Page 109 of Forbidden Confessions: Vol. 2
Hotel security wasn’t any more helpful. They said they would only work with me once the police deemed this a missing-persons case. Until then, they consider Sammie an adult, having adult fun in a haven built for just that purpose.
As I snake through the throng of people, pushing against the flow of bodies, I scan everywhere for my cousin’s long, dark waves and sunny smile. Nothing. Her last text to her mother said she was having a great time and that she and her friends planned to get some food after the concert. That was twenty-two hours ago. No one has heard from her since.
A few feet away, I spot a cluster of stairs that lead to some high-roller slots. I twist my way to them, climbing to the top for a better view, then turn to scan the vast expanse of the casino. My stare makes it halfway across the room before I feel eyes on me.
It’s ominous. A warning.
The unease rolling through my stomach turns to fear.
Is the someone who’s responsible for whatever happened to Sammie watching me, determined to make sure I don’t find her?
Quickly, I whip out my phone to text someone my location. But who? Aunt Tammy has enough on her plate. Most of my friends are back in Dallas. But I didn’t tell any of them that I hopped a last-minute flight to Vegas to help locate Sammie.
If I disappeared, too, no one would know where to start looking.
Those are crazy thoughts, right? I need to calm down. Sure, I came here alone, but who would really try to shut me up for asking a few questions about a missing girl?
Writing off my disquiet to paranoia seems logical…but I still feel eyes on me. Again, I skim the crowd. I don’t see anyone staring, but something tugs my gaze up, to a band of dark, mirrored glass that rims the edge of the dropped ceiling. Above it is clearly another level, one not open to the public.
At first glance, I assume the casino hides their security cameras there. Now I suspect it’s hiding people, too.
My heart pounds. Even though I’m standing in the midst of a crowd, I suddenly feel as if I’m in danger.
Quickly, I dash off a text with my location and situation to Sophie Larsen, my bestie since grade school—not to mention one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. It would be better if she was in Vegas, too, and I doubt she’s still awake to look at her phone, but she’s the only person I trust one hundred percent. It also doesn’t hurt that she’s married to a small-town police chief. Rand is the perfect guy for her—protective, smart, brave, and badass…yet totally caring. He’s head-over-heels for Soph, who feels the same about him. I’m happy for them both.
Too bad Ridge wasn’t anything like his big brother.
He was a one-night mistake I’ve been hoping to forget. Unfortunately, that’s impossible. I’ll have to figure out how to deal with that later. Sammie first.
Suddenly, I spot a pair of suits heading in my direction, one tall and round and looking as if the lights upstairs aren’t quite on. The other is on the diminutive side, but with a tough-guy demeanor that says he means business. They’re wearing identical scowls. Instantly, I know they’re coming for me.
I glance around for someplace to escape, but it’s a dead end. They’ve got me cornered.
“Miss.” The big one settles his hand around my elbow. “You need to come with us.”
Not happening. “Why? I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m just looking for someone.”
“While harassing our employees and disturbing other guests,” Shortie barks.
“Then I’ll leave.” I try to yank my arm from the tall lug’s grasp.
He’s not budging.
Shortie leans into my face. “You’ll come with us. We have a few things to say.”
“People know where I am,” I blurt. It’s almost true.
That gives the tall one pause. He looks to Shortie for answers.
The smaller, meaner man shrugs. “We just want to have a conversation, miss. You’ll be out of here in ten minutes.”
My BS meter is pealing. “I’m not going anywhere with you. If you want me to move from this spot, you’ll have to carry me out and I will scream at the top of my lungs.”
“I don’t advise making this more difficult.”
“Or what?”
“We might have some information about the girl you’re looking for. We’d rather not discuss it on the floor. Do you want it or not?”
