Page 44 of Shadowed Obsession

Dax continues, “This expansion, regardless of who wins the property, benefits the community and brings more jobs. Theo informed us that the Klarkes are known for hiring more people of color, making up half of Austin’s population and…we do not,” he says looking down, lips forming into thin line.

Mmhm. Knew that, too.

Dara interjects, “I did some research on Regina and the Delvecchios casino empire. Theyalsoemploy more women, people of color, and veterans than otherwhite-owned casinos in the state. I understand that the locations she currently oversees are Black owned, and those are rare.”

“Yes, they are rare. I’ve never seen a Black-owned casino,” I concur.

“Regardless of their personal beliefs, he emphasized that in order to do business in a community, you must immerse yourself in it by getting to know the people you serve. We could do a better job of that,” she admits.

“Mmhm,” is my only response.

“He didn’t say the Klarkes deserve the property more, but he didn’t have to,” Dax adds with a shrug. “Theo also said thatwe don’t stand a chance going against them and would be doing ourselves a favor by aligning with them instead.”

Makes me wish he was still in charge.

I nod in agreement. “That’s exactly what I expected him to say. How’s he doing, by the way?”

“He’s good. Happy. Looks younger since he stepped down.”

I chuckle with a shake of my head. “I bet.”

It’s good to hear he’s still the voice of reason in this family, but I’m not yet convinced they’ll take his advice. Or at least Dax won’t.

I suppose if they do step on a landmine with any of the Austin locals over this deal, it’s a good thing I have other clients with deep pockets.

“Tellme something about your week. Find anything fun on a stakeout? Is that what you call them, or are my shows lying?”Abuelaasks, her frail hands clutching a pencil and a word search book.

I glance over my shoulder to find her dark-brown eyes waiting expectantly for an exciting story and her long, silver locks coming undone in a braid that rests over her shoulder.

I’d make one up if I needed to, just to hear her laugh.

“No,Abuela. I don’t do stakeouts,” I inform, standing to fix her hair. “We call it recon, and when we follow subjects, we are tracking them.” I take it down, using my fingers as a comb to loosen any tangles and braid, crossing each section over the other until I tie it off at her ends. We can thank Mariana and all the tea parties we had with her dolls as kids for me knowing how to do a basic three-strand braid.

She rests her hand on mine, expressing her gratitude, and I press a kiss to her temple before returning to the recliner beside her.

I think to myself about my recent cases aside from Deirdre’s. “I unfortunately found a subject that has a second family. Telling my client was rough. It was giving telenovela.”

“Chucki! ¡Cuéntame!I can’t watch my stories when I’m dead,” she adds with pleading eyes.

“Of course that’s the case that sparked your interest,” I say with a cackle.

Drama from my work stories serves as her entertainment until it’s time for her telenovelas and she drifts off to sleep soon after they end, as always.

Once I hear her snoring, I drape a knitted blanket over her and grab my phone to check on Deirdre. I don’t have anything set up at her job to monitor to avoid setting off any alarms when it comes to her family. It’s a family-owned operation, after all. So I’ve limited my hidden cameras to her home only, for now…and a GPS on her car. For safety, of course, and my peace of mind.

Speaking of, I did something new when I last visited her home after the birthday incident. My usual routine of eliminating tasks has become a common dance, with me dodging her housekeeper and landscaper. But I took it a step further this time.

I wasn’t there for long, but I dropped off some prepared meals, swapped the water for her flowers and…stole something. It was impulsive and reckless as hell,perolike, she’s to blame, not me.

When I was leaving her bedroom, I spotted dirty clothes in the hamper and threw the load in the laundry. While I was separating colors from darks, I found that matching lingerie set she wore the other night.

What surprised me most was instead of tossing the thong into the wash, it ended up in my pocket.As if by magic, I think with a smirk.

But I wonder if she’ll notice.

Mamididn’t raise a thief. She also didn’t raise a man to invade a woman’s personal space.

So whatMamidoesn’t know, won’t hurt her.

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