They both chuckled before he disappeared. Kit was always great to work with. At moments like this, he was thankful TJ hadn’t suspended him. This was the only work he loved doing. He owed Dr. Marshall, too, for giving him a clean bill of mental health so fast. Before long Vic and Kit were going to nail Fred Waters.
Before any more time passed, he used his other phone and left a message at headquarters to be sent on to Claire and Jeremy that all was well and he would contact them soon.”
He hung up just as Kit slipped inside and locked the door. After freshening up in the bathroom, he sat down at the table with Vic and picked up the device. “I’m curious to hear what went on inside there.”
He turned it on and they listened to the recording while they ate club sandwiches and salad. Kit gave him a grin when the girl at the desk made a comment about the jewelry. “You scored a hit with Mr. Ruban and the ladies. We know what Ruban was attracted to, but she obviously loved your jewelry, too. You’re a stud with this new persona. I’d love to see you try it out on Claire.”
Vic shook his head and they listened to the digital recording again. “Let’s hope the boss shows up tomorrow night. If he does, I’ll try to shake a few more apples off the tree.”
“It’s going to happen. Now let’s get some shut-eye. Are you going to sleep in that wig?”
“I have to. Sandra put me together and told me to leave it alone. I’m so tired I probably won’t move.”
“That’s good, otherwise I’ll have to put you back together tomorrow and it won’t be pretty.”
Before long they both headed for the sack.
* * *
AT TWELVE-THIRTY, VIC made his way downstairs for lunch in the hotel dining room. Kit had long since vacated the room, taking the tray of dishes back to the kitchen.
While he downed another meal, he had a visitor, not unexpected. He started his digital recorder. What did you know? It was Jori, right on schedule.
Vic looked up at him. “Don’t you work at the casino?”
“Yes. Mr. Ruban asked me to deliver a message. He says the man you wish to meet is not available.”
“Tonight? Or never.”
“Never.”
Interesting. So possibly the top man didn’t want another casino infringing on the territory. “Tell him thank you for letting me know. You want some coffee before you go?”
“Sure. Why not?”
Vic signaled the waitress. “Two coffees, please.”
She came right over and served them.
Jori was out of uniform and wore a nice crew neck shirt and trousers. “You sure do have beautiful turquoises.”
“I have lots more. It’s made by my tribe.”
“I bet you could get big money for that necklace.”
“Many people have made offers. The last person was willing to give me one hundred thousand dollars. Since you work at the casino, maybe you make that kind of money?”
He shook his head. “Not that much.”
“Casinos like that one make huge money. They should pay you more. Then I might be able to sell you some pieces I have that are similar to the necklace.”
“If you build a new casino, would you give me a job for more money?”
“How much do you make?”
“Fifty thousand dollars a year.”
“If I knew I could trust you, I might pay you as much as one hundred fifty thousand dollars. It’s hard to find loyal employees like you who came all the way to the hotel to deliver a message for me. Mr. Ruban doesn’t realize how lucky he is.”