Jingle of Coins

by C. D. Ledbetter

  Sara’s grin disappeared. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

  Emily patted her shoulder. “I know. I’m not mad. Look at the bright side. My first day at work certainly wasn’t dull!” She left the shop before Sara could utter a suitable retort. Her nervousness returned as she paused outside Clarise’s office, and she rubbed sweaty hands on the side of her skirt before knocking.

  When she returned an hour later, Sara motioned her over. “Well?” she asked in a hushed voice. “Come on, spill the beans. I told you about my chat; tell me about yours.”

  Emily glanced around the empty shop before answering. “Not much to tell. She told me about the casino’s big push to check for counterfeit money, and then we talked about schedules. That was it.”

  “Damn, you got off lucky. Clarise has a tongue like a razor blade. She must really like you if that’s all she talked about.” Sara lowered her voice even further. “However, if I were you, I’d watch my step. At least until my ninety-day review was over. Doesn’t hurt to be careful.”

  Before Emily could respond, a customer entered the store. “Hello, Emily,” Kate said as she strolled to the counter.

  Emily noticed Sara’s expression and subtly elbowed the younger woman. Evidently females were as awed by Kate’s beauty as men. “Hello, Kate,” she said by way of greeting. “What can I do for you?”

  “I’m looking for a new arrangement for my office foyer. Something with purple irises. Do you have anything made up you could show me?”

  “Do you want silk or real?”

  “Doesn’t matter, but I would prefer real. If I like it, I’ll place an order.”

  “I’ll get the one out of the display window,” Sara volunteered, recovering her voice. She returned a moment later and set the oversized arrangement on the counter. “Isn’t it beautiful? Emily did one like this in real flowers; that’s how she got her job.”

  “Really?” Kate turned the arrangement in a circle. “It’s stunning. You certainly are talented, Emily.”

  “Thanks,” Emily replied. “Irises happen to be my favorites, and they’re easy to work with. Do you want one like that?”

  “I actually need two arrangements. One made up of purple irises, and the other can be a mixture of whatever spring flowers you have in stock.” Kate gestured to the silk arrangement. “The purple one, however, needs to be a little bigger than this because it's going in my business office. The other can be about this size.”

  Emily tried to suppress a mental image of what went on inside Kate’s so-called business office. “When do you need them?”

  “Tomorrow. Is that a problem?” Kate opened her purse and withdrew several hundred-dollar bills.

  “It’s really short notice, but I think we can handle it.”

  Kate tapped the glass countertop with a perfectly manicured fingernail. “I almost forgot. They have to be delivered no later than nine a.m. Sorry this is such a rush, but I have an important client coming at eleven. The arrangement has to be in place before he comes.”

  Emily tried not to snicker as she wrote up the order. Given Kate’s line of business, it was all she could do not to burst out laughing at the woman’s choice of words. “What’s the address?”

  “Are you all right?” Kate asked as she slid a business card toward Emily. “You seem a little off.”

  “Sorry. I have a headache,” Emily replied, biting back a grin. Her amusement faded as she eyed the money lying on the counter. Great, hundred dollar bills. Just what she needed. She checked to make sure the bills were real, then rang up the sale. Thankfully the money wasn’t bogus, so she was spared the embarrassment of telling her next door neighbor she’d have to detain her while Sara called security. “No problem. I’ll make sure they get delivered before nine. Do you need anything else?”

  “No, that’s it.”

  “Thanks. We appreciate your business.”

  Sara sprang to life the moment Kate was out of earshot. “Wow, who was that?” she asked. “She’s absolutely gorgeous!”

  “That woman, my dear Sara, happens to be my next door neighbor.”

  Sara’s smile turned into a grimace. “Bummer. I sure hope you don’t bring your dates home. No offense, Emily, but next to her, you look like a bag lady. Any man who gets within drooling distance of that woman would dump you in a heartbeat.”

  “Gee thanks, Sara,” Emily quipped in a dry voice. “I didn’t know I was so ugly.”

