“Can I at least have my cell phone back?” Lexie crossed her arms over her chest and slouched into the tan couch cushions.

“No.”

“Seriously!” She huffed.

“Seriously.” I continued reading the medical examiner’s report of the last body that’d been found.

“This is like being in a prison.” She pushed up from the couch and started pacing the room, rambling on about reasons why she needed her cell phone back and wanting alone time.

“Look,” I spun around from the counter and narrowed my eyes at her. She stopped and placed her hands on her hips, “I don’t want to be here with you any more than you want to be here. But Gribbins wanted it this way, so here we are.” I extended my arms out to the side before dropping them against my thighs. “Now make the best of the situation. Watch TV, read a book, catch up on some sleep, or I don’t know…be thankful that we’re trying to keep you safe considering you won’t tell us why they’re after you in the first place. Plus, you could be in a worse situation than having me watching you twenty-four seven.” I spun back around toward the counter and began reading again.

Lexie sighed heavily. “I am thankful for your protection, and I’m sorry for being such a pain in the ass. I really am. It’s just odd being cooped up like this, I’ve never had to hide from anyone, let alone people trying to take my life. But honestly, I’m not sure why they’re after me, Gavin. If I knew I’d tell you. I know Blair’s life hangs in the balance.”

I dropped the pen I was holding against the file folder and hung my head. There was no way she was putting on such a show to make us believe she didn’t know anything. I mean, yeah, it was possible, but she seemed genuine when she said she didn’t know why those men were after her. I needed to remind myself that she was suffering just like me, only in a different way.

“I’m sorry for being such a hard ass.”

Her amused laughter filled the room. “We’re both two screwed up individuals, huh?”

I turned to face her and chuckled, “Not screwed up, just hurt from what life’s thrown at us.”

She smiled, “Blair’s a lucky girl.”

“She’d be luckier if I could find her.”

Lexie sat on the couch and tucked a leg beneath her. “I’m not sure it’ll work, but how about we try to talk through why someone would be after me. Maybe running through the past couple months with you might help something stand out in my mind.”

“We can try it.” I lifted from my chair and made my way over to the couch beside her. “I did something like this with Gribbins and it made me remember you.”

She took my hand, “You did?”

I pulled mine away, “Yes.”

Her eyes lifted from her empty hand and connected with mine. “Then maybe this could actually work.”

“It’s worth a shot.” I made myself comfortable on the couch, leaving enough personal space between us. “Make yourself comfortable and close your eyes.”

“Okay.” Lexie moved to the other corner of the couch and tucked both of her legs beneath her. She didn’t look a damn bit comfortable, but I guess she was.

“Think back to when the murders started, to the first victim’s time spent with you. We’ll start from there.”

“Her name was Jasmine. She had beautiful wavy auburn hair, nothing like you’d picture someone with that name to look like. Her bright blue eyes twinkled as she watched me with her husband. Some people get off on that sort of thing, and boy did she. There are no limits I won’t go to during a session. Since everything is kept under wraps, Oscar told me to do as the clients pleased, so I always do. I push boundaries until someone either gets mad, or they find that their tastes are different than they imagined. Jasmine was one of those people. Her husband begged me for more than the regular lap dance, and my tits in his face. He wanted to slip inside me while she watched, but I couldn’t let it go that far…I’d never let it go that far before. He was a nice-looking man, don’t get me wrong, but he was also taken. Lap dances and slightly crossing a line was all fun and games. But sex, on the other hand…that was more than I was willing to give to someone who’d made a vow to another woman.”

“Was there anything odd about the night?” My voice was low as I asked, watching Lexie with her eyes still closed.

“Not that I recall. Her husband was touchy feely, but most men are…except you, of course.” She peeked at me for a split second before continuing. “I remember like it was yesterday when I found out she had been murdered. That same beautiful face plastered on every news channel with a wide smile. My heart stopped as soon as I saw it flash across the screen, my coffee cup tumbled to the ground, making a hellacious mess. But I didn’t care about that mess; I cared about the woman I didn’t even know whose life had been taken. I cared about why her life had been taken and who had been so cruel to have done it. Her husband endlessly crying as he announced that he wanted answers and revenge for who’d taken her from him. The entire situation was devastating. What was even more devastating, was the fact that it continued to happen…over and over again.” Lexie’s bottom lip quivered, large tears raced from her eyes. I knew this was going to be an emotional ride for her, but it had to be done in hopes of finding something…anything.

“Do you need a break?”

She shook her head, “We have to keep going or I may never finish.”

“Okay.”

“The next couple I had were two women. They were effortlessly in love, and quickly asked me to keep my hands to myself, but they’d gladly watch. So, I did as they asked. I performed a nice little striptease while they fondled one another. They found their pleasure in each other, I wasn’t needed. But much like Jasmine, those two women were murdered in cold blood. Found a week or so apart, I believe. I’d wished so badly I knew their names so I could help the authorities, but they hadn’t offered them to me like others. I’m sure they’ve been accounted for by now.”

