyone hundreds of years into the past to a less stressful time; the fantasy complete. It’d all come together to create a fun, playful atmosphere where people could enjoy themselves without feeling they were in a copy of another casino, the distinctive New Orleans touch creating a unique experience.

  And it was paying off.

  He’d seen the waitresses hustling overflowing trays of drinks from table to table, pocketing good tips. The musicians’ tip jar at the edge of the stage was already bulging with tips and the dealers had legitimate smiles on their faces, not the pasted-on facades he’d been used to seeing for the past year.

  The money was flowing and flowing fast into the casino’s coffers. Before coming to the stage he’d checked in with the front desk to see how many of their new visitors were planning to stay.

  The hotel was booked full for the next two weeks with a waiting list extending almost a year into the future. And that was before the official reopening and media; all he was seeing was built on word of mouth and the Majestic’s reborn reputation.

  All in all it looked like the revival was a success.

  He winked at Henri and stroked the piano keys again, pushing his emotions into his music.

  Win the battle, lose the war.

  He had no idea if he’d be at the Majestic tomorrow, or even a few hours from now. He’d checked in with Dennis and let them know where he was. At any moment security could show up and have him removed from the hotel, from the entire property. From Kat’s life.

  He could lose everything he’d worked so hard for.

  Julien didn’t like the fear coiling in his belly like a snake waiting for the right time to strike. His life had spun out of control again and he wasn’t in charge.

  His hands faltered for a second as he flashed back to a decade ago, the water pooling around his feet. Julien closed his eyes, smelling the dirty water, the rotting odors filling his lungs as he struggled to rebuild his world. The ache of loss rocked his insides with the memory of his grandmother disappearing from his life, the uncertainty still digging deep inside his soul.

  No, no. He didn’t like not being in control.

  An image of Kat appeared in his mind’s eye, drawing him back to the present with her soft smile and loving heart.

  Emboldened by the thought, Julien launched his fingers into a soulful dance, sparking a flurry of notes from the saxophone player who joined in.

  More dollar bills fell into the tip jar.

  He wouldn’t take any of it, not when he’d pushed his way in and bumped the previous musician to the bar. The least he could do was give them as much as he could before he was either fire
d or . . .

  Julien blinked, forcing his mind away from that route. It was out of his hands and dwelling on it would only draw him to madness.

  Instead he stroked the keys in a joyful riff, letting Henri take the lead with his low, powerful bass.

  As he relaxed, Allie, one of the long-time waitresses, waved at him from where she was working the tables, carrying cocktails around to the players while wearing a lovely gold and silver dress. She gave him a thumbs-up and blew him a kiss before patting the plastic cup full of tips on her tray.

  Julien smiled and waved back.

  At least someone was having a good day.

  Kat received a brief text message alerting her to Jacob’s arrival, prompting her to check herself in the mirror and make sure she didn’t look too ill. The dark circles under her eyes and the bandages on her wrists were the only signs of her captivity, easily hidden with good makeup.

  She pinched her cheeks and took a deep breath, determined to look as healthy as possible. Kat wouldn’t put it past him to order her to the hospital or worse, surprise her with his personal physician.

  He appeared at her door within minutes after the helicopter had settled on the roof; his three-piece black suit stood in stark contrast to her pink shirt and pants. Jacob grabbed her up in a powerful hug, leaving her breathless and on the edge of tears again.

  It took a concentrated effort to not break down in his embrace. Instead she inhaled the familiar smell of pipe tobacco and mint chewing gum, one to offset the other.

  Finally he released her, setting her back on her feet with a soft kiss on her forehead. “Your mother would have choked me in my sleep if anything had happened to you,” Jacob said.

  Kat nodded, afraid to speak.

  “Your wrists.” He gently touched them, treating her like a delicate china doll.

  “I’m fine.” She tugged back part of the thin mesh to show him the scraped skin. “Did it to myself, wrestling against the duct tape.” Kat chuckled. “I have to write a note to Jenny and thank her for her self-defense sessions. Kept my head on and managed to get my hands out from behind me.”