“Actually, I think I have an invitation.”
“I’m afraid you don’t,” the guard told him. “I know every face who belongs in there. Yours isn’t one of them. Now please step back, sir, or I’ll have you escorted from the building.”
“You’re right, I’m not on your list,” Bourne acknowledged. “I didn’t know I’d be here tonight. Mine’s more of a standing invitation. Why don’t you check with your boss and see what he says?”
The guard hesitated, his eyes narrowing. He didn’t want to make the mistake of offending a whale, even one who showed up without an appointment.
“What’s your name, sir?”
“Cain.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it. Call it in, buddy. I’m getting impatient. Trust me when I say you don’t want that.”
The guard stepped back into the dark recess of the hallway that led to the other casino. His voice was a murmur, and Jason couldn’t hear what he was saying. When the guard returned, his entire demeanor had changed. He was submissive now. “I’m very sorry for the delay, sir. You’re welcome to go on through.”
“Thank you.”
Jason tipped the man a hundred dollars. He headed down the hallway to the glass door, unable to see through to the other side. When he pushed it open, he found himself in a completely different world. The drab décor of the rest of the building disappeared, and he found himself in a glittering venue, populated by people who were rich and beautiful. The atrium ceiling soared two stories over his head. The artwork on the walls, and the sculptures set among tranquil fountains, had to be valued in the millions. The gaming tables were leather-bound and hand-carved. Waitresses in cocktail dresses, all of them attractive enough to be L.A. actresses, passed silver trays of appetizers and champagne.
As he had in the other room, Bourne quickly assessed the casino security, looking for the armed guards and exits. If he needed to leave quickly, he wanted to know where to go, but his options were limited. Medusa left nothing to chance. He also noted the extensive lineup of cameras and knew that he was already being scrutinized by people in the private hotel tower over his head.
He wasn’t alone for long.
A slim Asian woman in a low-cut burgundy dress zeroed in on him from across the casino floor. She had flowing raven hair and diamonds dripping from her earlobes. She walked on sky-high red heels, and her dark eyes gave him a direct, knowing stare. Her smile was equal parts friendly and suspicious.
“Welcome,” she said. “My name is Nomi. It’s our pleasure to serve you, Mr…. Cain.”
“Thank you.”
“Please forgive our man outside. You took him by surprise. A man of your stature typically doesn’t arrive here without advance warning. I hope you weren’t offended.”
“Not at all,” Bourne replied. “I should have called, but I had an unexpected opening in my calendar.”
“How lucky for us. Would you like to play some blackjack? I have a table waiting for you.”
“I confess I came woefully unprepared with cash,” Bourne said.
“No matter. I’m sure credit can be extended.”
She put an arm through his elbow and guided him across the casino to a luxury chair at an empty blackjack table. The dealer was another Asian woman, this one with long chestnut hair and a body that spilled out of a formfitting pink dress. She wore an emerald bracelet and a matching necklace on a gold chain.
“This is Shay,” Nomi told him. “She’ll take good care of you. Would one hundred thousand dollars suffice to start?”
“Fine.”
Shay pushed a stack of chips across the table. She hadn’t spoken yet, but she had smart eyes.
“Would you like me to bring you a drink?” Nomi asked.
“No, thank you.”
“Well, then I’ll leave you in Shay’s good hands.”
The dealer nodded at the hostess as she left, and Shay welcomed Bourne with a smile as she stared down at the table. Their eyes didn’t meet. “We have a little tradition here, sir. The first bet is on the house. Shall I play five thousand dollars for you?”
“Go ahead,” Jason told her.
She withdrew a single chip from her tray and put it on the lush felt in front of him. From the shoe, she dealt Bourne a ten, then drew a three for herself on the up card. Bourne took another card, which was a king, and he stood. Three cards later, the dealer busted. Shay smiled as she paid him his winnings, but she still never looked at him.
“I trust your luck will continue in the same vein,” she said.
“I