Zale paced across the floor with fluid, restless steps that made no sound. He looked like a large jungle cat, trapped in a cage, ready to spring free at any moment. “He wouldn’t view it that way. He’s nearly always the smartest man in the room. He’s lightning fast when he’s not weighed down with all the latex and prosthetics he has to wear. It doesn’t occur to him he is going to be vulnerable.”
Vienna refrained from pointing out that the other dead agents most likely viewed themselves as being intelligent and fast as well. “You were watching him closely at the craps table. Did you see anything suspicious?”
“I noticed that the waitress bringing him the cocktail was one of several people we’d spoken casually with a few days earlier. We’d asked her a couple of questions, nothing that should have raised a red flag, but right after we did, that was when we were attacked by the three men with the knives in the parking lot.”
“You paid closer attention because of that?”
He frowned. “I don’t know if I can honestly say that. I was already in that mode, aware of everything. I’d noticed the dealer spent a good amount of time glancing up at the security cameras. That’s unusual. He seemed nervous to me. I almost gave Rainier the signal to get out of there, but I didn’t have anything concrete to go on, just my gut, and I was afraid he’d balk. I didn’t want a scene with his security man.”
“Would he do that?”
“I didn’t know. He’s been cooped up for a while now. He’d sustained an injury and they’d sidelined him. He didn’t take it well. Then he was given this role.”
“Tell me about the woman serving the drink.”
“She brought the drink on a tray, with a little napkin. She smiled at Rainier, but kind of absently, not really looking at him. She looked up toward the camera and then at the dealer. A server bringing someone like Wayne Forsyne a drink is going to expect a huge tip. He has that reputation. She should have engaged him in conversation. Flirted a little. She didn’t. She turned and walked away fast. That raised red flags.”
“That’s when the woman took the drink from Rainier and collapsed.”
“I pulled Rainier back, trying to get in there to retrieve the glass in order to send it to our people. It hadn’t shattered on the carpet. Two security guards were there before me. That told me something right there. For them to get to the glass and remove it before I could get there means they were expecting someone to go down. They immediately called for a medic. I made certain to get photos of them and the dealer. I spotted the server in the crowd when I was taking Rainier to the elevator and he got one of her. Those were sent to our people. The video feed had been pulled all right, but there are backups and our people are looking into getting them. They are also tracking the server’s movements to see everyone she interacted with.”
“You think they’ll try again.”
“I know they will. I want him pulled. He says no. If they pull him, they have to pull me. I’d have no reason to be here. In any case, it would stand to reason they would think I’m an agent as well.”
Vienna’s heart sank. It was clear. Zale wanted Rainier safe, but he wanted to put himself in the line of fire no matter what. She studied his face. That face. Every line and angle. He wouldn’t stop. He would never back down. She saw him very clearly in that moment. He was a hunter and he was hunting. It didn’t matter if his prey was hunting him. It wouldn’t matter if he were called off by the people he worked for. He wouldn’t stop until he found the ones who had killed the other agents. It was already far too late for her to spare her heart. Even knowing the risks he took and the compulsion that gripped him to continue to hunt, just as he had when he’d been so young that first time, she knew Zale was her choice.
“Do you know why someone would want Mr. Wallin dead? That’s the real reason, right? And why don’t they just shoot him? Have a sniper kill him or something?”
“Daniel Wallin is a multibillionaire, Vienna. This casino is his baby. He loves it and he nurtures it. If he comes up with an idea, that idea makes money for the casino every time. Not a little money; massive amounts of money. If he sits down to play cards with the celebrity players, it’s gold time for the casino. He doesn’t do it often, but if he does, you can bet it’s televised and millions watch. He wins, Vienna. Every single time. He’s the real deal. He doesn’t cheat. He knows what he’s doing. He owns seventy-five percent of the casino, which is unheard of these days. Most casinos are owned by the same corporations.”
A knock on the door announced the food had arrived. Zale was gone almost before she could blink. “I don’t know what I’m getting myself into,” she murmured aloud as she went to the door.
She placed the cart of food between the cuddle chairs rather than using the formal dining table. She found she needed the comfort of the chairs. The chairs and the sheets and duvet were the things she would miss most about her stay.
Zale wrapped his palm around the nape of her neck. “I know the business I’m in can be scary, Vienna, but I’m trained and I don’t take chances. You’re good at what you do, and you have to trust that I’m good at what I do, just as you are.”
She wanted to tell him it wasn’t just about what he did—it was about who he was. She probably didn’t have to tell him. He most likely was afraid that was exactly what she feared most—that she couldn’t love him the way he was.
“You were telling me why someone might want to kill Wallin.” Deliberately, she took the lids from the chowder bowls to get them started. “They did bring fresh garlic bread.”
“I told you they would.” He flashed a faint grin. This one, she noted, didn’t quite reach his eyes. “If he dies, his shares might very well go to the rest of those investors. I have no idea how the corporation was set up, but that’s a hell of a motive. He’s been opposed to the idea of building a second casino, but his partners want one.”
“They’d kill him over that?”
“The casino rakes in billions, Vienna.”
“You just pointed out that’s because of him.”
“His start-up and his ideas, yes, but that doesn’t mean the success of the hotel won’t continue for years to come. If he’s opposing them, the investors may very well have decided to get rid of him in a permanent way. It isn’t unheard of.”
“People die all the time.”
“Wallin is very protected. After the first couple of tries, he’s been completely locked down, impossible to get to. He’s unaware, and so is his security, but my boss has sent extra personnel to keep him safe. They aren’t going to get to him.”
“Zale, you know there are at least two members of his security staff involved in trying to kill him.”
He nodded. “I know who they are. I want their boss.”
A chill went down her spine hearing his tone. She looked up and met his eyes. It was impossible not to see him—her Zale.
“I’m staying with you tonight. Rainier’s locked in tight.”
“Security has the key to your room. They could make a try for you both.”
He shook his head. “We’re prepared for that move.” His dark eyes drifted over her, giving her chills in a completely different way. “I’m staying.”
She didn’t have any objections.