stare out the plane window as we roll down the tarmac, watching the airport come into view.
What will I do if I see David? There’s always a chance I'll run into him, now that we’re going to be living in the same city. My heart starts beating faster at the thought alone. Will I be able to keep my cool opposite him? Yes. I have to. He’s made his stance clear with his lack of response. Even though all I was trying to do was thank him.
To David, this was business. He’s helped me and my family out in ways I can never thank him for, yes, but he did that because he’s a kind man, even if that’s hard to see under his tough guy, casino boss exterior. I’m glad I got to see a little bit of that softer side of him underneath it all. And I’m glad I met him. He’s changed my life, literally, in so many ways. Helped with Deanna. Got me this job. Taught me a thing or two. I feel a smile coming, I’m sure my cheeks are going red right now at the memory of our sexy lessons. But above all, he helped me find something within myself I never thought was there. Confidence. I just have to channel that confidence into my new job.
Once I get off the plane, I head to the baggage claim and wait for my suitcase. Before long, I spy it on the carousel. It’s enormous and I struggle to heave the bulky piece of luggage off the conveyor-belt. But I manage, without anybody’s help. Then I head to the arrivals hall.
A car has been arranged to take me from the airport directly to Casino Diamond. There’s a crowd of smartly dressed drivers hovering around outside of arrivals, holding handwritten signs with the names of the people they’re supposed to be meeting. I scan the signs anxiously, looking for my name. Already, my brain is in panic mode. What if the driver isn’t there? What if they forgot me? Then you’ll call the HR rep at Casino Diamond, my brain tells me. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Then, I see the sign with “MADISON” written on it. All good.
“Hi.” I approach the driver holding the sign. “That’s me. I’m Lilly Madison.
Although it’s cloudy, the driver’s face is hidden behind large dark sunglasses. He gives a small nod hello, and touches his hand to his cap. “Right this way.” He takes my suitcase from me and starts walking to the parking lot—quickly.
“Uh, could we slow down a bit?” I pant. He’s walking so fast, I have to practically trot to keep up with him.
Without answering, he slows his pace just a tick. I guess he’s eager to get the job done.
We approach a large black Tahoe with tinted windows. The driver puts my suitcase into the trunk and then opens the door for me, ushering me to the backseat. Then he gets in the driver’s side.
Inside the car, I give a start of surprise when I notice another man in the passenger’s seat up front. Usually the drivers I’ve seen work alone.
“Hi,” I say. The second man up front doesn’t turn around or acknowledge me. I peek in the rearview mirror, thinking I might be able to see more of his face, but it’s likewise concealed by dark glasses and a cap. Maybe this guy is security?
Without a word, the driver starts the engine and pulls out of the airport parking lot. Only once we’re away from the airport and out on the open road does the guy in the passenger seat turn around.
A faint flicker of recognition runs through me. Then, he removes his hat and glasses, and I’m sure.
“Good to see ya’ again, girly.” Tony gives me a big grin. “Yer lookin’ real fine.”
“Oh my god.” The words are barely above a whisper. I utter them involuntarily, they just fall out of my mouth, because not only am I staring in the face of the guy I helped David bust for cheating…that guy’s got a gun pointed at me.
“You remember us?” The driver asks. He’s likewise removing his cap and glasses. It’s Bobby. I hear a click, the sound of the car doors being locked.
“What do you want?” My brain is struggling to understand what’s happening. I can’t stop staring at the gun pointed at me.
“Here.” Tony thrusts a cellphone at me. It’s an old one, not a smartphone. Clearly a burner