Page 46 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

Carmen took care of ordering drinks and was in the middle of asking the bartender where she got her boob job when Lyla heard someone say her name. It took her a moment to recognize Alice who wore an unflattering satin dress that looked like a prom dress for a teenager. The Community Outreach Coordinator had absolutely no fashion sense and was clearly out of her element in a club. Lyla gave her a hug and turned to Carmen and the bartender who were feeling each other’s boobs. Lyla cleared her throat and when that didn’t get Carmen’s attention, gave her cousin a solid kick in the butt.

“Carmen, this is Alice the Community Outreach Coordinator. Alice, this is my cousin, Carmen. She’s coming with us to the dog shelter next week to volunteer,” Lyla said.

“Nice to meet you,” Carmen said and looked Alice up and down with a frown, clearly disturbed by her appearance. “You work for Pyre Casinos?”

“Yes. I just moved from Utah,” Alice said uneasily.

“Mormon?” Carmen asked.

“No. Why?”

“Just wondering.”

Lyla gave Carmen a quelling glance before she turned back to Alice. “I’m really looking forward to volunteering. I like dogs. I’ve always wanted one, but my parents wouldn’t let me.”

“And now?” Alice asked.

“Now?” Lyla asked blankly.

“You can get one now.”

Lyla was struck by the notion. “Um, I don’t know.”

“Since the recession there have been hundreds of abandoned dogs. Each shelter is filled to the max,” Alice said.

“Does Gavin even like dogs?” Carmen asked, handing Lyla a pink drink.

“No idea,” Lyla said.

“Oh, gosh, um, maybe adopting a dog isn’t the best idea,” Alice said, wringing her hands.

“How long have you been working at Pyre Casinos?” Carmen asked.

“A year. My position was created after...” Alice flushed and looked away.

“After Gavin went to jail and my husband and Manny Pyre were murdered?” Carmen asked.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” Alice said and pressed a hand to her chest.

“It’s okay, Alice,” Lyla said, squeezing her hand. “I’m glad your position was created. It’s great that Pyre Casinos created the Pyre Foundation and are giving back to the community.”

“Yes,” Alice said, clearly relieved. “Mr. Pyre has given me free reign, really. I’m so excited that I get to make a difference through his generosity.”

Lyla liked Alice’s earnest, down to earth personality. There were far too few of her type in Las Vegas, the land of sex, money and superficiality. Carmen watched Alice carefully, as if she couldn’t figure her out. On the surface Carmen and Alice had nothing in common.

“Here come the masses,” Lyla said as the VIPs came down the staircase with their entourages and a swarm of paparazzi.

“Kody Singer’s here?” Carmen snapped.

“The movie star?” Alice asked, going on tiptoe to get a better look.

“He better not come by me,” Carmen said.

“Why?” Alice asked.

“He used to drunk call me all the time, that asshole. It used to piss Vinny off.”

Alice’s mouth dropped. “You used to date...?”

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