Chapter Eight
Amanda sat in the Lincoln Town Car that Agent Ross had secured from the Agency for the party and clutched her purse nervously. This would be the first assignment where she was integral in calling the shots. She was the agent on the inside, virtually alone on the casino floor, as the Agency's eyes and ears. She wanted to do a good job so badly, she was terrified she would fail. As she caught the eye of Agent Ross, she gave him a nervous smile.
"Amanda, relax, everything will be fine tonight." Agent Ross told her.
"I just want everything to be OK." Amanda said.
"And it will be, as long as you remember we're there with you. I'll be with you most of the night and you know Billy and Lee are there too." Agent Ross said softly.
Lee. The thought of Lee watching Amanda made her heart race. Lee wouldn't be her escort tonight. He would be keeping an eye on her and Michael. Amanda couldn't help but suppress a grin at the thought of Lee's jealous nature. Lee would be exuding tremendous self-control tonight, thought Amanda.
"By the way, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Agent Ross said.
Amanda wore a dress that she and her mother had picked out. At first, Amanda thought the dress was a little risqué, but Dotty assured her it would look glamorous and sophisticated on her. It was a burgundy satin dress, off the shoulder, that shimmered with every move Amanda made. Amanda had pinned up her hair in a French twist. Her heart-shaped necklace was her only jewelry. She had applied smoky eyeshadow and a burgundy-rose lipstick. She now licked her lips nervously as the Town Car pulled up to the valet at the casino. Agent Ross, clad in a black tuxedo, climbed out of the car and extended a hand to help Amanda out. As she swung her legs out of the car, she caught a glimpse of Billy standing there with an earpiece on, walkie- talkie clipped to his belt, as he mimicked directing the guests and staff into the casino, while all the while he kept in contact with Lee. Billy caught Amanda's eye and gave her a barely perceptible nod of approval. Agent Ross and Amanda moved away from Billy and entered the casino.
Lee sat at the bar, nursing a scotch, as he checked out the layout of the casino. He saw that the playing tables were laid out exactly as Agent Ross mentioned. The waitresses that approached were friendly, but distracted, Lee noted. That would help them out later when cover or distraction would be needed. Lee scanned the room looking to see if he could spot Andre Brousseau. After a few moments, he spotted him. Brousseau was sitting at a private table with two high rollers and their dates. Lee noticed the confidence Brousseau exuded. In his custom tailored suit and expensive jewelry, Brousseau looked like a man untouchable. Lee turned away to hear Billy's voice in his ear.
"Scarecrow, Agent Ross and Amanda are on the way in." Billy said.
"Copy that Billy." Lee said.
Lee turned away from Brousseau and stared across the casino looking for Amanda. Lee was just supposed to watch Brousseau and observe the other high rollers, but when he saw Agent Ross and Amanda, his breathing stopped and his mouth went dry. Amanda looked breathtakingly beautiful in the burgundy dress she was wearing. Lee stared hard at Amanda, never taking his eyes off her as she crossed the room to speak to another dealer. Agent Ross walked up to the bar and sat down two seats from Lee.
"Everything going on schedule so far?" Agent Ross asked Lee.
"Fine so far." Lee answered.
Agent Ross ordered a club soda with lime and stared at his reflection on the bar's back mirror.
"Amanda's doing great so far, don't you think?" Agent Ross asked.
"Amanda always does a great job." Lee said proudly.
"Listen Lee, Amanda's told me some of what happened between you two and..." Agent Ross said, but Lee interrupted.
"Look Ross, I like you, and I know Amanda likes you. But if anything happens to her or you do anything to hurt her, you'll have to answer to me." Lee said in a steely voice.
"Lee, I care about Amanda. I'd never do anything to hurt her." Agent Ross said.
"See that you don't." Lee said and strode to the dance floor.
Amanda was standing by a high roller Blackjack table, chatting with two other new Blackjack dealers. They were comparing horror stories of how bad their auditions went when Amanda felt a tap on her shoulder. Thinking it was Michael, she turned around with a smile.
"Care to dance?"
Amanda smiled nervously as Andre Brousseau held out a hand to her. He guided her to the dance floor and took her in his arms. As the music swirled around them, Andre cleared his throat and looked at Amanda.
"I hope I'm not being too forward." Andre said.
"Of course not." Amanda assured him. "I just didn't know the owner danced with his new dealers."
"Well, I don't make it a habit." Said Andre. "You're just the most beautiful dealer I've hired in a while."
"Aren't you awfully busy tonight?" Amanda asked. "Between the party and your regular duties, I imagine you're pretty swamped."
