My hands were shaking so badly it took me three tries to pull up Alfie's number again. I could have cried when he finally picked up with a gruff, "Malone?"
"Alfie, have I got a story you're going to love."
CHAPTER TWENTY
"Tessie?" Alfie's voice boomed from the hall.
"In here!" I called, afraid to take my eyes off of the room holding Stintner. Alfie burst through the door, flipping on the overhead lights, and I ran into his open arms.
"You're bleeding," he said, holding me tightly. "That bastard shot you?" His jaw clenched, the look in his eyes almost as murderous as Stintner's had been.
I nodded, dropping my head to his chest, soaking up the safety of his strong embrace. "Well, he shot at me. The bullet's in the wall somewhere over there," I said, waving vaguely toward the hallway. "I don't think he's much of a shot." Thank God.
"Where is the sorry son of a bitch?" Alfie ground out.
I pointed to the door with one hand, clinging to him with the other. I wasn't quite ready to stand on my own accord just yet.
"Is he still armed?"
"No, it's on the shelf." I pointed a shaking finger toward it.
Smoothing my hair, he said, "You did good, girl. This could have ended really badly."
I looked up at Alfie, trembling harder at the thought of the alternate ending. "What's going to happen to him?" I asked, not really sure I wanted to know the answer.
Jaw set, temple vein bulging, he muttered, "The man is damn lucky the cops are on their way. Probably best I don't open the door until they get here. Hard to say if there'd be anything left for the cops to arrest."
It didn't take long until the police did arrive, quickly filtering into the room with guns drawn. Alfie pointed toward the locked door, then ushered me out into a nearby office where paramedics arrived a beat behind the officers. Luckily, the bullet just grazed my shoulder, and the paramedic said all I'd need was a few stitches and I'd be as good as new. He quickly dressed the wound in gauze, then gave me a shot of some painkiller that was so nice I could have kissed him.
As he was finishing up, I saw the police escorting a dazed looking Stintner from the back room, parading him down the hallway in handcuffs. I couldn't help but notice the very large, very red snowshoe impression across one side of his face. A giggle escaped me.
Alfie even snickered, clapping a protective hand on my good shoulder. "Your dad would be proud of you. Hell, I'm even proud of you."
I patted my pockets. "You have a pen I can use? This may never happen again. I need to get it in writing."
"Smart ass," he muttered, chucking me on the good shoulder again.
Someone cleared their throat loudly behind me, and I turned to find Agent Ryder standing in the doorway. He nodded toward Alfie. "Can I borrow her for a minute?"
Alfie walked toward him and straightened his tie, cinching it tightly around his neck. "Don't let her wander anywhere alone."
I giggled again. (Wow those painkillers were really good.) Alfie's tough-guy act was actually kind of cute.
I wasn't sure Agent Ryder shared the same opinion, relaxing his collar as he took a step toward me. His eyes immediately went to the white bandage on my shoulder. "You okay?" he asked.
I nodded. "Bullet just grazed me. I'll be fine. I might have a cool scar to impress the boys with, though," I joked.
But Ryder didn't laugh. Instead, he took a step closer, so close we were almost nose to nose.
Then, without warning, his lips pressed against mine. Minty gum and warm coffee flavors mixed with a rush of hormones to make my head spin. I felt one strong hand cradle the back of my head, the other press against the small of my back as heat spread rapidly through my system, pooling somewhere below my belly button. Just when I thought I was going to melt into a puddle of hormonal goo, Ryder pulled back.
"Wow," I breathed, the room still spinning.
"Sorry," he said, his voice coming out in short pants that matched mine. "But I've been dying to do that for days, now."
I felt the corner of my mouth tick upward. "Really? Days?"
He nodded, a lopsided grin spreading across his face. "Oh, yeah." The grin faltered a little. "And I never would have forgiven myself if I left without doing it."
I blinked. "L-left? Wait—you're going?"
Much to my hormone's disappointment, he nodded. "I've got a case up north I need to take care of."
"Will I see you again?" My voice totally came across needier than I meant it to.
"Oh, I can almost guarantee it." His grin faltered further. "The truth is, Stintner may have been responsible for some of the missing money from the books, and your father's murder. But my original case remains open."
I bit my lip. Right. My father's reported mob connections. Ones that I was having a harder and harder time denying, even to myself.
"Ms. King?" one of the uniformed officers said, poking his head into the room. "We need to get a statement from you."
Ryder nodded toward the officer. "I guess duty calls." And with that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving me feeling surprisingly alone despite the presence of the armed officer.
I touched my lips, emotion and pain killers swirling through my system in a cocktail that left me grinning like a fool though the entire police interview.
* * *
I stood outside the boardroom door, shaking off the remnants of Britton's harmless little sleeping pill from hell. While I did indeed sleep, I was finding it hard to focus on the impending emergency board meeting that had been called six days before the scheduled one, in light of Stintner's arrest and the media sensation that was following it. That was one thing Cannetti and crew had been right about—the publicity was not good for the casino.
