Jingle of Coins (15 page)

Clarise smiled. “No. You’re going to get your work schedule, and you and I are going to talk about what I expect from my employees. I call it my ‘Management 101’ speech.”

The tension in Emily’s shoulders evaporated. At last, something she was familiar with! “I’ll be right up.”

“Okay.” Clarise said as she drifted out of the workroom.

Emily waited a few moments, then turned her attention back to the half-finished bouquet. There was no point worrying about her meeting with Clarise. Nothing the woman could say would be worse that her discussion with Chief Keener. She added one last touch of lace to the handle, then gently laid the bouquet into a delivery box.

“Clarise wants me in her office. Would you mind ringing this up if the bride’s mother comes before I get back?” she asked as she carried the box to the front counter.

Sara grimaced. “Better you than me. I’ve already had my little ‘chat’ and got my butt chewed out. You’ll probably get off with a warning, you lucky dog.”

“Yeah, right. You didn’t have to face Chief Keener yesterday. Not only did he chew me out, I had to meet with somebody else after orientation. It was not fun.”

Sara’s grin disappeared. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Emily patted her shoulder. “I know. I’m not mad. Look at the bright side. My first day at work certainly wasn’t dull!” She left the shop before Sara could utter a suitable retort. Her nervousness returned as she paused outside Clarise’s office, and she rubbed sweaty hands on the side of her skirt before knocking.

When she returned an hour later, Sara motioned her over. “Well?” she asked in a hushed voice. “Come on, spill the beans. I told you about my chat; tell me about yours.”

Emily glanced around the empty shop before answering. “Not much to tell. She told me about the casino’s big push to check for counterfeit money, and then we talked about schedules. That was it.”

“Damn, you got off lucky. Clarise has a tongue like a razor blade. She must really like you if that’s all she talked about.” Sara lowered her voice even further. “However, if I were you, I’d watch my step. At least until my ninety-day review was over. Doesn’t hurt to be careful.”

Before Emily could respond, a customer entered the store. “Hello, Emily,” Kate said as she strolled to the counter.

Emily noticed Sara’s expression and subtly elbowed the younger woman. Evidently females were as awed by Kate’s beauty as men. “Hello, Kate,” she said by way of greeting. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m looking for a new arrangement for my office foyer. Something with purple irises. Do you have anything made up you could show me?”

“Do you want silk or real?”

“Doesn’t matter, but I would prefer real. If I like it, I’ll place an order.”

“I’ll get the one out of the display window,” Sara volunteered, recovering her voice. She returned a moment later and set the oversized arrangement on the counter. “Isn’t it beautiful? Emily did one like this in real flowers; that’s how she got her job.”

“Really?” Kate turned the arrangement in a circle. “It’s stunning. You certainly are talented, Emily.”

“Thanks,” Emily replied. “Irises happen to be my favorites, and they’re easy to work with. Do you want one like that?”

“I actually need two arrangements. One made up of purple irises, and the other can be a mixture of whatever spring flowers you have in stock.” Kate gestured to the silk arrangement. “The purple one, however, needs to be a little bigger than this because it's going in my business office. The other can be about this size.”

Kate tapped the glass countertop with a perfectly manicured fingernail. “I almost forgot. They have to be delivered no later than nine a.m. Sorry this is such a rush, but I have an important client coming at eleven. The arrangement has to be in place before he comes.”

Emily tried not to snicker as she wrote up the order. Given Kate’s line of business, it was all she could do not to burst out laughing at the woman’s choice of words. “What’s the address?”

“Are you all right?” Kate asked as she slid a business card toward Emily. “You seem a little off.”

“Sorry. I have a headache,” Emily replied, biting back a grin. Her amusement faded as she eyed the money lying on the counter. Great, hundred dollar bills. Just what she needed. She checked to make sure the bills were real, then rang up the sale. Thankfully the money wasn’t bogus, so she was spared the embarrassment of telling her next door neighbor she’d have to detain her while Sara called security. “No problem. I’ll make sure they get delivered before nine. Do you need anything else?”

Sara’s smile turned into a grimace. “Bummer. I sure hope you don’t bring your dates home. No offense, Emily, but next to her, you look like a bag lady. Any man who gets within drooling distance of that woman would dump you in a heartbeat.”

“Gee thanks, Sara,” Emily quipped in a dry voice. “I didn’t know I was so ugly.”

Sara slapped a hand across her lips. “Oops. I didn’t mean to insult you, but—”

“Gotcha. That was payback for yesterday,” Emily teased. “Don’t worry. I’m not about to bring home any dates when she’s around. I’ve seen the effect Kate has on men. She must exude some kind of natural aphrodisiac, because every man who sees her is instantly mesmerized. It’s unreal. The guys in our complex practically foam at the mouth every time she sets one foot out of her apartment. To make matters worse, I can’t even hate her because she’s been so nice.”

“God, I’d hate to have her living next door. I’d never be able to keep a boyfriend.”

Emily wondered what Sara would say if she knew what Kate did for a living. That answer, however, would always remain a mystery, because she had no intention of telling anyone Kate was a hooker, albeit a high class one.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly as Emily split her time between working on Kate’s order and waiting on customers. The grandfather clock on the wall chimed six p.m. as she carried the second arrangement to the glass refrigeration unit.

Her thoughts returned to Glen’s proposal during the short drive home. The shop was so busy she hadn’t had time to worry about which option she’d choose. She reviewed her ideas, then chewed her bottom lip when she realized that there was only one answer. If she wanted to remain in Vegas and stay out of prison, she had to work with him. Damn that man.

Well, she fumed, she might have to work with Glen, but there was no way he was getting the upper hand. She’d already come too far on her own for that to happen. It was her talent they’d be using, not his. Therefore, it only made sense for her to call the shots. He needed her, not the other way around.