"Actually, this casino pretty much runs itself." Andre said. "All you need is a key card to check on the offices and everything else runs smoothly."
"A key card?" Amanda asked.
"Yes. All the senior dealers and floor managers have one. It's an access card to the upstairs offices. Once an hour, a senior dealer or floor manager must check the upstairs offices after hours. The key card gives them access. If the floors upstairs aren't checked every hour, the security manager notifies me and I come check the place and fire the lazy employee who forgot." Andre said with a laugh.
"That sounds like an awful lot of responsibility." Amanda said seriously.
"It is, but nothing you won't be able to handle soon." Andre said with a wink.
As they danced, Amanda and Andre made small talk, about hobbies and family. Andre seemed very curious to know if Amanda was married or not. As the talk became more serious, Amanda saw a hand tap Andre's shoulder.
"May I cut in?"
Amanda saw the man move to stand beside Andre. It was Lee.
"Amanda King, may I introduce you to one of our newest high rollers. This is Lee Stinson." Andre said. "Take good care of him." He said as he moved away.
Lee put his arm around Amanda's waist. Taking her free hand in his, they began to dance. Amanda sighed and tried to keep some distance between her and Lee. Lee however, was having none of it. He splayed his hand across her back and pulled her close to him. He breathed in the scent of the delicious perfume Amanda wore. The scent wove its' way around him. He cleared his throat and spoke to her softly.
"Find out anything?" Lee asked.
"Yes, they have a key card access to the upstairs. Only the senior dealers and floor managers have the cards. We'll have to have one of those to get the evidence we need." Amanda said. "Andre said there must be a check of the upstairs offices once an hour or else he's notified and comes down to check the offices himself."
"We'll have to let Agent Ross know, so he can get one of the key cards for someone." Lee said.
As Lee and Amanda continued dancing, Amanda tried to keep her mind on the party and the information Michael needed. The only problem was, Lee was invading her senses. His lean, muscled body was beneath her hands in the perfectly fit tuxedo he was wearing. She inhaled the musky, masculine scent of the aftershave he wore. She sighed and licked her lips. Lee's breath was hot against her cheek as he looked down at her. Her lips parted as his gaze held hers. His hazel eyes were smoldering with desire. Her pulse quickened as his thumb stroked her hand gently. Lee's gaze traveled to her lips. As he watched, Amanda tongue unconsciously darted out to wet her lips. Lee's breath caught in his throat as her eyes widened at his appraisal of her. Lee's hand on her waist tightened.
"Lee, I think I need some fresh air." Amanda said breathlessly.
Lee placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her outside. They found a private bench and Amanda sat shakily. Lee kept his hand on her back as Amanda breathed in the fresh, humid air. After a few minutes, Amanda turned to Lee.
"Lee, are you up to this? I mean us working together?" Amanda asked.
"Amanda, I've never been more sure of anything. I want you to know that I know you'll do a great job." Lee said and smiled at her.
Amanda smiled and leaned back into the bench. She and Lee sat there for a long while, both wanting to say so much, yet neither of them knowing how to start. Amanda looked over at Lee to find him staring at her. She smiled at him and asked:
"What are you thinking about?"
"You actually." Lee said. "How far we've come together the last three and a half years." Lee said.
"Yeah, at least you actually admit I'm your partner now." Amanda said with a small laugh.
"Hey, I'm a creature of habit, a loner. It took me a while to get over that." Lee said defensively.
"But we've kept our friendship. That's what matters, right?" Amanda said.
"Sure." Said Lee as he put his hand out for her to shake.
Amanda put her hand in his and planned on shaking it in a gesture of friendship and forgiveness. But, as soon as she placed her hand in Lee's, she felt a surge of desire, an almost electrical shock. Her eyes met Lee's as she said:
"Friends?"
Lee felt Amanda's hand in his. Her hands were so warm, so soft, so comforting. He imagined her hands on his skin, touching the contours of his body intimately. He looked into her chocolate brown eyes, warm and inviting, and threw caution to the wind.
"Oh, Amanda. I want to be more than friends." He said as he guided his head towards hers.
Amanda closed her eyes in anticipation of Lee's lips on hers. Instead, she saw Leslie's face swim in front of her eyes. For better or worse, Lee was married. She swallowed her disappointment and pulled away from Lee. Lee's inclined head stopped inches from hers.
"Amanda, what is it? What's wrong?" Lee asked.
"This is Lee. This is all wrong." Amanda said, "You're married. You and Leslie. There can never be any us." Amanda finished as she hurried away from the bench.
"Amanda!" Lee called after her. "Amanda, I don't love Leslie. I love you." He finished softly as he watched Amanda's retreat.