I smoothed my pencil skirt with sweaty palms while I paced the hall. Bittersweet emotions bubbled through me, knowing that the board was behind those doors, discussing the fate of my childhood home. Odd that I thought of it that way now, but after tripping down memory lane for the past few days, I realized that even though I'd lived with my mother 90% of the time, I'd done a lot of growing up within these casino walls.
Walls that might not be standing for much longer.
The door popped open, striking both fear and anticipation through my body simultaneously, and Alfie motioned me in.
Members were seated around a long wooden table, all of them well dressed and somber faced. I was surprised to see Rafe in attendance as well, wearing much the same somber expression as the rest of the assembled group. I fought a wave of guilt at all my prior suspicions about him as I nodded a stiff hello in his direction. He waved a hand in response, but his grim expression didn't change much. Not a good sign.
Alfie escorted me to the end of the table, but instead of sitting, he dropped a gentle hand on my good shoulder.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the board," he said, addressing the room. "You've all had your chances to speak, to tell of your plans to shut this place down, tear it apart, and sell it off piece by piece. The Royal Palace has been my life, and Richard King's life, God rest his soul, for many years. It sickens me to even consider what you're suggesting. I feel, with the right person at the helm, this casino can get back on its feet and return to days of greatness and profit."
I stared up at him, finding myself silently rooting for this anonymous soul Alfie spoke about. I nodded in agreement and turned a confident smile toward the board.
Until Alfie's grip tightened on my shoulder.
"And I think that right person is Ms. Tessie King."
I froze, blinking at the room, wondering if I'd just heard him wrong.
"I'll be beside her every step of the way," Alfie continued, "as she learns the ropes, just like I was with her dad. But the past week, she's shown the sort of gumption that this place needs. No one messes with the Royal Palace while a King is at the helm."
I tried really hard to keep the shock I felt from my face as the board members muttered to one another, all eyes assessing me. While I had
been gaining some measure of confidence as the temporary leader of this outfit, the idea of doing it permanently had me paralyzed with fear. I would have to give up my life in San Francisco, my artists, the gallery, my apartment. Though, said apartment paled in comparison to the penthouse. Captain Jack would have more room and a nice balcony to sun on.
I bit my lip. Mom was gonna be pissed if I stayed in Tahoe. Probably best to let her know after picking up Jack.
Rafe stood and cleared his throat loudly enough to stop the chatter. "I say we give her a chance, perhaps a three month trial period. We can always reconvene at the end of that time and reconsider our options if there are any problems. But, I have to agree with Mr. Malone. This place has been my home, made me who I am today, and I'm willing to fight to keep the doors open. I'd bet anything that Tessie's energy is just what we need to put a fresh face on the casino." He punctuated that statement with a wink in my direction, and I knew there were going to be more business dinners in our future. Rafe had big plans, and I had a feeling it would be to my benefit—the casino's benefit—if I listened more closely to them next time.
"Let's take a vote," Alfie announced. "All in favor?"
Slowly, one by one, hands timidly slid into the air until the number reached the majority. I couldn't believe it. They voted me in.
Alfie smiled down at me. "Looks like you've got a new job, kid." He paused. "Unless you like selling your arty stuff more?"
I stared at the room full of strangers, some of them smiling at me with assurance, others scoffing, arms folded over their chests. I tried to keep the tone of my voice even as I steeled my spine and said, "I want to do this. For my dad."
Rafe rounded the table and scooped me off my feet, into a bear hug. "That's our girl." He squeezed me even tighter. "I know you can do this," he whispered in my ear.
I felt a shiver ride down my spine at his warm breath tickling over my skin. Part of me was crushed when he let me go. And not just the Teen-me part this time. Damn. I think maybe Adult-me was starting to crush on this guy, too. This could definitely turn dangerous.
Board members shuffled between us, extending their hands to me in good will. I mindlessly shook hands, nodding and smiling at each board member offering their encouragement as I tried to take it all in. I was very glad to see the last person leave the room, finally alone, able to process my thoughts. I sat at the table. The long, polished conference table my dad had manned for years. I stared out at the crystal blue waters, shimmering in the sunlight like they were covered in a fine layer of diamonds. Beyond them the jagged peaks of the snow-dusted mountains reached proudly to the sky, creating a larger than life backdrop. I suddenly had the itch to paint it, to memorialize this moment, this beauty, and this incredible rush of emotions running through me on canvas. It was an itch I hadn't felt in a long time.
And I liked it.
When I finally left the boardroom, I hit the elevator button for the penthouse, the crazy thought that it was now mine just hitting me. Though, truth be told, I wasn't sure Captain Jack and I could fill a place that big on our own. A fact I was sure of as Britton answered the door.
"How do you feel about cats? And roommates?" I asked her.
Her false eyelashes batted at me. "What?"
"Well, I just accepted my father's position on the board."