Feeling better, she hurried to her apartment and dialed his number. “I’ve made my decision,” she announced in her best no-nonsense voice. “Come over.”

She retreated to the kitchen and took a few minutes deciding where to sit. The optimum spot would be someplace where she could motion for him to come to her. That would give her an advantage from the onset. She hated being hard-nosed about this, but if anybody deserved it, Glen Craigone did.

Anger boiled in her stomach, and she squelched it. She had to present a calm and collected façade. Rule number one of successful negotiation dictated that she not show any emotion throughout their bargaining session. That would only weaken her position, something she had no intention of doing.

It didn’t take long to set the table with two cups and saucers and start a fresh pot of coffee. While she waited, she nudged the table closer to the window so that the sun was directly behind her. After gathering a pad and pencil, she took her place at the table. Five minutes passed, then six, and she nervously drummed her fingers. If he didn’t show up soon, she’d tell him just where he could put his offer, in no uncertain terms.

Finally, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Glen entered the kitchen, and her heart skipped a beat when she realized that he was wearing a skimpy tee shirt and shorts that showed off his tanned, muscular physique. Evidently, he wasn’t adverse to a little game playing of his own. She sighed inwardly. If only he wasn’t so damn good looking!

Get a grip, girl. You’re here to tear the man apart, not make nice. She reined in her traitorous libido and gritted her teeth until her heart stopped fluttering. “Sit down.”

“Nice touch,” Glen announced, sinking into a chair. Once he’d scooted closer, he placed a videotape on the table. “Although,” he drawled, “If I were you, I’d have chosen a higher chair for the power position. You’re still shorter than I am by a foot.”

She ignored his jibe and kept her gaze focused on the flowered wall tile behind him. “Excuse me? We’re here to discuss business, not play games. Since I don’t have an office, I thought the kitchen would make a good alternative.” She gestured to the freshly brewed coffee. “Would you like a cup?”

He flashed her a wry grin. “No, thanks. I’ve had my quota for the day.”

“Fine. Let’s get down to business.” She swung her gaze back to the tile behind his head. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to accept your offer—with a few stipulations.”

“Really? And what might those be?”

“First, this is an equal partnership. You are not the boss. Furthermore, if I decide that something’s too risky, our partnership’s over. Once we split the jackpot, we go our separate ways. I don’t ever want to see or hear from you again. Is that understood?”

His smile faded, and he clamped his fingers around her wrist. “I understand perfectly,” he said in a level tone. “But you better understand right now that you need me as much as I need you.”

“That’s where you’re mistaken,” she snapped, jerking her hand free. “I don’t need you at all. In fact, I was doing just fine until you came along.”

Surprise kept her silent as the television replayed her visit to the El Cajon Indian Casino and subsequent interrogation by its security chief.

Once the tape finished, Glen turned to face her. “Well?” he asked in a hard voice, hands on hips. “What do you have to say now?”

“Oh my God. No wonder the security chief tried to have me arrested.”

Chapter Sixteen

Kate tipped the delivery boy, then stepped back to assess the effect the purple iris arrangement made in her foyer. The floral arrangement she’d previewed at the Emerald Lagoon had been beautiful, but this one was even more perfect, both in size and content. She moved the arrangement a little to the left so the flowers formed a perfect half-circle from one edge of the Roman table to the other, and was startled by a knock at the door.

The series of short raps continued, this time more insistent. Moving to the door, Kate glanced through the peephole before releasing the chain. Mike and Stu stood in the hallway, and the expressions on their faces indicated that they weren’t happy.

“Took you long enough,” Mike complained as he strutted into the foyer.

“Nice to see you, too,” Kate countered. “You’re too early. The courier isn’t scheduled to deliver the cigarette case until after one p.m. That’s why I told you to come by later.” She glanced at her watch. “I hate to be rude, but I have a client coming in less than an hour.”

“Same old Kate, always thinking about money,” Mike sneered as he sank into a cream-colored leather chair and tugged at the cuffs of his white silk shirt. “Yeah, well, that’s what I’ve come to talk to you about. Business. I have an important client flying in the day after tomorrow, and you’re going to show him a good time.” He lifted his glance and his smile disappeared. “A very good time. Plan on staying at the villa at least three days.”

Kate folded her arms and shook her head. “I can’t. I’m already booked. I might be able to squeeze him into my schedule for one night, but three is out of the question.”

Mike snapped his fingers, and Stu grabbed Kate’s arm, then dragged her over to Mike’s chair.

“Let go of me, you jerk,” she cried. “You’re hurting me.”

Stu’s grip tightened, nearly cutting off her circulation. Mike rose to his feet, fished a switchblade out of his pocket, and flipped it open. He pressed the tip of the cold, blue steel against her chin. “Oh, you’ll come all right, Kate. In fact, you’ll come every time I snap my fingers. This man is my most valuable customer. You’ll do whatever he asks. Understand?”

She tilted her chin defiantly, wincing as the blade followed her every move. “And if I don’t?”

Mike grabbed a handful of hair. “What do you say now, bitch?” He glanced at Stu. “Hold her down. It’s time I taught her who’s boss.”

Kate winced in pain as Mike pressed the cutting edge into her hairline. Pain radiated down her face and neck when Mike sliced off a piece of skin. Almost immediately, a trickle of warm blood formed and dribbled down her face.

“Don’t make me angry, Kate,” Mike warned. “Terrible things happen when I’m angry.” He scraped the edge of his fingernail down her cheek and jaw, then grabbed her chin and squeezed hard. “It would be a shame to carve the skin off such a beautiful face and body.”

Kate tried to twist away. Mike’s arm swung wide, then flew toward her, connecting with her jaw. She tasted blood, and her stomach twisted into a knot.