“And this is where you want us to build?” Drake sure as hell wasn’t about to ask any of his current staff if they wanted to transfer. The last thing he needed was to risk his staff being taken for human trafficking. Makes a bad day at the High View Falls look like a walk in the park.
“A lot has changed. I’m not going to lie; there’s a lot of work still to be done. The only way to fight against such cruelty taking place again is to build the economy. My family and I have been doing what we can, but we need other businesses, like yours, to join in the fight.”
“And it sounds like it’s going to be one hell of one.”
“You don’t have to worry. My brother-in-law, Bennett Stone, heads the security team there. At times we’ve brought in another team that specialized in such situations.”
“Anyone I’d know?” Drake had never needed to hire an outside firm to handle things. He wanted to know everything about them before agreeing to use them for the casino.
“Turchetta mean anything to you?” Drake shook his head. “They are a band of brothers highly skilled in both combat and security. Bennett has brought them in on a few different occasions.”
“Combat? It’s that volatile there?”
“It was. Bennett has things under control. There were people being held hostage by their own government. Let’s just say that way of life no longer exists.”
“And the government that had been in charge?”
Alex had a smug look. “Being rebuilt slowly with people who have the best interest of the country and all its people. I’m hoping you sign that contract and join in the endeavor.”
“And you honestly think we can pull this off? Change the mindset of an entire country?” Drake had a lot of doubt.
“I know what will happen if we don’t try. We’re not willing to walk away and leave them to whatever scum steps in next. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. Hell, I can promise it’s not.”
Drake had looked over the plan thoroughly and understood what they were looking for. If a high-end casino and hotel came into Tabiq with other big attractions, they would draw tourists. They’d hire the locals to work in these facilities and hopefully expand so tourists could shop in town. If it all worked, which was risky, it could be a big win for Tabiq. There’s a lot of ifs and no guarantees. Tabiq was a small enough island that it could be pulled off. With a hell of a lot of work. “Why me and not another casino owner?” Drake didn’t feel as though he had anything to contribute besides money. The Hendersons didn’t need money. So what were they really after? Definitely, not my charm.
“Most places such as yours have a high turnover in staff. That’s not the case here. Employees seem genuinely stable and satisfied. You know what you’re doing and clearly you’re doing it well.”
“What makes you think it’s not my HR department’s doing?”
“We know Mr. Townsend is an asset, but it’s still under your leadership. You’re known for being a hard ass, but a fair one. Therefore you’re respected by your employees. We need that in Tabiq. They’ll walk all over someone too soft. Too hard and they break.”
Drake didn’t realize the Hendersons had looked so closely into how he ran things. This was so much more than a financial commitment. His ego said he totally was up for the challenge. Deep within, he wasn’t so sure. Although he’d treated people fairly, it was for his benefit. If he heard Alex correctly, Tabiq was more of a selfless act. That’s not something Drake had ever done before. I always say go big or go home.
“My lawyer didn’t see any issues. You can tell Dean I’ll have the papers signed and delivered to him tomorrow.”
He didn’t miss the surprise on Alex’s face. “Dean is handling the development aspect but we, the entire family, are all equally invested in turning things back to how they used to be in Tabiq.”
Drake cocked a brow. “And how was it?”
“Poor, but with strong family values. They were happy until . . . they were . . . misled. It spiraled out of control when the people of Tabiq lost leadership of their country to outsiders who viewed them as nothing more than toys to be played with.”
He was filled with anger. Alex hadn’t gone into detail, but Drake could read between the lines. What bothered him right now was the waitress from last night. If what Alex and his wife said was true, she’d grown up there. The information made him sick to his stomach. What had been her reality? And for how long?
Hell, she might still be being used and manipulated.
Drake needed to get to the bottom of it. She might be here to learn about him, but the tables were about to be turned. If anyone was hurting her, they were going to answer to him.
“Sounds like we have an uphill battle ahead of us.”
Alex nodded. “Trust isn’t easy to regain once broken.”
And the peoples of Tabiq had been shattered.
Chapter 4
It was a Thursday night, and the place had been hopping. When she’d asked Janet if there was a convention or something in town, Janet informed her it was a slow night compared to Friday and Saturday. They didn’t have casinos back home, and she’d never been to one in the States before. But she knew enough about them. To her, they were places where people with money to spare went. That had never been her. But tonight was an eye-opener. She hadn’t been naïve enough to think a waitress’s job was easy, but Isa never understood what they went through. For the most part, customers were friendly. They ordered their drinks and enjoyed the music. There were several who, on the other hand, treated the women as though they didn’t have a brain in their head and were hired strictly to please them. A few got a bit touchy-feely, and it reminded her of back home. To her surprise, Carlos intervened and sent them on their way, without them paying their tab. She’d asked Janet about it and was informed the owner had a strict hands-off policy. The costumes might be skimpy, but he wouldn’t let anyone treat them as anything less than ladies.