Lexie didn’t realize it, but she’d given me a piece to the puzzle that no one knew. Two of the victims were romantically involved and taken on the same night. But the one thing that made absolutely no sense is why each of those women had their own reservation at Roulette. If they were romantically involved, they wouldn’t need separate rooms. It was an avenue that Gribbins could investigate a bit further, and maybe it would lead to new information.

We sat there for the next few hours going over each individual person she’d dealt with that later became a victim. There were more women Lexie had done business with than she’d initially realized. Nothing about Lexie’s stories stood out. Not to her, or to me in any way, besides the possible lead on the two women being romantically involved. When Gribbins called to check in I provided him with the information. He felt nothing would come from it, but said he’d look into it just in case. I knew he was most likely right. It was more than likely two women having an affair, or two women who didn’t want their loved ones knowing they were romantically involved with another woman. Either way, none of the victims could’ve imagined that their one shot at a private intimate evening courtesy of Roulette Casino would end in such tragedy. Love and death were two sides of the same card. Everyone wanted love, but nobody wanted death.

“Well, that was a bust,” Lexie huffed.

“It was worth a try.” I stretched as I stood from the couch and retrieved a bottle of water from the refrigerator. “Want one?”

“Sure. Thanks.”

I tossed it to her and she easily caught it.

“No problem.” I twisted the top off mine and downed about half. I was exhausted, but sleep wasn’t happening until Lexie took herself to bed. It was highly doubtful that anyone knew where she was located, but I couldn’t take the chance of her sneaking out while I was snoozing. Gribbins would wring my neck, and I’d feel like complete shit if something happened to her under my protection. I’d already lost Blair on my watch.

“Did they ever check into the other person who was with each of the victims those nights?”

“I’m sure local P.D. did.”

“Something has to tie them together.”

I rolled my head around my neck and stretched out in the recliner. “That’s what we think, but we have no proof. Then again, most murderers have a type. It could be as simple as that.”

Lexie sat there staring at the carpeted floor as she nibbled her bottom lip. I could see the wheels spinning from where I sat. She was determined to remember even a tad bit of information that could help. I admired that she wanted to bring the psychopath to justice, I knew she had to be terrified that she’d be taken by the men who were hunting her. The two almost had to coincide. How, I wasn’t sure…Hell, she wasn’t sure. It was a question we needed to get to the bottom of, and fast.

I was fighting the urge to close my eyes and drift off to sleep as Lexie gasped, jolting me back awake. I quickly sat up and took in her wide-eyed shocked face.

“One of the guys works for the casino.”

“Which guys? The one that knocked you out, I thought you didn’t get a look at them?”

“No,” She shook her head and got to her feet. I watched as she frantically threw on a coat and slipped her feet into a pair of shoes. “We’ve got to back to the Casino, Gavin, come on!”

I crossed the room and took her forearms in my hands, “Slow down, Lexie, and tell me what in the hell is going on. What did you remember?”

“The man in my room, when you had me in the closet, I don’t know why but I remember his voice now. That voice is one I heard numerous occasions at the casino. I’m pretty sure he’s a member of the security team.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’d almost bet my life on it.”

“You need to realize that you are betting your life on it. If we go back there, it’ll put you dead center for everyone to see. For the person who is after you to be able to take you out at the drop of a hat. You need to think this through, Lexie.”

“We have to, Gavin. There’s no other choice.”

“I have to talk this over with Gribbins first. So, sit back down and let me give him a call.”

“We have no time for that!” She tossed her hands in the air.

“This is a life or death situation, now sit down and give me a minute.” My voice was stern as I narrowed my eyes, waiting for her to challenge me once again.

To my surprise she took a seat at the bar, not taking her eyes off of me as I dialed Gribbins' number and waited for him to answer.

“I’ve got some information you need to hear…”

* * *

To my surprise Gribbins agreed with Lexie about it being our only shot. He’d come up empty handed with Oscar regarding security footage, and also threatened to slap his ass with numerous charges if he didn’t put some cameras up to ensure people's safety. He knew tying the man’s voice that’d broken into Lexie’s room and a worker at the casino together was the break we desperately needed. Even though putting Lexie in harm’s way wasn’t the best idea.

Gribbins had fifteen other agents in plain clothes throughout the casino. It was the only way he’d let us go in. I myself had to keep a good distance from Lexie in case someone noticed who I was from the night Blair had been taken. So, I hung far back with a drink in hand as I covertly watched her wander toward the door near the women’s restroom that read employees only. The same door Blair had been propositioned by a security guard in front of.

“Got your eyes on that beauty over there, huh?” The bartender leaned closer to me and winked.

