Hazard Play (9 page)

“I want to feel all of you.” She unbuttoned his Levis, pausing at each button to kiss and caress him. Her tongue dipped into his navel and he drew her up to his mouth to drink from the sweetness of her lips. He didn’t trust himself with her mouth doing such devastating things to him.

“You’re not playing fair, Contessa.” He gasped. “My turn.” Their bodies were covered with a thin sheen of sweat. She looked like she had been dipped in gold, with a thin wisp of lace panties guarding her femininity.

He couldn’t help it. Reaching out, he touched the lace reverently. He stroked over the lavender silk and she trembled. He pressed a kiss against her heat and she moved sensuously against his mouth. The tiny bit of silk served as a barrier to heaven. Bailey’s fingers slipped under the scrap of material and she opened to him with a soft cry. 

Her body danced under his touch. All her senses centered on his touch, and she adjusted to the rhythmic slide of his hand by raising her hips in time to his gentle probing. He found the sensitive nub he was seeking and it sent a surge of molten lava through her. The fire was building and he welcomed the explosion that was coming closer with each caress.

She reached down to free him from his constricting shorts. He felt a vibration that traveled like an electrical spark between their entwined limbs.

In fact, it was a rather insistent vibration. Again.

It was...his cell.

“Ahh...I'll turn it off.” Bailey opened heavy-lidded eyes. He stilled the movement of his fingers and cursed the interruption.

“I didn’t think this was something we could turn off.” She dared him as she caressed his hard length.

“Contessa, you’re killing me.” He sighed regretfully. “I—”

Tess stopped him with a kiss and sat up to give him some room.

The mood broken, he rolled over and checked the message. Tess watched him stand up and take his phone, his bare back glistening with sweat. She wanted him just like he looked now, hot, sweaty, and incoherent. Buttoning his Levi’s, he dialed.

“Yeah. Okay, thanks for calling.” Bailey shook his head. “Damn.”

She reached for the robe on the floor at the bottom of the bed and slipped it on. “Trouble?”

“You might say that.” He looked worried. “Some men were at the front desk asking questions. I gave the bellhop a little something to keep his eyes and ears open.”

“What’s our next move?”

Bailey was all business. Their passionate lovemaking might as well have been a fantasy. But Tess wouldn’t forget it. For one thing, her body wouldn’t let her. And it wasn’t over, not by any means.

“We keep to the plan and go to dinner. Harrah’s Friday’s Station is one of the best restaurants in town. Put on your fancy shoes, Contessa. Tonight, we meet Lucius Monroe.” With that, he turned and left.

Ten minutes later, Tess was soaking in a tub filled with her favorite lilac bubble bath. She hoped it would relieve some of the tension in her body that had built up, only to be unfulfilled. “Small chance of that,” she murmured to herself.

What had made her think she could start a no-strings relationship when all Bailey had to do was look at her and her insides melted like a Hershey bar left in the sun? She’d never settle for a fling with this particular man. She’d end up back in Greenview pining over the most devastating man she’d ever had the misfortune to fall in love with.

He’d pretended like the scene near the lake had been a typical rendezvous between two adults who knew the rules of casual engagement. They both knew differently. It had escalated too quickly into something neither one of them could’ve controlled if that little girl hadn’t interrupted them. Tess sighed and squeezed the soapy loofah over her bent knee.

“I guess the big question is what I’m going to do about it.” She watched the steam cloud the mirror on the door of the bathroom. “Can I keep it short-term?” The future was no clearer to her and, as dangerous as she knew it was, she wanted it to include more of S.D. Bailey.

Preferably, in her bed.

* * *

Friday’s Station was on the top floor of Harrah’s hotel. Crystal chandeliers twinkled overhead and classical music played softly in the background. The ambience shouted money and plenty of it. Far above the pandemonium of casino slot machines, alarm bells, poker rooms, and noisy laughter, the dining room atmosphere was quietly chic. Tess understood now why Bailey had advanced her a clothing allowance. 

Her embellished Marquesa cocktail dress, cut on the bias to show off the simple lines, fit her like a glove and the sensuous material moved with her body like it was a part of it. Bailey had guessed her size perfectly. His face lit up when he’d first seen her in the dress, his eyes blazing with heat. Good. She wouldn’t make it easy for him to ignore her.

Tess almost felt like real royalty as she entered the room on his arm and they were escorted to their table. Bailey wore his Tom Ford suit with casual elegance. The rakish quality of the ponytail neatly secured at the nape of his neck only added to his magnetism.

Another surprising facet of his personality, he looked equally at home in this formal wear as he had in Levis and a T-shirt. Tess admitted to herself that she didn’t care what he was wearing or not wearing; he looked good to her.

“How do you like it, Contessa?” 

“It’s wonderful. So far, I like this job real well.” She smiled and reached over to straighten his tie in an affectionate gesture. 

