Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
That strange awareness brushed abruptly along the walls of her mind, making Vienna grateful Zale hadn’t gone in as part of Wallin’s bodyguard force. She dealt in percentages and placed bets accordingly. “I have to think about this, Zale. If Daniel Wallin’s life is in danger, there’s a reason for it. He’s surrounded by security all the time, especially now that he’s been threatened twice. If you wanted to get to him, how would you do it? Bribe a bodyguard, right? More than one to ensure it happens.”
Zale smiled at her. His smile wasn’t nice. “That’s not how I would do it, but I suppose most people aren’t me.”
“No, they aren’t, but whoever this is, is smart, Zale. Those two agents were trained in the same way you were and they’re both most likely dead.” She needed to point that out to him, not wanting him to get too cocky.
He pushed his hand through his hair. “I know, Snowflake. And I’m with you that more than one person on Wallin’s security team has to be involved.”
“So, who did you talk to that might be involved with those three men who attacked you? Because one of the three had something to do with one of the security guards.”
“That’s a good question. I’ll bring it up to Rainier and we’ll go over everyone we both spoke with. In the meantime, are you going to let me go to dinner with you and your mother? I know a nice little restaurant out of the way, nowhere near the Strip.”
CHAPTER THREE
The restaurant Zale had suggested was family owned and operated with authentic Mediterranean and Greek food. The recipes were traditional family recipes, the atmosphere casual, the dining comfortable, and the décor straight from Athens, Greece. There was a full bar with Greek wines and beer.
Mitzi and Ellen were already at the table, laughing with a waiter as he poured wine into their glasses and indicated a platter that was between them. He was clearly explaining what was on the dish.
Vienna waited until he left before she approached the table. She was very aware of Zale, his hand on the middle of her back as they crossed the room. Mitzi and Ellen looked up as they neared.
“I see you started without us,” Vienna greeted as she leaned down to kiss her mother on the cheek. “That looks and smells delicious. Hi, Ellen. This is Zale, a friend of mine. Zale, my mother, Mitzi Mortenson, and her partner, Ellen Johnson. We’re so happy you were able to meet us for dinner on such short notice.” She sank into the chair Zale held out for her. It was the one closest to her mother.
“I was so proud of you for making the finals in that large tournament, Vienna,” Mitzi greeted. “Although, I didn’t realize your photograph would have to be put up everywhere. It’s even on the internet, isn’t it, Ellen?”
Ellen paused in the act of bringing her wineglass to her lips. “Yes, you’re quite the celebrity, Vienna. I don’t think anyone expected a young woman to challenge the men considered experts in their field.”
“The beauty of the game,” Vienna said, hoping to sound casual, “is that anyone really can win if they play the odds and know when to get out. Too many people stay in when they shouldn’t.”
Mitzi smiled across the table at Zale. “Where did you meet Vienna, if you don’t mind my asking? She isn’t in the habit of bringing too many of her friends around.”
Zale covered Vienna’s hand with his. She hadn’t realized she was moving the silverware back and forth, exchanging the position of the fork and spoon. His thumb slid over her knuckles in a little caress and then her inner wrist, finding her birthmark. “We met a few months ago when the serial killer targeted her.”
Vienna froze. She hadn’t exactly disclosed that information to her mother. Mitzi paled and Ellen gasped and reached to hold Mitzi’s hand, offering support instantly.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you didn’t know,” Zale said. His voice was very gentle. “You did know that a serial killer had been targeting people where Vienna lived, right?”
Mitzi made a fist and pressed it over her heart. “Yes, but I thought he was out in the woods or something, far away from my daughter.” She indicated the appetizer. “Please, someone eat that before it gets cold. The waiter said it was to be eaten hot.”
“Mom, I’m fine and the killer’s dead. I want to talk about happy things. Get to know Ellen better. Find out what you’ve been doing. I want you to get to know Zale.” Vienna forced cheer into her voice and deliberately chose one of the appetizers, not knowing what it was but hoping to take that look of horror off her mother’s face.
“We’ll do all that, Vienna,” Mitzi assured, “but obviously, there was more to this serial killer business than I knew. You didn’t tell me and don’t want to, which means you think I will be very upset. I am your mother, and I have every right to know the danger you were in.” She stuck her chin in the air and looked directly at Zale.