“Really?” I asked in disbelief.
“She said she tried to talk to Will about it, but he didn’t want to listen.”
“Can we trust her?”
Thankfully, she didn’t hesitate. “We can. I like Diane. I don’t think there’s a bad bone in her body.”
“I sure hope not because now she knows who you are and I’m assuming me as well.”
She nodded. “But that’s not all I found out today. I asked Ronnie if I could talk to her girls and she agreed. When I went to the ranch, I told them I was there for an interview. All I did was bullshit with them for a few and asked them about their experiences with Vegas men. They all thought I was new in town, which in all honesty, I kind of am. Anyway, we got on the subject of men who like it rough. Can you guess who their top man is?”
“Drake?”
“Nope, Chazz. And obviously, they lived to tell about it. The only person no one has lived to tell about is Mark.”
“Fuck me,” I grumbled, holding her face in my hands. “As much as I want to solve this case, I don’t want to see you get hurt. If Mark wins you this weekend, I don’t think I can let you go.”
She kissed me gently, pressing her forehead to mine. “You don’t have a choice.”
“I don’t like you doing this,” Diane hissed in my ear. I looked over at Jason, his whole body tense.
“You’re not the only one.”
“Why can’t you just get warrants to search their homes? Isn’t that how it usually works?”
“Not when you’re dealing with powerful men. You wouldn’t believe how corrupt the system is. People like Jason and I can’t be bought. Besides, we don’t even have proof that any of them are guilty.” The men were on their third round for the night and I knew it was about time for the real game. “I probably need to get back over there and join them,” I remarked. Diane pulled me into her arms and I could feel her body shake. “You okay?” I asked, whispering in her ear.
“Only if you are.”
I chuckled lightly. “I’ll be fine, I promise. I’m not an amateur. I do know how to kick some major ass.”
“I’d like to see that,” she laughed, pulling away.
Smiling, I grabbed her hands. “Thank you for everything. For the life of me, I don’t know why you’ve been so nice to me.”
“You remind me of someone.”
“Who?”
Her eyes grew teary. “The daughter I never had. You’re beautiful, strong, brave, and selfless to come out here and risk your life for the sake of others. It’s rare to find that these days.”
“I see the same qualities in you too, Diane.”
“Aylee?” Jason called.
I glanced over my shoulder and he nodded toward the table. “It looks like I’m being summoned.” William came up behind Diane, holding her shawl. “And I think you’re being summoned as well.”
Diane quickly looked back at William and then turned to me, speaking low, “Be careful, especially with Mark and Chazz. I don’t like what I heard about them today.”
“Me neither, but I’ve dealt with unsavory men before.” Squeezing her hands one last time, I let them go and joined the table. “I see you boys don’t know how to have fun without me,” I teased. Jason stood and pulled a chair out for me. When I sat down, he brushed his fingers down my arms, making me shiver. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind playing tonight?” Drake asked.
I smiled wide. “Not at all. But since I’m playing for myself, what are the rules?”
Drake glanced around the table. “I’m sure everyone will agree that you have immunity. Since you’re the ultimate prize, we’ll be the ones offering the money. Is that fair?” he asked, waiting for everyone’s answers. One by one, each man nodded their heads. It was the same group as before: Drake, Chazz, Mark, and Jason.
“What happens if I win? Do I get the money and that’s it?”