  Sara slapped a hand across her lips. “Oops. I didn’t mean to insult you, but—”

  “Gotcha. That was payback for yesterday,” Emily teased. “Don’t worry. I’m not about to bring home any dates when she’s around. I’ve seen the effect Kate has on men. She must exude some kind of natural aphrodisiac, because every man who sees her is instantly mesmerized. It’s unreal. The guys in our complex practically foam at the mouth every time she sets one foot out of her apartment. To make matters worse, I can’t even hate her because she’s been so nice.”

  “God, I’d hate to have her living next door. I’d never be able to keep a boyfriend.”

  Emily wondered what Sara would say if she knew what Kate did for a living. That answer, however, would always remain a mystery, because she had no intention of telling anyone Kate was a hooker, albeit a high class one.

  The rest of the afternoon passed quickly as Emily split her time between working on Kate’s order and waiting on customers. The grandfather clock on the wall chimed six p.m. as she carried the second arrangement to the glass refrigeration unit.

  Her thoughts returned to Glen’s proposal during the short drive home. The shop was so busy she hadn’t had time to worry about which option she’d choose. She reviewed her ideas, then chewed her bottom lip when she realized that there was only one answer. If she wanted to remain in Vegas and stay out of prison, she had to work with him. Damn that man.

  Well, she fumed, she might have to work with Glen, but there was no way he was getting the upper hand. She’d already come too far on her own for that to happen. It was her talent they’d be using, not his. Therefore, it only made sense for her to call the shots. He needed her, not the other way around.

  Feeling better, she hurried to her apartment and dialed his number. “I’ve made my decision,” she announced in her best no-nonsense voice. “Come over.”

  She retreated to the kitchen and took a few minutes deciding where to sit. The optimum spot would be someplace where she could motion for him to come to her. That would give her an advantage from the onset. She hated being hard-nosed about this, but if anybody deserved it, Glen Craigone did.

  Anger boiled in her stomach, and she squelched it. She had to present a calm and collected façade. Rule number one of successful negotiation dictated that she not show any emotion throughout their bargaining session. That would only weaken her position, something she had no intention of doing.

  It didn’t take long to set the table with two cups and saucers and start a fresh pot of coffee. While she waited, she nudged the table closer to the window so that the sun was directly behind her. After gathering a pad and pencil, she took her place at the table. Five minutes passed, then six, and she nervously drummed her fingers. If he didn’t show up soon, she’d tell him just where he could put his offer, in no uncertain terms.

  Finally, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

  Glen entered the kitchen, and her heart skipped a beat when she realized that he was wearing a skimpy tee shirt and shorts that showed off his tanned, muscular physique. Evidently, he wasn’t adverse to a little game playing of his own. She sighed inwardly. If only he wasn’t so damn good looking!

  Get a grip, girl. You’re here to tear the man apart, not make nice. She reined in her traitorous libido and gritted her teeth until her heart stopped fluttering. “Sit down.”

  “Nice touch,” Glen announced, sinking into a chair. Once he’d scooted closer, he placed a videotape on the table. “Although,” he drawled, “If I were you, I’d have chosen a higher ch
air for the power position. You’re still shorter than I am by a foot.”

  She ignored his jibe and kept her gaze focused on the flowered wall tile behind him. “Excuse me? We’re here to discuss business, not play games. Since I don’t have an office, I thought the kitchen would make a good alternative.” She gestured to the freshly brewed coffee. “Would you like a cup?”

  He flashed her a wry grin. “No, thanks. I’ve had my quota for the day.”

  “Fine. Let’s get down to business.” She swung her gaze back to the tile behind his head. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to accept your offer—with a few stipulations.”

  “Really? And what might those be?”

  “First, this is an equal partnership. You are not the boss. Furthermore, if I decide that something’s too risky, our partnership’s over. Once we split the jackpot, we go our separate ways. I don’t ever want to see or hear from you again. Is that understood?”

  His smile faded, and he clamped his fingers around her wrist. “I understand perfectly,” he said in a level tone. “But you better understand right now that you need me as much as I need you.”

