Page 27 of Doubling Down

“He talks to everyone. Except me.” His gaze went back to the bouncer.

“I believe you make him nervous,” Eric shared.

“Did he say something?” Jesse demanded.

Eric wouldn’t break Lake’s trust in him. “Just the impression I get. You’re a billionaire and his boss. He’s quiet and lacks confidence.”

Jesse pressed his lips together as he reached for his drink. “Has there been any progress in the case?”

So, they were done talking about the big bouncer, huh. Interesting. Eric adjusted his thinking to get back on the business at hand. “Joey Collins is smart and careful, but we almost have enough on him to bring him in for questioning. If I can catch him in the act, that would go even further for our case.”

“I thought he was a good man. His father worked for my company for a decade. Was with me when I started all this. I trusted his father’s recommendations and see where that got me. It makes me sick.”

“I know this isn’t easy for you, but he is going to jail for a very long time. This isn’t your fault.”

“It is my people who are selling drugs. My people who took those drugs and overdosed. I feel responsible.”

Which is one of the reasons that Eric liked the billionaire. They wouldn’t normally run in the same circles, but Eric was glad he had met the other man. Eric respected the hell out of Jesse Lambert. He’d done his research on the casino owner as well. How he’d started in real estate and built his fortune through blood, sweat, and tears. Both Jesse and his twin Jacobwere men that had struggled early in life but hadn’t been satisfied with the station they’d been saddled with.

“Should I just fire him?” Jesse questioned. “I don’t want any more of my employees getting hurt.”

“You could,” Eric said carefully. “That would severely cut back our access to him and his network. It also doesn’t mean your employees will be safe. He already had contact with them.”

“This is a fucking mess,” Jesse stated. He lifted his drink and drank down the liquor.

“If it hadn’t happened here, I believe that we would have more casualties. You got involved, brought us in, because you care about your people. Let us work this case.”

“I will.” Jesse reached for the decanter before he shook his head.

Eric pushed the liquor to the center of the table. “Why don’t you go spend some time in the playroom?” He wouldn’t normally speak so familiarly with the man, but he could see how upset Jesse was. Jesse didn’t need alcohol. He needed something more.

Jesse narrowed his eyes.

With a laugh, Eric shrugged. “Lake told me he might take his break in there later to play with some of the pups. He really likes them.”

That brought a smile to Jesse’s face. “This is always a popular night. You know you’re welcome to stay,” Jesse told him.

“I appreciate the offer,” Eric said sincerely. “I need to get home tonight, but I think I’ll take you up on that invitation another time. Maybe on a little night.”

“My absolute favorite night,” Jesse told him. “I’d thought I saw some interest in your eyes.”

Eric nodded. He was motivated by Remi’s confession. “I don’t have any practical experience, but I have done my research.”

“You have a boy in mind?” Jesse’s gaze went back to the front of the club.

“I do. I need to find a way to talk to him about this though. Not sure how to bring it up.”

“My advice is to be honest,” Jesse said.

That was Eric’s plan. He cleared his throat.

“Is there something else?” Jesse asked.

“I don’t want to cross a boundary,” Eric admitted.

“Is this about your boy?”

“More in general terms,” Eric replied.

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