High stakes, p.19
High Stakes, page 19
“So Mallory told me. But that didn’t keep me from tearing him a new one for letting you con him into taking you.” He took a swallow of his coffee. “You may not be able to trust me, but that’s your problem. I’m doing the best I can. But it did make it clear that the sooner the two of you are safely settled, the better for all of us.”
“We know that,” Lara said. “And the sooner that you’ll know about Sandrino. That’s always been the first order of business for you.”
“I won’t deny it.” He looked her in the eye. “I’ve never told you anything else.”
“Why should you? Everyone has to take care of themselves.” She pushed away from the bar. “When do we have to leave for this hotel?”
“You don’t.”
She stiffened. “What?”
“I’m going alone. You and Maria are going to stay here. There’s no place safer, and I’m leaving Mallory in charge.” He glanced at Maria. “And to make sure it’s safer is the reason I’m taking Rennell with me. I owe him that.”
Lara stared at him in disbelief. “You think you’re just going to keep us tucked away in this bed of thorns while you go and decide with Kaskov how you’re going to dispose of us? Not likely, Tanner.”
“It’s the practical thing to do,” he said curtly. “Your father found out that I’m the one who extracted you. Now he and Volkov have a name. By now they’ve also had time to find out a hell of a lot more about me. Which might mean the location of most of my properties here in the U.S., including Indian Hills. But no one knows about this place. You’ll be safe.”
“Then change your meeting place,” Lara said. “It’s about time I talked to Kaskov myself about what’s going to happen to us. It’s our lives that are at stake. All I know is that for years he’d drop in and use me like some windup music box before he suddenly decided to hire you to do this. I have to know why, and I have to know what he plans to do next.” She glared at him. “And I don’t want to hear it secondhand from you, because I know damn well it might be tempered by how desperate you are to know everything there is to know about Sandrino.”
“You’re not being reasonable,” he said through set teeth. “I won’t bring Kaskov here. This was Sandrino’s private place and I won’t violate it by bringing a mafia boss here. And there was a reason why Kaskov chose Indian Hills. A crime boss like him can be a major target, and he realizes I’d have ample security at any of my properties.”
“Good. Then you’d have no trouble arranging protection for us there.” She added, “When do we leave?”
“I leave in two hours. You’re both staying here.” He looked at Maria. “Talk sense into her. I only want what’s best for you.”
“There’s a problem…” Maria shrugged. “Lara is accustomed to making her own decisions, and she does it very well most of the time. But I promise we’ll discuss it.”
“Do that.” He strode out of the kitchen, and the next moment they heard the front door slam behind him.
Maria murmured, “He’s having a bad day. I believe you succeeded in irritating him more than I did.”
“He deserved it,” Lara said jerkily. “He was entirely wrong. You know I was right. We should be involved. I will be involved. It’s dangerous for me not to be.”
Maria straightened, her expression suddenly intent. “I believe you’re using the singular entirely too much,” she said slowly. “I don’t think I like that. By all means, let’s have a discussion.”
Lara drew a deep breath and sat back down on the stool. “Perhaps we’d better. Because maybe Tanner wasn’t entirely wrong…”
Chapter
10
11:57 P.M.
Tanner was leaning against the door of the Land Rover with arms folded across his chest as he watched Lara walk down the path toward the coach house. “Get in the car,” he said curtly. “I need to get on the road.”
She stopped short. “You were expecting me. Maria?”
He nodded. “Though I was hoping against hope that you wouldn’t show before I got her call.”
She’d expected him to be angry. She wasn’t disappointed. She could tell he was just barely holding on. She opened the passenger door. “I asked her not to let you know. I wanted to have a chance to explain it to you myself. I know I was a little too brief.”
“Oh, she didn’t need any help from you on that score,” he said as he went around and got in the driver’s seat. “She was very clear and completely concise. She gave me my instructions in no uncertain terms. I was to take care of you and not let anything happen to you or she’d be coming after me.” His voice was tiger-soft. “I have problems with orders, Lara. Even from someone as charming as Maria.”
She reached out and stopped him from starting the car. “Wait. Don’t blame her. It was my fault. I was the one she was upset with.” She moistened her lips. “I told her that she wasn’t going to be able to talk me out of going with you to see Kaskov. That would have been okay with her. But she didn’t like it that I didn’t want her to go with us. You were right about it being safer here for her. I had to be sure everything was safe. There was no reason for both of us to go.”
“Or for either one of you to leave here,” he added caustically. “You both trust Mallory and you even agreed that this place was the height of security. Why couldn’t you just leave Kaskov up to me?” He smiled bitterly. “Why do I even ask? We both know the answer.”
“Yes, we do.” She added wearily, “It was just another risk, Tanner. I’ve trained myself to overcome most of the risks Volkov and Anton have thrown at me. That’s okay, it’s just my part in helping Maria and me to survive. But I don’t have the right to run even the slightest risk involving Maria if I can help it. She’s sacrificed too much for me.” She turned to look him in the eye. “I think I can trust you to help us. I’ll help you any way I can to get info from Kaskov about Sandrino. But I have to be sure that whatever he’s planning is safe for Maria. I’m the one who has to judge.”
