Las Vegas strip getting smaller and smaller, and the Nevada desert stretching out on all sides. I’m still uncertain as to where David’s head is at after last night’s disappearing act. But I’m resolved to make the most of my final moments in this crazy twisted fairytale. Monte Carlo, here I come.
Chapter Twenty-Two
David
On a commercial flight, getting from Vegas to Monte Carlo is a hell of a slog. It would take about fifteen hours in the air. In my private jet, it takes half as long. This little number is capable of reaching Mach 1.6 and seating twelve people. It's technically not even on the market yet but I pulled some strings and managed to get one early. At $120 million, it's one of the best purchases I ever made. The time it saves me when I travel is worth every cent.
We make it to the Monte Carlo Royal Casino & Hotel around 7:00 p.m. US time, but here it’s well after midnight—that’s when this place really comes alive. We’ve got just enough time for a quick change before dinner. A car takes us straight from the runway to the property, and as we drive up, I see Lilly’s eyes grow wide.
Imposing, full-grown palm trees line the stone drive up to the front steps. The facade of the striking, white building is adorned with rows of ornate balconies, each one with hand-carved stone railings. Two enormous silver statues are set on either side of the grandiose front entry door, one showing the Greek figures of Hedone, the goddess of pleasure, and the other showing the figure of Dionysus, the God of wine and parties. Spotlights shine on them, illuminating the careful craftsmanship. The looming building is topped off by three large towers, each one with a unique design of shiny mosaic tiles.
“Like what you see?”
“It’s gorgeous,” she breathes the word out. “I feel like I’ve been here before. In a dream or something.” She furrows her brow. “There’s something familiar about it.”
“Have you seen Golden Eye? The old Bond movie?” I ask.
“Oh! Yea. With Pierce Brosnan?”
“Yup. The casino featured in that movie.”
“That explains it,” she grins sheepishly.
“Your theory that you’d seen it in a dream was far more charming though.”
Seconds later, the car stops and the doors are opened for us.
“Mr. Milner! Always a pleasure.” George, the head of VIP guest relations, is on hand to greet us. He’s dressed impeccably, as always, in a full black suit and silk bowtie. The man is pure class.
“Good to see you, George.” I shake his hand. “And may I introduce, Miss Madison.”
Lilly steps forward from behind me and extends a hand. Her eyes grow wider and wider as George leans down and bows, kissing the air just above her hand. “Miss Madison, it is our pleasure to have you as our esteemed guest.” George says. “Come, follow me. Your suite is ready. The Presidential Palace.”
Lilly stares at me in shock.
“He’s old school European,” I say with a grin. “That might not be the first hand-kiss you get while we’re in Monte Carlo. Try not to let your jaw drop every time.” I give her a wink and chuckle as she snaps her mouth shut.
I can’t blame her though. Hand-kisses aside, the Monte Carlo property is really something else compared to what we have in Vegas. It’s got that old world glamor that you simply can’t replicate with a modern build. As we pass through the enormous glass front doors, we step into an entryway that was once designed for royalty, literally.
The white marble floors are swirled with gold while the high vaulted ceilings above are flecked with gold to match, like a sea of wealth glittering above our heads. Enormous white columns line a pathway through the front hall.
George leads us right past the check-in desk, towards an elevator at the back. A young bellhop, clad in the traditional uniform of a smart red jacket with gold buttons, bustles behind us with the bags.
“So,” George turns to me. “I leave you here. Alexey will bring your bags up.”
“I know my way from here. Thanks, George.”
“And your reservation for dinner is all prepared.” George nods. “But no rush. Come down whenever you are ready. The venue is yours for the night.” With that, he turns on his heel and whirls off. I continue walking, ushering Lilly towards the elevator.
“I guess you’re some kind of VIP here or something?” She says.
“Well, yes. I come here quite a bit. I’m also planning to buy the