It seemed natural when he took her hand and kissed it in thanks. They ordered drinks and decided to start with an appetizer of Macadamia-Togarashi Seared Ahi. For their entrees, Bailey ordered the twelve-ounce New York steak while Tess selected duck breast with roasted apples and Calvados reduction. Sides dishes of grilled asparagus, squash and fennel marinated in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic and shallots complemented the main course.

“The appetizer alone costs more than a steak dinner in Greenview. Are you sure your clients will pay for all this?”

“I told you they said to spare no expense in playing our parts.” Bailey tucked a wayward curl behind her ear and smiled.

“When will we see Lucius?” She was curious to meet this world-class embezzler.

“Not until we go into the casino. Lucius doesn’t waste time eating. He goes straight to the tables.” He focused on her eyes, while brushing his thumb over her cheek. “Uncle Dan says you regularly beat all the guys at poker, so you must like gambling.”

She wanted nothing more than to lean into his caress, but she resisted. Wrong place. Wrong time. “Not really. The bug’s never bitten me. Besides, if you’re good, is it really a gamble?” Tess enjoyed this quiet time with Bailey. She wondered if this gentle escort was the real Bailey. “Know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, as the man sang.”

“Wait until you see Lucius. My contacts tell me he’s a real high roller and gets the crowd on his side every time.”

The server delivered the drinks and Ahi. Bailey lifted his glass to her in a toast and they clinked glasses. Suddenly, the low murmur of the diners stopped. It was all the more dramatic for how quickly it happened. Tess saw Bailey’s eyes narrow and his jaw tighten. She swiveled in her chair to see what he was staring at so intently.

A statuesque redhead had entered the room. She was one of the most striking women Tess had ever seen. Easily six feet tall, she wore a royal purple sheath that clung to every curvaceous part of her body. Designer brand dress with a silver clutch and tasteful jewelry. A “class act” her dad would have said. Tess could understand how such a beautiful woman could literally stop conversations. For one thing, the men in the place had to get their tongues off of the floor and remember to breathe again.

The woman leisurely made her way across the room, ignoring the scene she was causing. She was like a force of nature. She came straight to their table and stopped in front of them. He slowly stood, never taking his eyes from the woman. Tess watched as the redhead put her arms around Bailey and kissed him thoroughly.

“Hello, Rand,” Bailey said.

Bailey turned to Tess. “Tess Hazard, this is Rand Devere.”

That’s all he had to say?
“This is Rand Devere”
like he was introducing an old drinking buddy rather than an emerald-eyed Viking goddess with whom he obviously shared a past? A personal relationship-type past. How could he be interested in Tess when this gorgeous woman existed? She was everything Tess wasn’t. She wanted to throw something at him; but she wasn’t sure if the chafing dish was heavy enough to knock him out.

“Ms. Devere, it’s nice to meet you. Rand is an unusual name.” That witty remark was certainly guaranteed to wow the competition and, if she didn’t miss her guess, Rand Devere definitely wanted to be competition.

“It’s actually Miranda, but ever since I was old enough to throw a fit, my friends have called me Rand. Mind if I join you for a moment?” She sat down without waiting for a reply. Bailey followed suit. She shrugged. “I always thought Miranda was a prissy name.”

Mind if she joined them? No, why would Tess mind? She’d rather walk barefoot through a nest of brown recluse spiders but no, why should she mind? “Bailey’s mentioned you in passing, but he obviously left a few things out. What brings you to Tahoe?”

“I'd like to know that too, Rand. I heard you were on a job.” Bailey glanced sharply at Tess.

“Well, that surprises me, darling.” Rand adjusted the amethyst and silver bracelet circling her wrist. “Who on earth would tell you that?”

Tess could feel the palpable tension between Bailey and his former partner.

“Grapevine. No big deal.”

“I’m actually taking some R & R after a long case. I bought a place on the lake a couple of years ago. Figured I needed a place to relax. I got it after you and I quit working together. And, we haven’t kept in touch...up until now.” Rand smiled and Tess couldn’t help noticing Bailey watching the redhead as if she’d disappear in an instant.
Okay with me.

“Bailey said you’d been partners. Bu he hasn’t told me why you two went your separate ways.” What Tess really wanted to ask was why their personal relationship failed.

“Ever the mysterious man. Right, Bailey?” Rand reached over and patted his hand. “Don’t mind him. He can’t help himself. You have to be willing to live with his quirks.”

Tess thought Rand's expression showed she was more than willing to do that.
Okay, I have a headache now. I wonder if there’s a way I can gracefully get out of here?
“Look, you two must have a lot to catch up on—”

“No, we don’t, Contessa. However, I do want to check out the casino. Excuse me for a minute.” Bailey rose and made his way from the dining room, leaving Tess alone with Rand.