Amanda sat in the Lincoln Town Car that Agent Ross had secured from the Agency for the party and clutched her purse nervously. This would be the first assignment where she was integral in calling the shots. She was the agent on the inside, virtually alone on the casino floor, as the Agency's eyes and ears. She wanted to do a good job so badly, she was terrified she would fail. As she caught the eye of Agent Ross, she gave him a nervous smile.
"Amanda, relax, everything will be fine tonight." Agent Ross told her.
"I just want everything to be OK." Amanda said.
"And it will be, as long as you remember we're there with you. I'll be with you most of the night and you know Billy and Lee are there too." Agent Ross said softly.
Lee. The thought of Lee watching Amanda made her heart race. Lee wouldn't be her escort tonight. He would be keeping an eye on her and Michael. Amanda couldn't help but suppress a grin at the thought of Lee's jealous nature. Lee would be exuding tremendous self-control tonight, thought Amanda.
"By the way, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Agent Ross said.
Amanda wore a dress that she and her mother had picked out. At first, Amanda thought the dress was a little risqué, but Dotty assured her it would look glamorous and sophisticated on her. It was a burgundy satin dress, off the shoulder, that shimmered with every move Amanda made. Amanda had pinned up her hair in a French twist. Her heart-shaped necklace was her only jewelry. She had applied smoky eyeshadow and a burgundy-rose lipstick. She now licked her lips nervously as the Town Car pulled up to the valet at the casino. Agent Ross, clad in a black tuxedo, climbed out of the car and extended a hand to help Amanda out. As she swung her legs out of the car, she caught a glimpse of Billy standing there with an earpiece on, walkie- talkie clipped to his belt, as he mimicked directing the guests and staff into the casino, while all the while he kept in contact with Lee. Billy caught Amanda's eye and gave her a barely perceptible nod of approval. Agent Ross and Amanda moved away from Billy and entered the casino.
Lee sat at the bar, nursing a scotch, as he checked out the layout of the casino. He saw that the playing tables were laid out exactly as Agent Ross mentioned. The waitresses that approached were friendly, but distracted, Lee noted. That would help them out later when cover or distraction would be needed. Lee scanned the room looking to see if he could spot Andre Brousseau. After a few moments, he spotted him. Brousseau was sitting at a private table with two high rollers and their dates. Lee noticed the confidence Brousseau exuded. In his custom tailored suit and expensive jewelry, Brousseau looked like a man untouchable. Lee turned away to hear Billy's voice in his ear.
"Scarecrow, Agent Ross and Amanda are on the way in." Billy said.
"Copy that Billy." Lee said.
Lee turned away from Brousseau and stared across the casino looking for Amanda. Lee was just supposed to watch Brousseau and observe the other high rollers, but when he saw Agent Ross and Amanda, his breathing stopped and his mouth went dry. Amanda looked breathtakingly beautiful in the burgundy dress she was wearing. Lee stared hard at Amanda, never taking his eyes off her as she crossed the room to speak to another dealer. Agent Ross walked up to the bar and sat down two seats from Lee.
"Everything going on schedule so far?" Agent Ross asked Lee.
"Fine so far." Lee answered.
Agent Ross ordered a club soda with lime and stared at his reflection on the bar's back mirror.
"Amanda's doing great so far, don't you think?" Agent Ross asked.
"Amanda always does a great job." Lee said proudly.
"Listen Lee, Amanda's told me some of what happened between you two and..." Agent Ross said, but Lee interrupted.
"Look Ross, I like you, and I know Amanda likes you. But if anything happens to her or you do anything to hurt her, you'll have to answer to me." Lee said in a steely voice.
"Lee, I care about Amanda. I'd never do anything to hurt her." Agent Ross said.
"See that you don't." Lee said and strode to the dance floor.
Amanda was standing by a high roller Blackjack table, chatting with two other new Blackjack dealers. They were comparing horror stories of how bad their auditions went when Amanda felt a tap on her shoulder. Thinking it was Michael, she turned around with a smile.
"Care to dance?"
Amanda smiled nervously as Andre Brousseau held out a hand to her. He guided her to the dance floor and took her in his arms. As the music swirled around them, Andre cleared his throat and looked at Amanda.
"I hope I'm not being too forward." Andre said.
"Of course not." Amanda assured him. "I just didn't know the owner danced with his new dealers."
"Well, I don't make it a habit." Said Andre. "You're just the most beautiful dealer I've hired in a while."
"Aren't you awfully busy tonight?" Amanda asked. "Between the party and your regular duties, I imagine you're pretty swamped."