The only real chatting that took place had been with customers, and her throat was raw by the end of her shift. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d spoken so much. Of course, the two hours of laughing at lunch earlier in the day didn’t help any. But she wouldn’t trade that time for anything. Each person had told their horror stories of mishaps at the lounge over the years. It made her toppling a beer on Drake seem trite. Not only had her stomach hurt from eating too much, but her sides hurt from laughing as well. It was exactly what Isa needed to handle her shift. She was much more relaxed and confident, two things desperately needed to get through the night. And a little pep talk from Janet, her very own cheerleader, didn’t hurt either. She had no idea why Janet seemed to take her under her wing, but Isa was grateful for it. Isa had made it through the busy night without any mishaps at all. It might not seem like much to anyone else, but she was proud of herself for being able to hold her own. It was nice to feel she was a valuable member of the team.
She was the last of her crew to finish up and head to the dressing rooms. There was one customer she couldn’t bring herself to walk away from. He was there on vacation from Canada. It was something he’d planned on doing with his wife, but she’d passed a few months earlier. Isa could see the torment and the loneliness in him. It was as though he’d been trying to fulfill a promise, one he wished he hadn’t made. Isa’s heart broke just looking at him. He said all he wanted to do was get back on a plane and go home.
Loneliness was something Isa understood all too well. She never had a chance to say goodbye to her family when she left. She had to run when she had the chance or she would’ve risked being killed. Years later she’d wanted to reach out and let them know she was safe, but they probably assumed she was gone for good, as so many young women were. And contacting them would risk that piece of crap finding out and hunting her down, even here in the States. Thankfully the Bowens had decided to travel overseas on vacation and their paths crossed. If the Bowens hadn’t taken pity on her and sponsored her to come to the US, who knows where she’d be today.
“Maybe there should have been benches put here. Seems you spend a lot of time waiting for this thing.”
She didn’t need to see him to know it was Drake’s voice. And I thought my day was going to end on a good note. Wrong again. “Don’t you ever go home?”
Eyes still closed, she heard him chuckle. “I could ask the same to you. Is Carlos working you that hard? In early, out late?”
Isa turned to look at him. It made her uncomfortable that he knew her comings and goings. Don’t you have anything better to do than watch me? She knew she was overtired, and she tended to let her imagination get the better of her when she was. Turning the focus back on him, she asked, “Do you frequent the lounge so much that you know the manager’s name?”
Why am I starting a conversation with him? I don’t want to talk to him.
“I know a lot of the employees here.”
“You don’t know me.” Oh, just shut up already, Isa. She wished she had duct tape to put over her big mouth. Something about him made her say snappy retorts. It was like begging him to continue chatting when she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.
“Join me for coffee, and we can change that.”
The elevator door opened and she went inside. “No thank you.” He followed her. “Are you following me?”
“What makes you think that?” Drake asked.
“You seem to show up in too many places I’m at.”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “And that makes you uncomfortable?”
Isa was tempted to leave the elevator. Then she figured playing hardball might have better results. “You do know there is a harassment policy here at High View Falls? I’m sure HR wouldn’t approve of your—”
“Talking with an employee? Because I believe that’s all it has been. Except when you threw a beer at me.”
“I did not. You know darn well it was an accident. I—”
Drake raised a hand, halting her plea. “I was teasing. You can’t take a joke, can you?”
Isa was relieved but wasn’t sure if she believed him. Drake didn’t strike her as someone easy going. Then again what did she know about him? No more than he knows about me.
“I’m too tired to laugh.” It was an honest response.
Drake once again was staring at her. “This is a tough shift. Would you rather work days?”
Who wouldn’t? But it’s not like she was in the position to tell Mr. Townsend she wanted better hours. She had no seniority. Heck, maybe I should ask for more pay too. Drake was too much.
“Are you going to wave your magic wand and make that happen? Because I have a list of things to add.”
His response wasn’t what she’d expected. Drake grinned. “I think we should discuss it over coffee.”
“Really? Why? You don’t even like me.”
The elevator doors opened, and Isa was about to step out when Drake cocked a brow. “What makes you think that?” He stood inside but put a foot in the doorway so it wouldn’t shut.
Isa wanted out of the close confines and stepped out before turning back to face him. She crossed her arms, ready to tell him he was wasting both their time, because it wasn’t ever going to happen. Drake actually leaned his shoulder against the door to keep it open. There was something different about him tonight from the other times their paths had crossed. Maybe it was the absence of the harsh look on his face she’d come to expect. He seemed more . . . relaxed. She had wanted to walk away, but for the first time, she was tempted to stay. It was probably a good thing; he might follow her into the dressing room. That definitely would be hard to explain to the other ladies.
Her own thoughts defied her, and she snorted, trying to hold back laughter. It was a crystal clear vision: his tall, muscular body trying not to stand out in a dressing room filled with a variety of costumes and makeup. From the conversation with the other ladies at lunch, she’d learned they weren’t shy and probably would have a field day with him there. Might even make you blush.