  “That’s where you’re mistaken,” she snapped, jerking her hand free. “I don’t need you at all. In fact, I was doing just fine until you came along.”

  “Oh yeah?” He shoved the video toward her. “Take a look at that, then tell me you don’t need me.”

  “What does that tape have to do with anything?”

  “Watch it, and you’ll see.” He grabbed the case and strode out of the kitchen.

  Emily hurried into the living room and watched as he switched on the television and shoved the tape into the VCR.

  “Sit down and keep quiet,” he ordered.

  Surprise kept her silent as the television replayed her visit to the El Cajon Indian Casino and subsequent interrogation by its security chief.

  Once the tape finished, Glen turned to face her. “Well?” he asked in a hard voice, hands on hips. “What do you have to say now?”

  “Oh my God. No wonder the security chief tried to have me arrested.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kate tipped the delivery boy, then stepped back to assess the effect the purple iris arrangement made in her foyer. The floral arrangement she’d previewed at the Emerald Lagoon had been beautiful, but this one was even more perfect, both in size and content. She moved the arrangement a little to the left so the flowers formed a perfect half-circle from one edge of the Roman table to the other, and was startled by a knock at the door.

  The series of short raps continued, this time more insistent. Moving to the door, Kate glanced through the peephole before releasing the chain. Mike and Stu stood in the hallway, and the expressions on their faces indicated that they weren’t happy.

  “Took you long enough,” Mike complained as he strutted into the foyer.

  “Nice to see you, too,” Kate countered. “You’re too early. The courier isn’t scheduled to deliver the cigarette case until after one p.m. That’s why I told you to come by later.” She glanced at her watch. “I hate to be rude, but I have a client coming in less than an hour.”

  “Same old Kate, always thinking about money,” Mike sneered as he sank into a cream-colored leather chair and tugged at the cuffs of his white silk shirt. “Yeah, well, that’s what I’ve come to talk to you about. Business. I have an important client flying in the day after tomorrow, and you’re going to show him a good time.” He lifted his glance and his smile disappeared. “A very good time. Plan on staying at the villa at least three days.”

  Kate folded her arms and shook her head. “I can’t. I’m already booked. I might be able to squeeze him into my schedule for one night, but three is out of the question.”

  Mike snapped his fingers, and Stu grabbed Kate’s arm, then dragged her over to Mike’s chair.

  “Let go of me, you jerk,” she cried. “You’re hurting me.”

  Stu’s grip tightened, nearly cutting off her circulation. Mike rose to his feet, fished a switchblade out of his pocket, and flipped it open. He pressed the tip of the cold, blue steel against her chin. “Oh, you’ll come all right, Kate. In fact, you’ll come every time I snap my fingers. This man is my most valuable customer. You’ll do whatever he asks. Understand?”

  She tilted her chin defiantly, wincing as the blade followed her every move. “And if I don’t?”

  Mike grabbed a handful of hair. “What do you say now, bitch?” He glanced at Stu. “Hold her down. It’s time I taught her who’s boss.”

  Kate winced in pain as Mike pressed the cutting edge into her hairline. Pain radiated down her face and neck when Mike sliced off a piece of skin. Almost immediately, a trickle of warm blood formed and dribbled down her face.

  “Don’t make me angry, Kate,” Mike warned. “Terrible things happen when I’m angry.” He scraped the edge of his fingernail down her cheek and jaw, then grabbed her chin and squeezed hard. “It would be a shame to carve the skin off such a beautiful face and body.”

  Kate tried to twist away. Mike’s arm swung wide, then flew toward her, connecting with her jaw. She tasted blood, and her stomach twisted into a knot.

  “Listen, bitch. If you don’t do what I tell you, I’ll make sure you’re skinned alive and left in the desert to rot. Understood?”

