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)
“We’ll have our game in private rather than on the floor as we normally would in two days to give you plenty of time to rest.” He sounded gracious. “I didn’t like what happened to you, and I think it’s best if we play it safe.”
She noticed he glanced at his watch and then up at the security cameras. She just wanted to get to her room. Vienna shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Wallin. I hate to miss the opportunity to play cards with you when it’s such an honor, but I have another commitment I can’t get out of in two days.”
Daniel Wallin’s blue eyes were very sharp as he studied her. “Not tonight. You’re tired and I refuse to take unfair advantage. Art asked to be one of the players as a favor, and if you have no objections, we’ll include him in our little game as well.” He indicated Art, who stood beside her. “Leo, of course, and Jameson. That should round it out quite nicely, and they’re already here. We’ll play tomorrow, then, if you think you’ll be up to it.”
She didn’t have much time before she collapsed. She just nodded her head and continued edging toward the door. “Tomorrow, then.” She gave a little wave and all but rushed out, praying she would make it to the elevator and she wouldn’t have to crawl to her room once it took her up to her floor. Already, her arms felt like lead.
Vienna pulled out her phone and texted Zale. You in your suite? If so, would Wayne meet me outside just in case? I’m having trouble.
Down in casino.
That wasn’t good after everything Zale had told her. Maybe the general consensus was that if Wayne didn’t show up to play craps as he normally would, their enemies would know for certain Rainier was an agent. She thought the two men were playing Russian roulette and it was just plain stupid. Their enemies already knew they were agents. It made no sense that they insisted on remaining in the hotel.
As she made her way through the crowd toward the private elevator, she kept her head down to avoid being stopped by anyone congratulating her. That same malevolent feeling that had first assailed her when she’d joined the final table crept over her like a shadowy apparition, stealing into her mind to spread fear.
She stepped into the elevator, turned and surveyed the crowd on the casino floor as the doors began to close. She caught sight of Benny watching her, but there were several others she didn’t know, some turning away so she couldn’t register their features to take out and examine later. She just kept the impression of them as she slumped against the wall for the ride to her floor. She was extremely grateful that the elevators were fast.
Vienna fumbled for the key to her room, her fingers numb, nearly unable to hold on to it. She staggered to the door and shoved it into the keyhole, thankful the golden key made it into the lock the first time. Still, it took effort to get the door open enough for her to slip inside. Once in, the door closing automatically behind her, she went to the floor.
There was an overwhelming sense of danger that just wouldn’t leave her alone. Her suite didn’t feel nearly as safe as it had before. Ordinarily, she would have taken precautions to add to the security of the room, but her body was fast falling into the paralysis that followed her using her “gift.” She needed to find something she could defend herself with if it came to that, and she needed a place to hide. She had only minutes before it would be too late to do either.
Her phone vibrated, but she ignored it. If it was Zale, he would know she was in trouble and wouldn’t be able to answer him. Her mother would know as well. She crawled to the bedroom where her pack was. She had knives and other tools needed on the trail. By the time she opened the pack, managed to get the weapons she needed and concealed them on her person, she could barely lift her arms, let alone crawl.
Vienna still had the feeling of impending danger. She couldn’t be caught out in the middle of the bedroom floor, especially if she couldn’t move. She did her best to shove the open pack under the bed as she dragged her body toward the gigantic walk-in closet. The only ones who could get into her room would be the security guards, although Zale had managed. If they actually came to her room, they might expect her to hide there, but she had discovered a little space they might not be aware of. How often did security inspect the rooms?