Page 15 of Queen of Spades

Am I about to get fired?

That would really suck.

I did my due diligence before settling into the High Roller. Nowhere else treats omegas even half as well.

“We’re taking the long way around,” Jimmy grumbles, nodding for me to follow as he takes off toward the alley. “Cassian Forbes is in Spades. His guards are fanned out, blocking the entrances. And he’s already taken the house for thousands.” Jimmy scratches his jaw, walking at a brisk pace. “At this point, it might be better to just call it a loss.”

I’ve heard the name Cassian Forbes before, but I’m unfamiliar with who he might be.

Jimmy isn’t usually the type to call anything a loss, especially because of those monthly bonuses he gets based on what Spades brings in. He also gets his ass handed to him when revenue is down.

That leads me to believe Mr. Forbes might be wealthy by way of the illegal variety of business model.

“Are you saying they aren’t letting the staff in or out?” I ask, finally thinking through the ramifications of everything he just said.

“No, that would be enough to immediately close up. They aren’t letting any other customers in. Supposedly, it’s for Cassian’s safety, but it’s making me itchy, Anni.”

“Hmm. Okay, let me drop my things, and I’ll see what I can do about getting in there. If I pick up on any of the tells, what am I supposed to do?”

“Fuck if I know,” Jimmy mutters, scratching his salt-and-pepper beard. It’s one of his few nervous habits, which only makes me more intrigued to see what Mr. Forbes is all about. “Even calling in-house security to remove him might be a problem.”

“So, determine if he’s fleecing you, but don’t intervene?” I ask incredulously as we take the right to head to the main entrance.

“Yeah, that. Do that.” He nods, jabbing a chubby finger at my chest.

“What’s the point?” I ask with a snort.

“Today is a loss, but if you get proof that he’s not on the up-and-up, that gives me a reason to deny him entry in the future.”

“Okay.” In no way is that standard operating procedure, but it’s not my club, and it’s not my money. “You got it.”

“Thanks, Anni.” Jimmy claps me on the shoulder. “Let’s get you inside so we can fix this clusterfuck.” He slides past the bouncer and heads off, grumbling the entire way about how all three of his kids are going to need braces one day.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I follow him in.

The two main entrances onto the gaming floor are indeed covered by massive men in dark suits with earpieces.

Huh, Mr. Forbes must think he’s the president or something.

I’ve seen high rollers walk in wearing shorts and a polo shirt with a hundred grand in their pockets.

No one messed with them, but this guy thinks it’s okay to block paying customers on a Saturday night?

I already dislike him.

My fit-and-flare dress flies out as I spin around to head back to the viewing room. I could easily pull my ID badge from my pocket to prove I’m part of the staff, but it seems important that I spend a while watching this guy before he realizes it.

I take the next right and scan my badge. Once I’m up the stairs, I head into the control room for Spades. It might be a wasted trip, but I want to see with my own eyes what kind of security Mr. Forbes thinks is necessary.

The room isn’t packed, but there are three men currently on duty, which is overkill, considering the floor is shut down.

The elastic garter sheaths attached to both thighs dig in when I sit. They’re a nuisance and a necessity, all at once. The stainless steel daggers, two on the exterior of each thigh, give me a sense of safety.

I jiggle the mouse, and my nails click against the desk as I wait for the screen to load.

The camera feeds come into view.

It’s strange to see the room so empty before we’ve closed for the night.

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