As I drove home, I thought of Declan’s offer. The pay was excellent, and I had a deep fondness for the sea.
Time was slower in Bridesmere. I even got to read again. While serving for the SAS, I fell for the Jack Reacher books. I related to that character because there were days when I felt like dropping everything and taking a long walk away from my past.
Wasn’t my moving to Bridesmere just that?
What about Savanah?
Could I fend her off?
And why would I want to?
Chapter 3
Savanah
“It’sbeingnamedSalonSoir?” I did a turn of the circular room with mahogany accents.
My mother nodded as she pointed down at a mosaic of Bacchus feasting on wine while naked nymphs pranced about. “That’s nicely done.”
“Given its classical themes and décor, I envision the room will attract an older crowd, I suppose. I can organize an event if you like.” My enthusiasm went up a notch. The casino would need security.
Mm… I wonder who I could ask?
A sparkling chandelier illuminated an oval table with a roulette wheel—the centrepiece of a room filled with gaming tables.
“No slot machines.” I ran my hands over the dark-green felt.
“This isn’t the suburbs, sweetheart. Crisp is vying for an exclusive crowd.”
“It’s very Casino Royale.” I pointed at an arched entrance with red velvet curtains. “Where does this lead?”
She shrugged. “Vague on detail. Reynard mentioned something about a private club.”
I studied her. “Like a girly bar or something?”
My mother’s brow pinched before smoothing over. “This is Reynard’s world. His business.”
We stepped outside and walked to the resort, which shared the same parking bay as the new casino.
“I’m surprised you allowed it.”
“I had little choice. Rey owns this land.”
I stopped walking. “I didn’t know that. I thought it belonged to the family. How’d that come about?”
“It’s a long story.” She fluttered her hand for me to keep moving. “I’ve got an appointment at the Pond. As you have, I believe.”
That evasive response came as no surprise. Whenever Crisp was mentioned, the subject quickly changed.
I climbed into her black BMW. “You realise we could just walk there from here?”
My mother pointed at her high spiked heels. I’d never seen her in flats before.
As we drove into Pond’s parking bay, I asked, “What time are guests arriving for Ethan’s birthday?”
“Seven.” She lowered the shade and peered into the mirror and touched her face.
“Is Orson coming?”