Page 26 of Play to Win

We have a quick breakfast in the coffee shop, getting our coffees in paper cups that we can take with us.

The valet brings my car around to the front of the Wellborne.It seems like it should be early morning, but it’s early afternoon.I’ve experienced this kind of disorientation before in Vegas ...in the casinos and bars, you never know what time it is.

“Nice car,” Lacey says as we load our things into the back.

I just bought this Audi Q8, a sort of SUV-coupe crossover.Audis are nice, but also practical.“Thanks.I’ve already filled up with gas, and I have some bottles of water and snacks for the road.”

“You’re prepared.”She slants me an amused glance as she fastens her seatbelt.

“I do like to plan ahead.”I pause.“Usually.”

She laughs softly.

“Also, I’ve mapped out the route, so I know where gas stations are.We don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of the desert.”

“Certainly not,” she agrees.

I switch out my regular glasses for my prescription sunglasses because the sun is burning my eyes up, and we’re off.

Lacey gives me directions to her place.As I drive, she pulls out her phone and busies herself with reading and sending some text messages.“My friend Karine,” she explains.“In case you’re thinking about killing me and throwing my body into the Pacific Ocean, she knows I’m with you.”

I choke.“Good God.”

She grins.

A short time later, I park in front of a nondescript but well-kept apartment building.

“I’ll be right back.”She flicks off her seatbelt.

“Oh no.I’m coming with you.”I have visions of Ed and Lincoln skulking in her hallway.Or maybe even having broken into her apartment to wait for her.

She hesitates.“Okay.”

Her apartment is on the second floor, so we take the stairs.I’m on alert, and when she stops at her door I try the knob before she can insert her key.Still locked.That’s good.

I don’t let my guard down though, motioning her to wait as I open the door and step inside.I sense the emptiness of the apartment—still, flat air scented faintly with the same fragrance I smelled on Lacey’s skin last night when she snuggled into me ...apples and flowers.

I poke my head into each room.

“What are you doing?”Lacey frowns at me.

“Just checking the place out.”

“I know it’s not the greatest.”Her frown slips into a crooked smile.

“I’m just making sure Ed and Lincoln aren’t here.”

Her eyes widen.“Shit.You think they’d break in?”

“Seems like they’d do pretty much anything if they’re threatening your brother’s life.”

She glances nervously over her shoulder, closes the door, and locks it.“I’ll pack.”

I tag behind her into her bedroom.The scent is stronger here, and the room is prettier—the walls pale pink, the comforter on the bed a sort of watercolor floral pattern in shades of bright pink, blue, and green, with about five hundred pillows stacked against the headboard.A pink shag rug sits atop worn linoleum.

Lacey hauls a suitcase out of the closet and sets it on the bed.Then my eyes bug out and horror grips me as she opens a drawer, grabs a handful of what appear to be panties and tosses them in the suitcase.This is followed by bras, T-shirts, shorts, and some things she seizes from the closet.She makes a halfhearted attempt to fold a couple of dresses, then smashes them in with the other clothing.

I press a hand to the pain in my chest.“What are you doing?”

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