Britton squealed, grabbing me in a hug to rival a boa constrictor. "Does this mean you're staying?
I nodded. "It also means the penthouse is now mine," I managed to squeak out.
She let go of me, her eyebrows twitching ever so slightly in confusion. "So you're moving in and want me to move somewhere with a roommate and cats?"
I shook my head, a laugh bubbling up in my throat. "No," I said, as I led her to the couch and sat down next to her. "I'm asking if you'd like to share the penthouse with me and my cat."
Her eyes flew open wide, instantly tearing up. "I love cats."
"You can keep the master bedroom. The thought of my dad and you...well, you still have some of your things in there, and most of my stuff is in the other room already."
"Are you sure?"
I stared into her rounded eyes, tears spilling down her face, so much appreciation and honesty in their depths. "I'm positive." Patting her hand, I stood in front of her. "I still have a few things in my suite. I'd better go get them before all of this sinks in, and I pass out."
Britton pounced from the couch, hugging me tightly again. I wrapped my arms around her and returned it as best I could with one bandaged shoulder.
"Thank you, so much," she sputtered through sobs.
Unwinding myself from her arms, I smiled. "I'll be right back."
The trip down to the fifth floor was short. I stood outside the door of my old room, reminding myself that Stintner was now behind bars, and it was safe to go in as I unlocked it. Not that those rational thoughts chased away any of the irrational fear I felt at being back at the scene of my attack. Fear that only increased when I stepped over the threshold and immediately felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. Something was wrong. Someone had been in my room again, I could feel it.
I grabbed the nearest item I could find as a weapon...my curling iron off the vanity by the door. I held it out in front of me. I wasn't sure I could do much damage, but they'd be styled perfectly.
"Hello?" I called out. "Anyone in here?" I paused. "Particularly anyone scary?"
Then I rolled my eyes at myself. Like anyone was going to answer. I was being big baby. Get a grip, girl. I flipped on the light switch, forcing myself to drop the curling iron.
And then I instantly saw what was different in the room.
The Vermeer.
It was hanging on the far wall of my room, a small, white card tucked in the bottom of the frame.
I took in deep breaths as I approached the priceless piece I had just about given up hope of ever seeing again, almost afraid to touch it as I retrieved the note and read it.
It's only fitting this painting gets returned to the boss.
Alfie.
The boss. Wow, that was me.
I stared up at the beautiful masterpiece, the careful brushstrokes and shading never ceasing to amaze and inspire me. I couldn't wait to hang it back up in the penthouse where it belonged.
Where I belonged.
* * * *
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About the Authors
Gemma Halliday is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the High Heels Mysteries, the Hollywood Headlines Mysteries, the Janie Bond Mysteries, and the Deadly Cool series of young adult books, as well as several other works. Gemma's books have received numerous awards, including a Golden Heart, two National Reader's Choice awards and three RITA nominations. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where she is hard at work on several new projects.
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To learn more about Gemma, visit her online at http://www.gemmahalliday.com
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T. Sue VerSteeg was born and raised in the southeast central region of Iowa in the small town of Grinnell. At the age of 21, she moved her parents and family to the beautiful Ozarks of Missouri where they have since made their homes. She has been blessed with the love of an adoring husband (who is also her soul mate), two wonderful children, the best sister in the world and truly amazing parents. Writing has always been a passion in her life as most family members and friends can attest. Long letters, journals and short stories can be found in nearly every drawer and filing cabinet in her home, along with manuscripts and research documents. Her most sincere wish is that you can find as much enjoyment in reading her stories as she did in the creation of t
hem.
To learn more about T. Sue, visit her online at: http://tsueversteeg.com
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OTHER BOOKS BY GEMMA HALLIDAY
High Heels Mysteries:
Spying in High Heels
Killer in High Heels
Undercover in High Heels
Christmas in High Heels (short story)
Alibi in High Heels
Mayhem in High Heels
Honeymoon in High Heels (novella)
Sweetheart in High Heels (short story)
Fearless in High Heels
Danger in High Heels
Hollywood Headlines Mysteries:
Hollywood Scandals
Hollywood Secrets
Hollywood Confessions
Jamie Bond Mysteries:
Unbreakable Bond
Secret Bond
Tahoe Tessie Mysteries:
Luck be a Lady
Young Adult Books:
Deadly Cool
Social Suicide
Wicked Games (coming in 2014!)
Other Works:
Play Nice
Viva Las Vegas
A High Heels Haunting (novella)
Watching You (short story)
Confessions of a Bombshell Bandit (short story)
OTHER BOOKS BY T. SUE VERSTEEG
Secrets of the Sapphires
Another Time, Another Place
Click!
One Wild Weekend
* * * * *
SNEAK PEEK
of the first High Heels Mystery
by Gemma Halliday:
SPYING
IN
HIGH HEELS
CHAPTER ONE
Luck Be a Lady (Tahoe Tessie Mysteries) Page 19
