Page 71 of Diamonds & Deception

“The day before, Owen met with me for financial advice. Eddie wanted a piece of the bar. He had some serious cash to loan Owen and had paperwork drawn up. I looked it over and strongly advised Owen not to sign or have any partnership with him. Even if Eddie’s lawyers made the money investment look legal.”

“Owen says no thank you to fuck face, and he retaliates by offing his girl. Just like he warned you when you met with him the other day.”

I nod and rub my temples.

“What about Ryan McBride? He worked the blackjack table and was found dead a few weeks before Carly. He connected too?” Ryder asks.

“His boyfriend, Carl, used to deal drugs for Eddie. He wanted out. McBride ends up dead.” I’ve done a lot of research these past few days. More than usual.

“We’ve got no security coverage to pin this on him. No proof,” Nolan says.

“I can bring this speculation to the detective’s attention, but that will only put Eddie more on edge. I don’t want him to retaliate by going after you three.”

“Or Nora,” Trey adds.

“It’s why you’re keeping her locked up, so to speak.” Nolan returns to his seat and rests his elbows on his thighs. “We can try to set him up, but with his unpredictability, I don’t know where or how to start.”

“We could put a hit out on him,” Trey says, deadpan.

I can’t tell if he’s serious or joking. “And chance a leak getting back to Micky or Eddie?” I shake my head.

“I can poison his food next time he comes intoRed. My restaurant would take a hit in the press, but it would be worth it.”

“We could lace his cocaine,” Trey suggests.

“Fuck. Remind me never to get on your bad side.” Nolan laughs.

“I’m not—we’re not—in the business of murder. I won’t stoop to his level.” I swivel in my chair and stand.

“So, what? We sit around and wait for him to off the next woman we hook up with?”

“Or sister.”

We all glance at Trey. Hell. I don’t blame him for wanting to kill Eddie. I feel the same wanting to protect Nora.

“How sure are we that Detective Marshall isn’t in bed with the Donahues?” Ryder asks.

None of us have any idea.

“I can contact a buddy of mine who is a PI. Put some eyes on Eddie while we wait for him to screw up again,” Nolan says.

“I won’t let him lay a hand on Nora.” Am I still hurt by her betrayal? Yeah. That doesn’t mean my feelings for her are gone. I didn’t lie to her this morning, but I didn’t tell her the whole truth either. I’m not over her, nor do I want to be.

“Or Avery.” Trey cracks his knuckles.

“It’s probably best to keep Avery away from us and the casino for a while in case Eddie hasn’t learned about her.” I move to the other side of my desk and rest a hip on it. “I don’t know what to do about Nora.”

“Does she know?” Ryder asks.

I shake my head.

“You gotta tell her, man.”

“I know. Especially after she snuck out last night and came down to the ballroom.”

“The fuck?” Trey lifts his head. “I was outside your penthouse until you got back.”

“She slipped away when you brought Daisy out.”

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