  Blinking away the tears, she nodded. At Mike’s signal, Stu slammed her to the floor. Kate lifted a shaky hand to the wound in her scalp and tried to stem the tide of blood, but a thin river of red escaped between her fingers and continued its downward journey. Mind numbing panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she maintained her outward calm, even though her first instinct was to run screaming from the room. She knew she had to regain control of this situation. Her life might well depend on it. “Okay. I’ll be there. You don’t have to beat me into submission.” Her voice came out a husky croak. “What time should I be at the villa?”

  “Noon. You’re going to be in the limo when it leaves for the airport. Make sure you’re dressed to kill. I don’t want my guest to be disappointed.”

  “Fine.”

  Mike yanked her hair again. “Don’t give me that uppity attitude, bitch. This ain’t some pimp you’re talking to. You’ll do what I tell you, when I tell you, and grovel like a dog every time I speak. Get it?”

  She shielded her face with one arm. “Yes. You don’t have to worry Mike, I’ll be there.”

  “Bring the cigarette case when you come.” He motioned for Stu, and the two of them headed toward the door. Stu continued into the hallway, but Mike paused as he passed the new arrangement. “Where did you get this?”

  She struggled to keep her voice level. “The Emerald Lagoon flower shop.”

  Mike crooked his index finger and Stu reappeared. “Order two arrangements from the Emerald Lagoon’s flower shop. Tell them you want the same woman that made Kate’s arrangement to make them. Nobody else. Have them delivered before our guest arrives.” As Stu strode out the door, Mike turned to Kate. “Don’t disappoint me,” he warned in a soft, deadly voice. “If you do, you won’t live to regret it.”

  Kate waited until she was sure they were gone before moving. The moment she did, her head swam, and she lifted a hand to her aching scalp. She wasn’t overly worried about the blood; head wounds always bled profusely. Besides, she reasoned, Mike wouldn’t have made a big cut; she was far too valuable a commodity to mar permanently, especially since he wanted her to entertain his guest. Taking a deep breath, she held on to the end table until she felt strong enough to force her legs to propel her to the bathroom.

  A terrible anger rose within her when she glimpsed her reflection in the mirror. She flung open the medicine cabinet, then gathered the vestiges of her courage before applying alcohol to the scalp laceration. Tears of self-pity rolled down her cheeks while she waited for the agonizing stinging to subside.

  Damn Mike and that vicious temper of his. He’d pay for doing this. Any lingering doubts about helping the Feds nail Mike and his henchmen faded as
she peeled off her bloody shirt and stepped into the shower.

  Kate glanced at the clock as she slipped into clean clothes and was relieved to learn that she still had thirty minutes before her next client. She reached for the phone, but stayed her hand when it occurred to her that Mike might have put a tap on her telephone. The pay phone in the lobby would be a safer choice. She grabbed some change out of her purse and headed for the elevator.

  Agent Dozer answered on the third ring.

  “It’s me. I have some news.”

  “You all right? You sound rattled.”

  “Mike came by.”

  “What happened?”

  Kate cupped her hand over the receiver and lowered her voice. “Shut up and listen. We have to move quickly. Mike wants me at his villa the day after tomorrow to entertain some important client he’s flying in. We’ll have to meet in the morning so I can get the recording device.”

  “I’ll have someone pick you up.”

  She took a deep breath. “One more thing. As soon as I plant that bug, I’m leaving town. Permanently.”

  “What did he do to you?”

  “Nothing that won’t heal. I’m okay for now, but if I stick around much longer, I may not stay that way. Once I start the recorder, I’m leaving the villa and going straight to the airport. Your boys can pick up the car in the airport parking lot.” She waited for him to speak, but all she heard was silence. “You there?”

  “Yeah. I was trying to figure out how we can install the receiving unit. Take your car to Zeb’s Mercedes Corral around eight tomorrow morning. I have a guy working there who can install the bugging system. Do you know where it is?”

  “Yeah. How do we meet up?”

  “I’ll have a limo waiting to take you to a hotel. I’ll book a room so you can keep your cover intact while we show you how to activate the microphone. You’ll have to practice before you take it to the villa. Is there a particular hotel you like to use?”