“So, Tess, is it? How long have you known Bailey?” Rand's long, tapered fingers gracefully toyed with the coaster in front of her. Her nails were polished in the exact shade of her hair. The polish was probably some absurd name like Torrid Titian.

Bitch.

“Not long.” Tess wasn’t going to play best friends with this woman. The less Rand knew, the better.

“Are you in the business? Bailey doesn’t play well with others. He also doesn’t keep well in captivity. I should know.” She smiled as she threw down the verbal challenge.

“The business? Oh, no, I’m not a bounty hunter. And as for captivity, if a man is happy, he doesn’t feel like a captive, does he? Maybe, your problem was that he wasn’t happy.”

“You
do
have claws. Good. You were so calm and collected, I thought for moment Bailey had himself a lap dog.”

“What—” Tess clenched her hands on the table.

“Now, don’t get riled. I know that if I were with my man and another woman came up and kissed him, I'd be looking for my gun. Trouble is, I wouldn’t know who to shoot.” Rand looked puzzled and Tess had to laugh out loud.

“I'd go for the man. More satisfying. Don’t you think?” Tess grinned. Her headache was rapidly dissipating. Rand Devere might be okay.

“You’re probably right. Nice to meet you, Tess.” She held out her elegantly manicured hand and they shook.

From Rand's expression, Tess felt like she’d passed some kind of test. “Like I said, I know you and Bailey were...partners once and that it didn’t work out.”

“Not exactly partners. We joined forces for a couple of cases. I won’t lie to you. We were involved at that time but, when we retrieved the bail jumpers, we called it quits.” Rand contemplated the design of the tablecloth. “We both prefer to work alone and we didn’t have time for each other.” 

“I see...and now?” Tess held her breath. This was the time for Rand to declare her intentions. One way or another.

“I don’t deny that when I saw Bailey tonight, he looked good. Very good. If he’d given me any indication that he was willing to take up where we left off, I'd do it. Whether you were here or not.” The redhead smiled ruefully. “But, honey, when I kiss a man, I can tell how he feels. Bailey’s not interested in me. You’ve got a clear field and good luck to you.” 

“Hold on a minute. I didn’t say Bailey and I were, you know. He drives me crazy. He won’t even tell me his first name.” Tess couldn’t keep the exasperation out of her voice.

“Don’t I know it? I tried every thing I could to find out. I checked the Internet, social security, DMV. Bailey has used his initials on every legal document I could access. One of my few failures to get info on someone, I might add.”

“Well, I’m not giving up.” Tess saw Bailey coming back. “I promise you’ll be one of the first people to know when I finally get it out of him.” She winked at Rand and Bailey saw it.

“Great, I leave you two alone for five minutes and you start conspiring.” Bailey pulled out a chair and seated himself. “What trouble are you two plotting?”

“None of your business, darling. It’s a woman-thing. Tess and I may go shopping.”

“Right. If I remember correctly, you don’t shop. You’re too impatient, Rand. And, you terrify store clerks. Besides, we’ll be busy. Won’t we, Contessa?” Bailey looked to Tess for confirmation.

She was still a little irked that he hadn’t told her about Rand's larger-than-life presence and wasn’t about to help him out. “I can make some time.” She smiled sweetly at Bailey, knowing he couldn’t say anything else without tipping his hand. Even if Rand wasn’t on the job, Tess doubted he’d want to risk talking about Lucius Monroe. She was right.

Rand stood and picked up her silver clutch. “Nice meeting you, Tess. Be sure to order dessert, too. Darling,” she ran one long finger down the sleeve of Bailey’s jacket, “surely you have the
funds
to swing it.” With that, she winked at Tess and glided from the room.

It was amazing how heads turned like spectators watching a tennis game whenever Rand passed by. Tess couldn’t remember ever seeing such a phenomenon. And…Bailey wasn’t interested in Rand. That fact was intriguing.

“What was that all about?”

Bailey’s hand on her arm brought her back from her thoughts. “You’re asking
me
for details? That’s great, Solomon Duncan. You never leave anything out, do you? Like the ex-partner happens to be a woman. With whom you also had an affair?” Tess stared at her glass so she didn’t have to look at him. “No, of course not. That was one surprise I could have done without.”

“No parents who loved their kid would name him Solomon Duncan. I told you what was relevant to the case. Nothing else mattered. I didn’t even think about it, to be truthful.” He squeezed her arm lightly.

“Why didn’t she admit she was looking for Lucius? The same company hired both of you. She must know they told you about her.”

“It’s part of the game. Never admit anything to the opposition. That crack she made about me having the funds for an expensive dinner is her way of telling me she knows I’m on an expense account. Like she is.”

“I like her. Why did you two break up?”

“I don’t discuss my past. Look, I’m the one asking the questions here—”

“Just curious. She seems your type. It surprises me it didn’t work out between you two.”

