Deanna’s friends will bother themselves with Lilly. They seem like the type who just want to party. As soon as the party’s over, they leave. But Deanna and Lilly clearly have a bond, and Deanna is definitely nuts enough to get some idea in her head that she has to jail break her sister or something.
“Very well. There’s one more thing.” He runs his hand over his smooth head, an uncharacteristic move that I've only seen him do when nervous. I suppress a smile, remembering that Terry still had hair when we first met. Well, I didn't have grey hairs then either. Vegas has aged us both.
“What?” I can tell he’s getting ready to drop some bad news.
“There’s some buzz on the streets about a couple of players from Chicago.”
“Mafia?”
“They’re low-level thugs but yes, they’re connected. They claim to be part of Mickey’s crew. We had to bounce them from Destino a week ago. They were hassling the dealers and the cocktail girls, trying to throw their weight around. I also suspect they’re cheating on the tables but we don’t have proof of that yet.”
“Have they shown their faces in Fortuna?”
“Not yet. But they will. They’re making their rounds on the strip. Destino isn’t the first house to ban them.”
I drum my fingers on the heavy desk. There’s not much to be done about the situation now. “I don’t want to piss off a guy like Mickey without just cause. If they come into Fortuna, keep an eye on them. But let ‘em play.”
“And if we catch them cheating?”
“Then I’ll have to have a word with them,” I say grimly. “And Mickey too.”
Terry gives a curt nod.
“You’re headed to the security hub, I take it?” I ask him.
“Yep. Will get those pics of the twins and their posse out.”
“I’ll go with you.” I take the stack of paperwork and unlock the safe underneath my desk, slipping it inside. I’ll take a closer look later. Other than this kind of confidential information, my office safe holds a bottle of 30-year old scotch and a small Smith & Wesson .40 caliber. Guests aren’t permitted to have firearms on the premises of Fortuna or Destino. We scan with metal detectors at every public entrance. But I like to be prepared. For backroom games in particular, it’s good to carry heat. Our VIPs who play high-roller games in the back usually come in a side entrance and just get a quick pat-down. It’s a gentlemen’s game so you don’t want to insult anyone. No metal detector. But you never know what people might try to pull. My security team is also armed.
I don’t tell Terry, but aside from taking a scan of the security cameras, I want to see what Lilly might be up to. In the hub, a quick glance confirms that she’s still shopping. I catch a glimpse of Sarah fluttering around her, laughing and smiling. In contrast, Lilly is unsmiling and serious. I clench my jaw. I had meant for today to be a treat for her. I’m giving her all the dresses, shoes, and spa shit that a girl could want. Maybe I felt kind of weird after I learned that I’d been her first, I don’t know. In any case, it doesn’t look like she’s enjoying the spending spree.
“Terry!” My voice sounds rougher than I intended as I bark out his name.
“Yes, Mr. Milner,” his velvet-smooth tone responds immediately. He looks up from the cluster of screens he’s been observing.
“I’m headed to the cage.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If there’s any issue…” I gesture towards the screen in front of me and raise an eyebrow. I don’t have to say another word.
“We’ll keep an eye on her, sir.” He gives me a confident nod.
“Thanks.” I ball my fists into my pockets and leave the room full of men and women bent over camera screens behind me. Next up, I pass by the cage to check in on scheduled money movement. Then I touch base with our senior food & beverage manager, who is responsible for keeping an eye on Fortuna’s many restaurants. I follow up with a stop by guest reception, getting updates on occupancy numbers and issues, and a pause at housekeeping and janitorial to ensure all is in order there. I’m on my feet most of the day, checking in on the casino’s various operations. Many owners don’t take such an active role in the daily processes but I like to know what’s going on.
Everywhere I go, I’m greeted by nods