He was scowling. “I don’t like this. I could throw you out of the car, you know. What would you do then?”
“Wait until you were gone and then go over the wall, climb the trees to avoid the thornbushes, and make my way to the main road. From there I’d hitchhike. I had Maria look up the address for Indian Hills in her computer. It would be difficult, but I could find it.”
Tanner swore. “And you’d do it.”
She nodded. “I didn’t think that I’d have to. I know you’re smart and you’d realize it would be easier for you to just take me. I’ll cooperate as long as I believe what you’re doing is safe for us. But yes, I’d do it.” She paused. “Wouldn’t you?”
His face was suddenly wiped clean of expression. “Hell, yes.” Then he reached out and started the car. “But you’re damn right you’ll cooperate. I’m not going to let you blow this deal for me. I’ve waited too long.”
“I know you have.” She leaned back on the seat. “But then so have Maria and I, so I can’t be oversympathetic.” He was actually going to take her, she realized in relief. For a few moments, she’d thought she’d lost him. She still wasn’t sure why she hadn’t. “Where’s Rennell? I thought you said he was going with you?”
“I sent him ahead in his own car. We might need another vehicle, and besides, I’d prefer not to have to act as referee between you for a long drive.”
“I wouldn’t have tried to antagonize him,” she said. “And Maria seemed to get along with him. She said she thought they understood each other before she left his place.”
“I don’t doubt it.” He was going through the gates. “But I’ve noticed you lack a good bit of Maria’s tact and have an overabundance of stubbornness on occasion. I don’t want Rennell to change his mind about working with me, or to use you to strike his own deals.”
“I would have been polite,” she said quietly. “I won’t cause you trouble.”
“You already have.” He glanced sidewise at her as he took the first treacherous turn. “But you might remember your good intentions over the length of the trip.”
“I don’t promise not to talk to Kaskov.”
“I didn’t think you would.”
She had a sudden thought. “After Maria called, you could have just gotten in the car and driven away. Why did you wait for me?”
“Because I knew you’d do something weird like hopping that fence. I might have cut myself to ribbons on those thorns trying to avoid taking you to the nearest hospital.”
“You don’t think I could have made it?”
He didn’t speak for a moment. “I think you could have made it, but I didn’t want you to try.” He smiled crookedly. “I thought, what the hell, if you wanted it that bad why not just let you do it.”
She smiled back at him as she nodded. “Yeah, what the hell?”
“But it doesn’t mean I’m not irritated with you, and I’m holding you to your word.” He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed on the road ahead. “Now be quiet while I negotiate these turns.”
* * *
Indian Hills Hotel Casino
5:45 A.M.
“It looks like a country club,” Lara said as she got out of the Land Rover in the parking lot of the hotel. It was enormous, and the lot was full of cars and vehicles of every description. She could see an airport in the distance. The main building was situated on a hill above a sparkling river, and Lara saw a few boats on the water. “It’s beautiful. And it doesn’t look like a casino.”
“That was the point. There are game rooms on the first floor, but nowhere else. I’ve never liked the idea of having slot machines in the bathrooms or other meeting rooms. Enough is enough.”
“Volkov and my father wouldn’t share your dislike. Whenever they went to a casino, they could never get enough. They loved every minute of it. Every chance they got, they’d go to whatever casino was nearest and stay for at least a few days. I thought all gamblers were like them.”
“Gamblers are just people. Unless they’re addicts. That’s an entirely different animal.”
“You should know about that. I’m sure they must be your best customers.”
“Sure, I know all about them.” His smile was twisted. “I can spot most of them in the first five minutes from across the room. I’ve taught my pit bosses to recognize them, too.” He shrugged. “Don’t look now but your distaste is showing.”
“I told you, I don’t like gamblers.”
“That’s your privilege. You’re in the minority. Gambling has been around from the time of the Neanderthal.”
“And you love it like Volkov.”
He flinched. “Please don’t compare me to that bastard. Everyone has their own way of dealing with their passions, and I’m sure I wouldn’t appreciate his methods. We’re nothing alike.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe he’d have any problem dealing with addicts, either. He’d enjoy it.”
“Then that should prove we’re nothing alike. I don’t deal with them at all. I don’t allow them in my casinos.”
She frowned. “What?”
“Addicts are sick. That’s not how I run my business. I told you once I don’t cheat. It’s no fun for me. Dealing with addiction is a form of cheating. If someone wants to feed that addiction, I won’t help them.”
“I…see.”
“Do you? I’m sure that proved a disappointment to you.”
“No.” They had reached the front door and a doorman was opening the glass door for Tanner with an ingratiating grin. Tanner nodded and then ushered her into the palatial lobby. “It…just surprised me. Why should it disappoint me? I like to know that not everyone is like Volkov.” She looked around the lobby. “This is beautiful, too. The paintings are wonderful. Fields and mountains and seascapes…Everything soothing and yet colorful.”