“Can’t think of an answer?” Drake asked.
Heck, somehow she’d gotten lost in those gorgeous blue eyes of his. What question? Oh, yes. What makes you think that? It was apparent he wasn’t going anywhere till he got an answer. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe the tone you used when speaking to me the other night.”
“My tone? I believe that you—” Drake raised his hands in defeat. “I concede. We seemed to have gotten off on the wrong foot. Maybe we can try this again.”
She was hoping to end the exchange, not start over. It was too late. Drake stepped away from the door and let it close behind him. “I don’t see—”
“My name’s Drake and you are?”
Annoyed. “Isa.”
He gave her a dashing grin, which under any other circumstance, might make her melt like chocolate in her mouth. But this wasn’t their first encounter, and even though he didn’t seem to remember their first, she did.
“I’m hoping you’ll reconsider my offer for coffee.”
Isa opened her mouth to refuse when Janet came out from the dressing room and said, “Guess I see why you were running behind.” She gave Isa a playful wink then said, “Nice to see you again, Mr. Fletcher.”
She shouldn’t be surprised that Janet knew him. Janet didn’t forget much, which made her an amazing waitress. Drake, on the other hand, didn’t address her by name. And the warm fuzzy rapport they were sharing vanished.
“Have a good night,” Drake said flatly to Janet, but his eyes never broke contact with Isa.
Janet shot one more look Isa’s way, huffed, then pressed the elevator button. The door opened, and she got in but gave a playful retort before they closed. “I’ll tell Carlos not to worry if you’re late for your shift tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
What the hell does that mean? It was as though she’d just walked in on a private joke, one that Drake didn’t find one bit amusing. Isa tried to peer around him to catch one last look at Janet, but the doors had already closed.
“I’m so . . .” She really wasn’t sure what she was. Confused? Jealous surely didn’t make any sense. Isa knew next to nothing about him, and what she did know, she didn’t like. At first at least. Puzzled probably described her feeling more accurately. “Do you two know each other?” Isa asked, wishing she hadn’t.
“I don’t know her.”
Isa was a master at reading between the lines. Implying that Janet knew him was an odd statement, but accurate. Not so friendly as to use his first name though.
“If you want to know why, join me for coffee,” Drake said with a devious grin.
“You really don’t give up do you?” Drake shook his head. “If you haven’t noticed, I’m not quite dressed to go anywhere, for coffee or anything else.”
His eyes roamed over her and said, “Then an alternant plan will suffice. I’ll meet you by Forever Fresh at one tomorrow.”
Without even giving her a chance to decline his offer, Drake turned and headed down the opposite end of the hallway. She didn’t know what was there, but she’d seen several security men coming and going from that direction. She didn’t peg him in that field, although he was intimidating. Isa would’ve bet he was a blackjack dealer or something of that sort. Because he’s a hard one to read.
Although she didn’t want to, she’d find out what he was tomorrow when she met him at Forever Fresh. She’d passed the restaurant a few times when she’d gotten lost. It was definitely out of her price range. Isa didn’t think she could afford coffee there, never mind a meal. High View Falls catered to p
eople with money to burn. And I can barely make ends meet.
With a sigh, she turned toward the dressing room. The vending machine seemed to call out to her. She didn’t need to bother stopping because the large white paper clearly stated, out of order. Although she was tired, she needed to be awake long enough to get home. Chocolate would’ve provided the energy. Darn. I should’ve taken the coffee.
* * *
Lying on his bed, Drake knew he’d timed it perfectly. He wasn’t known to be a patient man and waiting for her to leave really tested his limits. There had been one point in which he’d thought he would need to go into the lounge and drag her physically out. He’d already confirmed she wasn’t scheduled for any overtime, yet she had stood there talking to that old man for what seemed like hours. Drake had to commend her for excellent customer service, but he’d rather only hear about it, not watch it.
It wasn’t as though he could hear what she was saying, because the security camera in her area only had visual, no audio. Scott wouldn’t be pleased if he found out how he’d abused his power, but being the owner had its perks. I don’t answer to anyone. That didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate Scott attempting to keep him on the straight and narrow.
Nothing he’d learned about Isa seemed to fit the woman he’d spoken to. From the application she’d completed, she’d never held a waitressing position. He realized people needed to make a change, but that was a stretch. She’d been handling accounts payable and receivable and purchasing for a small shop. Even in a small shop, she would’ve needed excellent math skills and be detailed oriented. He had no idea what made her apply at the High View Falls Casino. How did we end up hiring someone with no credentials to serve drinks?
Drake had to admit Isa picked up quickly, but that didn’t mean HR was off the hook. He had certain expectations. They seemed to have gotten lucky this time, but she still didn’t belong there. Someone hadn’t followed protocol. With everything going on with recent thefts, the last thing he needed was incompetence in HR. Scott and I are going to have a long talk tomorrow.
Seven Guilty Pleasures Page 5