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t play dumb, the girl who slipped through the door over by the bathrooms.” He nodded his head toward where Lexie had gone. “She’s here a lot. Very attractive and never with a man, I could see why she’d pique your interest.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about buddy.” I took a swig of my drink and scooted it across the bar toward him. Tossing some cash down I stood. “Have a good night.”

He nodded and grinned. “You too. I’m sure she’ll come back out, maybe she’ll make your night for ya.” He winked.

Was this guy for real?

I nodded and walked away.

“Someone needs to have eyes on the door Lexie went in. Bartender caught me watching her. I had to leave the area.” I quietly spoke so the rest of the team could hear me through their earpieces.

“I’ve got eyes.”

“Me too.”

“Good, I’ll be out by the quarter machines.” I adjusted my suit jacket and headed toward the opposite side of the large room from the bar.

A couple of the men working were the same we’d interacted with that night, but I didn’t bother trying to hide myself. I’m sure they saw plenty of repeat gamblers every day, I wouldn’t seem any different. I took a seat at one of the machines and slipped some cash into it. Since the bartender had gotten in my business, I had no choice but to make myself look like an ordinary gambler. It would be easier for me to keep an eye on things while sitting at a machine, rather than attempting to play one of the card tables where eyes would be on me at all times.

I pulled the lever and tried to watch the screen of the machine but kept finding myself glancing around the edge of it toward the other side of the casino. No, I couldn’t see that far, especially through a thick crowd, but my nerves were on edge to see her again so I’d know she made it out of that room okay.

“Any movement?” I asked, hoping to get an answer I’d like.

“Not as of yet.”

“Nothing here.”

“We have a bit of movement on the floor below. Not sure if it’s her, but it could be.”

“What do you mean you’re not sure if it’s her?” I barked out, trying my best to keep my cool.

“Get closer without being noticed,” Gribbins chimed in.

The floor below us was another gambling floor, more of the penny slot machines and lower betting areas. The major crowd was on the main floor, not that one. It made sense for her to have gone down there, especially if something happened. I wanted to leave my machine behind and hurry down there but knew Gribbins would have my ass if I did. So instead, I pulled the lever on the machine once again, and watched more of my money go down the drain.

The seconds ticked away slowly as I awaited one of the team members' voices to come across the earpiece. A hand slapped down against my shoulder and I jolted, almost reaching for my gun in the process.

“It’s just me,” Gribbins voice was smooth and low as he stepped up beside where I was seated. “You need to take a breather and calm down. Maybe you’re too invested in this to be here.”

I glared at him, “You know damn good and well if you tried to bench me I would be here anyway.”

“That I do, and it’s the only reason I haven’t benched you. I don’t need the Bureau kicking you to the curb because your heart is too involved.”

“My heart would still be involved if Blair wasn’t my girlfriend,” I spat.

“You know what I mean, Gavin.” Gribbins took a seat at the machine directly beside mine and slipped come cash into it.

“What are we going to do if Lexie goes missing?” I spoke low.

“We’ll find another way.” Gribbins didn’t take his eyes off the slot machine as he pulled the lever and the three sections on his screen began to spin.

I wasn’t sure there was another route for us to take if Lexie didn’t come through on her end. Whoever was responsible was damn good at keeping evidence at a minimum. How, I wasn’t sure. Blair couldn’t end up being just another victim, she had to survive. Finding her was the only option, because I didn’t know if I could forgive myself if we didn’t.

“Subject has been located moving out to west parking lot by herself.”

I jumped from my machine just as the siren above it started blaring from hitting the jackpot. Gribbins eyes grew large as we watched the amount click away, well over twenty-eight thousand dollars.

“Come on,” I motioned for him to follow me, knowing I was crazy to leave the money behind, but I didn’t have time to collect it.

“You can’t leave that jackpot.”

I leaned forward and spoke low, “Watch me.”

“Follow the subject, please. Stop her if she tries to flee.” He quickly rambled off as two of the casino workers stepped up and congratulated me.

There was no time to run now. It was obvious I was the winner and passing it off to someone else would just draw even more attention to us. The amount continued to tick away as the spinning numbers began to slow. People gasped and cheered as it stopped on just over eighty-six thousand dollars.

“Talk about a nice chunk of change,” Gribbins clasped a hand on my shoulder, grinning ear-to-ear as he slurred his words a bit.

He was officially in character, so I quickly jumped into my own.

“Woooohooo!” I leaned back and yelled.

“Sir, if you’d like to follow us to the collection vault.” The two men motioned for me to follow.

Another worker had stepped up to the machine to work on clearing everything for a new player to take a turn. Gribbins tried to follow me and one of the men stopped him.

“He’s with me.”

The man nodded and Gribbins clasped me on the back, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “I can’t believe you won! Woooo! What a night!” He called out.