"Actually, this casino pretty much runs itself." Andre said. "All you need is a key card to check on the offices and everything else runs smoothly."
"A key card?" Amanda asked.
"Yes. All the senior dealers and floor managers have one. It's an access card to the upstairs offices. Once an hour, a senior dealer or floor manager must check the upstairs offices after hours. The key card gives them access. If the floors upstairs aren't checked every hour, the security manager notifies me and I come check the place and fire the lazy employee who forgot." Andre said with a laugh.
"That sounds like an awful lot of responsibility." Amanda said seriously.
"It is, but nothing you won't be able to handle soon." Andre said with a wink.
As they danced, Amanda and Andre made small talk, about hobbies and family. Andre seemed very curious to know if Amanda was married or not. As the talk became more serious, Amanda saw a hand tap Andre's shoulder.
"May I cut in?"
Amanda saw the man move to stand beside Andre. It was Lee.
"Amanda King, may I introduce you to one of our newest high rollers. This is Lee Stinson." Andre said. "Take good care of him." He said as he moved away.
Lee put his arm around Amanda's waist. Taking her free hand in his, they began to dance. Amanda sighed and tried to keep some distance between her and Lee. Lee however, was having none of it. He splayed his hand across her back and pulled her close to him. He breathed in the scent of the delicious perfume Amanda wore. The scent wove its' way around him. He cleared his throat and spoke to her softly.
"Find out anything?" Lee asked.
"Yes, they have a key card access to the upstairs. Only the senior dealers and floor managers have the cards. We'll have to have one of those to get the evidence we need." Amanda said. "Andre said there must be a check of the upstairs offices once an hour or else he's notified and comes down to check the offices himself."
"We'll have to let Agent Ross know, so he can get one of the key cards for someone." Lee said.
As Lee and Amanda continued dancing, Amanda tried to keep her mind on the party and the information Michael needed. The only problem was, Lee was invading her senses. His lean, muscled body was beneath her hands in the perfectly fit tuxedo he was wearing. She inhaled the musky, masculine scent of the aftershave he wore. She sighed and licked her lips. Lee's breath was hot against her cheek as he looked down at her. Her lips parted as his gaze held hers. His hazel eyes were smoldering with desire. Her pulse quickened as his thumb stroked her hand gently. Lee's gaze traveled to her lips. As he watched, Amanda tongue unconsciously darted out to wet her lips. Lee's breath caught in his throat as her eyes widened at his appraisal of her. Lee's hand on her waist tightened.
"Lee, I think I need some fresh air." Amanda said breathlessly.
Lee placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her outside. They found a private bench and Amanda sat shakily. Lee kept his hand on her back as Amanda breathed in the fresh, humid air. After a few minutes, Amanda turned to Lee.
"Lee, are you up to this? I mean us working together?" Amanda asked.
"Amanda, I've never been more sure of anything. I want you to know that I know you'll do a great job." Lee said and smiled at her.
Amanda smiled and leaned back into the bench. She and Lee sat there for a long while, both wanting to say so much, yet neither of them knowing how to start. Amanda looked over at Lee to find him staring at her. She smiled at him and asked:
"What are you thinking about?"
"You actually." Lee said. "How far we've come together the last three and a half years." Lee said.
"Yeah, at least you actually admit I'm your partner now." Amanda said with a small laugh.
"Hey, I'm a creature of habit, a loner. It took me a while to get over that." Lee said defensively.
"But we've kept our friendship. That's what matters, right?" Amanda said.
"Sure." Said Lee as he put his hand out for her to shake.
Amanda put her hand in his and planned on shaking it in a gesture of friendship and forgiveness. But, as soon as she placed her hand in Lee's, she felt a surge of desire, an almost electrical shock. Her eyes met Lee's as she said:
"Friends?"
Lee felt Amanda's hand in his. Her hands were so warm, so soft, so comforting. He imagined her hands on his skin, touching the contours of his body intimately. He looked into her chocolate brown eyes, warm and inviting, and threw caution to the wind.
"Oh, Amanda. I want to be more than friends." He said as he guided his head towards hers.
Amanda closed her eyes in anticipation of Lee's lips on hers. Instead, she saw Leslie's face swim in front of her eyes. For better or worse, Lee was married. She swallowed her disappointment and pulled away from Lee. Lee's inclined head stopped inches from hers.
"Amanda, what is it? What's wrong?" Lee asked.
"This is Lee. This is all wrong." Amanda said, "You're married. You and Leslie. There can never be any us." Amanda finished as she hurried away from the bench.
"Amanda!" Lee called after her. "Amanda, I don't love Leslie. I love you." He finished softly as he watched Amanda's retreat.
