“Were you still interested in helping me put on a gaming tournament here at the casino?”
“Absolutely!”
Raul made a note on his scratch pad to speak with the event planner. “I’ll set up a meeting with Elaine, our event planner and we’ll go from there.”
“Sounds good.”
Someone knocked on his office door. A quick glance at the small monitor connected to the security camera outside his office showed Deklan, his second in command, waiting in the hall.
“Come in!” he called out.
The door opened and the tall Irish American vampire with close cut dark blond hair and bright green eyes walked in.
“Security caught a thief. They’re bringing him to you now.”
Raul was instantly annoyed, but he nodded. He hated to end his call with Ji-Su but the thief had to be dealt with.
Deklan took a seat on the couch on the far side of the office while Raul continued his conversation.
The head of security and an additional guard came in, a young man dressed in a Polo shirt and creased khakis between them. Still listening to Ji-Su, Raul looked at the man then pointed at the chair in front of his desk. The thief obeyed the silent order and sat. Everyone waited while Raul wrapped up his call.
“Okay, sweetheart. I have to go. I’ll see you soon.”
Raul ended the call with Ji-Su and turned his attention to the young man sitting in the chair in front of his desk. He looked guilty as shit. As he should, since he’d been caught stealing from patrons on the casino floor.
“What’s your name?” Raul asked him.
“Wally.”
Raul said nothing. He stared the thief down, waiting until he shifted nervously in his seat before he asked again. “What’s your real name?”
“Patrick.”
“Don’t lie to me again,” Raul icily warned him.
Patrick gulped, his Adam’s Apple bobbing.
“Yes, sir.”
“What did you steal tonight?”
“Three—I mean uh... four wallets, a watch, and a pair of designer sunglasses.”
Raul looked at the guard standing behind Patrick’s chair. “Search him.”
The guard stepped forward and went through all of Patrick’s pockets, even checking under his shirt, his pants legs, and his shoes. He pulled out the items Patrick had listed and laid them down on Raul’s desk.
“Look at that. You told the truth.”
“Yes, sir. I did,” Patrick nervously agreed.
“I appreciate honesty.”
The thief tried a charming smile. “Does that mean you’re going to let me go?”
Raul laughed. “Of course I’m going to let you go. I’m not going to kill you for picking pockets.”
Patrick sagged with relief, his smile widening. “Thank God.”