Page 42 of Your Every Wish
“It would help if you had a time frame.”
“By the end of this month.” It’s an ambitious promise, one that I might not be able to keep. But I’ll move heaven and earth trying.
“Is there a possibility you could get it any sooner?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Okay. Do you know if the victim in the case has a lawyer?”
“I don’t. He’s wealthy, so he probably does.”
“How would you feel if I contacted the victim to see if you and he can work this out without involving the police?”
“Isn’t it too late since they’re already involved?” I ask.
“Not necessarily. Would you be willing to pay back the victim with interest?”
“Something to sweeten the pot?” Because I can see where Sam is going with this. “How much interest?”
“That would be something we’d have to work out with him. We’d also have to give him a reason to trust you. Given the situation, no easy feat. More than likely, he won’t go for it. But it’s at least worth a try. Emma’s only given me the barest of details, but it sounds like you’ve had a long-standing relationship with this man?”
“For three years he’s been my client.”
“Tell me what all that entails.”
I look at him to see if he’s asking what I think he’s asking but don’t see anything untoward in his expression. He simply wants me to describe our business relationship, which was just that. Business.
“A couple of times a year Mr. Sterling comes to Caesars to gamble. It’s my job to see to the details, including his accommodations, meals, spa appointments, shopping excursions, special outings, hard-to-get reservations at top-tier restaurants, any shows he and his wife want to see, those sort of things. In addition, I make sure he has access to all our high-roller tables and tournaments. And often, as on this occasion, I’m responsible for seeing to his winnings.”
“As in depositing them to his bank account?” When I nod, he says, “Is there a possibility this was a banking error?”
I start to say no, then quickly change my mind. “Possibly.” I shrug.
“Good. We can work with that. But, Kennedy, make no mistake about it, if he’s willing to work with us, you’ll have to pay the money back and then some. You understand?”
“Yes.” I just want this to go away. “Just so you know, I didn’t do this. I’m not my father. I’ve never stolen anything in my life. This is all a terrible mistake—”
He puts his hand up to stop me from finishing. “My job is to get you out of this, not to pass judgment.”
“Okay, but I still need you to understand that I’m innocent. I didn’t do this.”
“That’s fine. Do you have contact numbers for Mr. Sterling and that detective?”
I swallow hard, crushed that this nice man doesn’t believe me. His experience representing hardened criminals has probably made him leery of anyone with a sob story. And I’m Willy Keil’s daughter, after all. You know, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
I scroll through my phone and give him the numbers. He shakes my hand and promises to be in touch. And that’s it. My fate is in his hands.
Emma
Dex is acting like a jerk. It’s clear he doesn’t like Kennedy and even clearer that she doesn’t like him. I would say despise is more like it. I had such high hopes for this dinner that maybe if Dex and my half sister hit it off, he’d reconsider lending us the money.
Instead, he’s barely said a word, paying more attention to his steak than he has us. Later, when I go back to his place without Kennedy, I’ll give him a piece of my mind. For now, though, I’m desperately trying to carry the conversation to make this less awkward than it already is.
“Hey, Kennedy says she can get us a great deal on a weekend at Caesars Palace and tickets to see Adele.”
“Why would I want to see Adele?”
“I thought you liked her music. I do.”