“Maybe, it’s because we’re alike. Two people might have the some of the same interests, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for each other.” He stopped abruptly as the waiter approached with their main courses.

After he left, Tess seized her opportunity. “Well then, if that’s that case, you and I should be soul mates,” she said softly.

Bailey looked at her, his eyes darkening. He reached over and brushed the back of his hand down the side of her cheek. “Maybe so, Contessa. Maybe so.”

* * *

After she left the restaurant, Rand headed for the bar next to the casino. She sat on the black leather barstool and waited for the bartender to finish with customers at the far end.

“Hello,” a familiar voice spoke.

She looked up at Danny McLeod who’d carried in a rack of wine glasses. He wore a white tuxedo shirt opened at the neck with black trousers.

“What are you doing here?”

“This is my other job. What can I get you?”

“Do you have any Beringer White Zinfandel?” He definitely cleaned up nice. She’d bet a twenty that women tipped him generously.

“Coming up.” He poured the wine and set the glass on a coaster in front of her. “What brings you to Harrah’s?”

“Work. I’m looking for someone.” She placed a ten on the bar.

Danny rang up her drink and gave her the change. “Should I be ready to duck?”

“I doubt it will come to that, but don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” She pretended to draw a gun.

He laughed. “I feel safer all ready. Enjoy your wine.” He left to wait on another customer.

Rand watched him thoughtfully. He attracted her on many levels. She couldn’t quite believe she found herself regretting they had a business relationship. Well, no sense playing the “what if” game. She hadn’t gone there in several months. Time to get back to work.

* * *

An hour after she’d found a spot at the bar, Rand watched Bailey and Tess enter the casino. Although they walked a respectful distance apart, their body language told the real story. When Tess spoke, he leaned into her body and tilted his head toward hers. She smiled and he rested his hand on the small of her back as she moved in front of him to navigate through the crowd.

“There’s something there even if they don’t realize it.” She swiveled on her stool back to the bar front and sipped her wine. Knowing Bailey as she did, Rand suspected Tess was in for a tough time if she expected a commitment to come easily. Thank goodness the “C” word didn’t figure into
her
alphabet.

She debated her next move. Bailey had received the same information on Monroe as she, so they were even on that score. With Monroe staying at the same hotel, Bailey had an edge. She’d watch and decide what to do once he flushed the jumper out into the open. As long as Bailey didn’t see her, that gave her the advantage. She’d stay out of sight and make her own move on Monroe. She’d win this one.

* * *

The casino seemed like another world. The metallic cha-ching of the slots dueled with the rattle of the roulette wheel and the bells that periodically rang when a lucky gambler got three cherries or sevens or whatever served as a winner. The background murmur of voices rose and fell with the toss of the dice or flip of an ace. 

As much as Tess couldn’t see herself being pulled into the seduction of gambling, she loved the intense energy in the large room. The excitement that filled the air was like a tangible entity. She looked around and saw the separate poker room signs on one end of the casino. She’d never played poker at a major casino and she’d be lying if she didn’t admit the thought got her adrenaline pumping. She’d like to take a shot at some unknown players. Just for fun, of course.

The majority of the gigantic room had Craps, Roulette, Keno, Blackjack, and some three-hand poker tables. She smiled to herself, remembering when her father had told her “three-hand wasn’t real poker.” She was a Texas Hold ’Em player, although she wasn’t too shabby at Five Card Stud, either.

“We’ll stick to the plan,” said Bailey. “I'll make the first contact while you work the room and visit the games. We have to appear to be casual gamblers deciding which table we want. I’ve given you money so if you play, it will help our cover.”

Tess smoothed Bailey’s lapel. “Aye, aye, sir. One innocuous piece of window dressing coming up. Am I allowed to speak with anyone or do I just giggle?”

“This is important. I can’t afford to blow this with Lucius. If he doesn’t decide he likes us tonight, we won’t keep ahead of my competition.” Bailey spoke without looking at Tess, scanning the room the entire time. “And remember, we’re the Wycliffs.”

“I’m sorry. I was trying to get you to loosen up. You don’t look like someone out for fun.” Tess tugged at his arm and he turned toward her. “Come on, Mr. Wycliff.”

“And I'll look like I’m having fun when I have to...which is now.” Bailey laughed out loud and said, “Sis, I’m off to play Craps. Have fun.” He turned and sauntered away through the crowd.

Tess took a deep breath and decided to move to the blackjack tables. She could dabble and look for their man at the same time. Bailey had briefed her on Lucius Monroe’s description. He also had Monroe’s company I.D. picture that showed a thin man with receding hairline and wire-rimmed glasses. Certainly, the likeness didn’t seem like someone Tess would think of as a world-class embezzler. If she saw him, she’d find Bailey so he could make his move.