Page 25 of Secrets in the Dark

Gianna Bianchi's voice stopped me as I exited the employee lounge that evening. She approached with fluid grace, tonight's ensemble a form-fitting black dress that emphasized her cultivated elegance. Her smile carried warmth that never quite reached her eyes.

"Ms. Bianchi." I inclined my head. "What can I do for you?"

"Our discussion about tomorrow's arrangements," she reminded me, linking her arm through mine. "Perhaps we could continue it in the Azure Bar?"

Her proximity was deliberate—establishing proprietary interest for any observers. I allowed the contact, recognizing the opportunity to gather additional intelligence about tomorrow's operation.

"Of course."

She guided me toward the exclusive VIP lounge located off the high-roller room. The Azure Bar catered to the casino's elite clientele, its blue-tinted lighting and whisper-quiet acoustics designed for discreet conversations between wealthy patrons.

We settled at a corner table, Gianna positioning herself closer than professional courtesy required. Her perfume—a custom blend I'd noted in previous encounters—enveloped us in an invisible barrier of exclusivity.

"The Al-Khalifa party has very specific expectations for tomorrow night's game," she began, gesturing for the bartender to bring her usual martini. "They prefer European dealing style and no automatic shufflers."

"Easily accommodated." I maintained the script of a business discussion while scanning the room for potential surveillance.

"I've also upgraded their accommodations to the Celestial Suite," she continued. "It offers convenient access to the Dragon's Crown lounge without traversing the main casino floor."

Private access—ideal for transferring large sums without security camera coverage. The Celestial Suite connected directly to Dragon's Crown through a dedicated elevator, bypassing standard entry points where cash counting might occur.

"The client appreciates discretion," I noted, watching her reaction.

Her smile sharpened. "Above all else. Their business interests are...diversified."

The coded exchange continued, Gianna revealing operational details that confirmed our intelligence about tomorrow's money movement. The Al-Khalifa party was clearly a cover for the Licata organization's transaction—wealthy enough to justify large cash movements, foreign enough to create plausible deniability about banking regulations.

I was so focused on cataloging her inadvertent intelligence disclosures that I nearly missed Nova's entrance into the bararea. She stood frozen near the entrance, her gaze fixed on Gianna's hand resting possessively on my forearm.

Her expression—a fleeting mix of confusion, hurt, and something that looked remarkably like jealousy—vanished almost instantly behind professional composure. She turned abruptly, disappearing back into the corridor before I could acknowledge her presence.

Gianna, ever observant, followed my momentary distraction. "Ah, Valentina's new pet project. Quite striking, isn't she? Though perhaps out of her depth."

The casual dismissal carried a subtle warning. I maintained neutral interest. "I wouldn't know. Our paths rarely cross."

"Strange. I heard otherwise." Her fingers trailed along my sleeve. "Rumors suggest you've taken a personal interest in the girl."

Dangerous territory. Casino gossip networks operated with frightening efficiency.

"Professional courtesy," I deflected. "After yesterday's accident, everyone's concerned for the entertainment staff."

"Of course." Gianna's smile didn't waver. "Terrible business with the lighting. Enzo assures me they're implementing enhanced security protocols."

The segue was too smooth—as if she'd been waiting to introduce the topic. I searched her expression for signs of foreknowledge about the sabotage but found only calculated interest.

"The show continues tomorrow as scheduled?" I asked.

"Absolutely. The Jade Petal doesn't bow to intimidation." She leaned closer, voice lowering. "Between us, managementbelieves it might be a disgruntled former employee. Nothing for our VIP clients to concern themselves with."

The deliberate minimization confirmed my suspicions—whatever "distraction" they'd arranged involving the entertainment wing, casino leadership was fully prepared to exploit it as cover for their financial activities.

I extracted myself from Gianna's company twenty minutes later, pleading preparation for my upcoming shift. Her parting smile carried the confidence of a woman accustomed to getting what she wanted—whether that was access, information, or men.

Once clear of the VIP areas, I changed direction, heading toward the backstage corridors. Nova's reaction in the bar had been visceral. I needed to clarify my interaction with Gianna before Nova's emotional response compromised either of our positions.

I found her behind the theater, pacing the prop storage area with barely contained agitation. The room's towering shelves housed everything from antique furniture to mechanical contraptions for Val's illusions, creating a labyrinth of shadows and hidden corners.

"It's not what you think," I said, stepping into her line of sight.

---