I couldn’t help my eruption of laughter at the sight of him. I’d never encountered such a carefree version of Clark Gribbins, even during an undercover operation. This side was one for the books though; he was never going to live it down either.

“Glad you talked me into coming,” I joined in on his madness.

“Hell, getting away from the ole’ lady is always good, but winning. Sheeew Weee!” His voice was pulling too much attention our way.

“Sir, we need you to calm down or you’ll be escorted to your room,” one of the men walking with us warned.

“What!” Gribbins tossed his head back like he’d been slapped. “You can’t treat a winner that way,” he huffed.

“Hey man, why don’t we tone it down a bit?” I patted his chest and narrowed my eyes, hoping he’d get the point.

“Okay,” he held his hands up in surrender, “my apologies.”

“What the hell was that?” I whispered once both of the men walked ahead of us.

A wide smile spread across Gribbins' face as we headed straight for the door Lexie had gone in.

“Right this way.” One of the men opened the door and stepped to the side to allow us to pass.

We followed the other man down the hallway and stopped just outside a large metal door. He swiped a keycard, loud clicks and turning filled the silent hall before the door slowly opened and we each stepped inside. Many workers filled the room, some seated at desks, with other winners I presumed, while others stood against the wall, guard-like. It was an intimidating situation for the casino to bring their winners into.

Gribbins' eyebrows furrowed as we walked past the four rows of desks and directly through an additional doorway, hoping there wasn’t a metal detector, because our cover would be blown if there was. A single man sat at a long desk with stacks of what seemed to be printed stubs from machines before him. He was scribbling something he’d read off each slip into a notebook.

“Here’s the winner of slot machine eight ninety, Joel.” The man who’d walked us to the back alerted him before walking off.

His eyes lifted to mine and a flash of what seemed like recognition appeared but vanished just as quickly. Gribbins lightly tapped my side with his hand to let me know he’d seen it too.

“Please, have a seat,” Joel motioned toward the two chairs in front of his desk.

We sat without uttering a word and waited to see how he played the situation at hand. His face wasn’t familiar to me, which meant he’d been around me after I was unconscious. My pulse quickened at the thought of possibly staring at one of the men accountable for taking Blair. I fought the urge to reach across the desk and jerk him up from his chair while demanding to know where she was, but I knew he could easily act as if he didn’t know me. Because I didn’t know him.

“On behalf of the casino I’d like to congratulate you on your winnings. Eighty-six thousand dollars is a nice lump sum.” A broad smile filled his face.

Gribbins rubbed his hands together and clapped loud, “We’ve got big things planned with that kind of money!”

I knew he was trying to be the buffer while I controlled the anger radiating through me. I took a silent breath and let it out through my nose before I attempted to speak. “Yeah, first thing is a trip somewhere the alcohol flows heavily and the women are just as plentiful.”

Gribbins chuckled and slapped my arm, “That’s right.”

My eyes stayed on Joel’s as his eyebrows just barely dipped from my statement. He knew Blair was with me, it was obvious even if he was trying to keep his reaction under wraps. I didn’t know how much longer I was going to be able to keep my anger under control.

“Well,” he sat forward and pulled a pen from its holder. We watched as he flipped out a check book and scribbled out the amount of the winnings. “I need your first and last name, please.”

I hadn’t thought about what name to give him. My birth name would blow my cover, while my undercover name would easily let him know I was indeed the man with Blair that night, if he hadn’t fully put two and two together yet.

I quickly glanced at Gribbins before blurting out my choice of the two, “Gavin Aimes.”

“Ahh, Mr. Aimes.” A wicked, knowing smile spread across Joel’s face as he wrote my name on the check. “I believe you were here a few weeks back, wasn’t it? Your wife played Revolver.” He looked directly at me and tapped the pen against his chin. “What was her name…?” He paused. “Brandy, Blake…Blair, that’s right. I believe I provided her with the party tickets.”

The fact that he’d used her name in past tense didn’t go unnoticed. Joel was taunting me. Hoping I would explode with anger at any moment. It took all the strength inside me to play it cool, and Gribbins sat in silence as it unfolded.

“Blair and I are separated. We were here to try and rekindle our marriage. I’m assuming the rekindling failed because I haven’t heard from her since that night.”

“Well, this amount of money will keep your mind off of the divorce. I’d recommend not letting her know you won it until the documents are signed.” He handed me the check.

I took it from his hand and refrained from pulling him over the desk and beating him to death. Gribbins stood and I followed. “We’ll be going.” He motioned for me to go first. I watched as Joel sat back in his chair and rested his ankle on his other leg with a smug grin and a twinkle of victory in his eyes. But I did the only thing I could do, I turned and walked away with Gribbins, leaving the piece of shit sitting there celebrating the victory he assumed he’d won. Little did he know, I was going to shatter that victory into millions of tiny pieces before it was all said and done.