“I didn’t choose them. They were here when I bought the place. I only had the good taste to insist they stay. I bought the property from an Indian family who wanted to retire and go out and see the world. Most of the paintings were done by the owner’s grandson.” He punched the elevator button. “The ones in my penthouse are just as good. You’ll like those, too.” He pressed the PENTHOUSE button. “You’ll stay in my guest room tonight. I need to keep an eye on you.” He glanced at her. “Okay?”
“Why not?” she asked. “When do you expect Kaskov?”
“Later this afternoon.” He nudged her out of the elevator as the doors opened. He led her across the foyer and down the hall, then unlocked a door and handed her the key. “Take a nap. You didn’t sleep on the way here. If you need anything, don’t call room service. It should be safe, but don’t take the chance. Let me know and I’ll get it for you.” He put her suitcase inside the door. “I’ll see you later. I’ll let you know when I hear from Kaskov.”
“I’m sure you will.”
He turned to go and then abruptly turned back. “It will be all right, Lara. I’ll make certain that Kaskov walks a straight line.” Then he was gone.
She felt a rush of warmth at that reassuring last comment after the chilliness that had gone before. It shouldn’t have mattered to her, but she needed comfort from any direction at the moment.
She gazed around the bedroom. The colors were blue and beige and the furniture was luxurious but not ostentatious. It was a guest room, but it was not a room meant to impress. But then neither was Tanner. He was a man of silences and intensity. That was why she was always intrigued and fascinated when he did speak.
Which he hadn’t done on the trip from Sandrino, she thought ruefully. Very noncommunicative. She was surprised he’d noticed that she hadn’t slept on the way here. That bed looked good to her right now.
But not before she called Maria to let her know she’d arrived, she thought as she reached for her phone. Maria hadn’t been at all pleased with her when she’d left her last night, and Lara always hated being at odds with her.
“Are you all right?” Maria asked when she picked up the phone. “It took you longer than I thought it would.”
“I’m fine. Not a pleasant trip. Tanner really didn’t want me to go with him.”
“I could tell,” Maria said dryly. “And neither did I. It’s a mistake, Lara. You should have let me go along.”
“I told you why I didn’t. You’re better off with Mallory.”
“We should face Kaskov together.”
“Tanner doesn’t think we have anything to worry about.”
“Then why was he going to leave both of us here while he went to have his chat with Kaskov? You wouldn’t have given me such a bad time if you hadn’t been afraid things would blow up and we might have to go on the run.”
“I just didn’t know.”
“Exactly. Which is why I should be there with you. Does the hotel have good security?”
“As far as I can tell. It seems to have the best of everything. But I haven’t had a chance to check it out. All I saw was the lobby before he took me up to the guest suite at the penthouse. I’ll go look around later after I take a nap. I need it.”
“You sound a bit on edge. I’m not surprised.”
“I’ll feel better once I get a chance to look around.” She paused. “I just wanted to let you know I’m all right…and that I’m sorry I upset you.”
“You’re not forgiven, but I might change my mind if you call me the minute you finish talking to Kaskov.” She added, “And take care when you’re wandering around that place. I’m not only worrying about Kaskov. Tanner’s right about Anton and Volkov being able to zero in on his location now.”
“I know he is. I’ll be careful. Goodbye, Maria.” She cut the connection.
Not too bad. Maria was still upset, but Lara couldn’t blame her; she would’ve felt the same. Still, she could only do what she thought best. She got to her feet. Now to shower, take that nap, and then see if she could get a look around the property before it was time to meet with Kaskov.
* * *
The sun was going down.
Lara knew she’d been here too long, but she’d wanted to check out the river walk before she went back to the hotel. She turned away and quickened her pace as she started down the hill.
“Enjoy your walk?” Tanner was standing at the bottom of the hill. “I’m glad you decided to come back and join me. It’s almost time to dress for dinner. Kaskov just checked into the hotel, and you wouldn’t want to miss the fireworks.”
“I hope there won’t be fireworks. And I thought you’d phone me when you didn’t find me in the suite.” She went past him and continued down the hill. “Or you could have just told one of those security men who have been following me around since I left the hotel to come and let me know.”
“I needed a stroll anyway.” He fell into step with her. “When did you notice they were tailing you?”
“About ten minutes after I left the hotel. They were very casual and blended in with the crowds. I might not have noticed them if I hadn’t been on the lookout for someone following me.”
“Like Volkov?”
“It was my first thought. But they wouldn’t have just followed me. They would have been on the attack. So I figured you’d told them to follow me.” She glanced at him. “You didn’t have to do that. I wasn’t going to cause any trouble. I told you I’d cooperate.”
“You did cause trouble. Besides, I can never tell what you’re going to do next. You might have decided to steal one of the boats and taken it for a joyride.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I came here to see Kaskov. What about Rennell? Is he going to join us for dinner?”
He shook his head. “Not his style. He said he intended to run his own show while he was here. He’ll probably join us later.”
She was frowning as she remembered something he’d said. “Dress for dinner? Why would I have to do that? I thought we’d just talk in your apartment.”
“And we might. But when I told Kaskov I’d brought you along, he insisted on dining in the hotel’s formal dining room. Didn’t you notice? He likes to live the good life when he’s not attending to company business.”
