CASINO SHUFFLE Read Online Free PDF

switches.”
    “Okeedokey.”
    Their tour ended when the compact en suite elevator deposited them on the second floor.   Antonio excused himself momentarily to check the arrangements in the guest bath.
    “This bath is somewhat modest compared to the master bath downstairs,” he called out to her, eyes scanning the iced Cristal ’99 breathing in the champagne stand in a packed mold of shaved ice, the crystal flute and bath salts on the ledge of the Jacuzzi, and the frothing water within.   He dipped a finger into the water, found the temperature suitable and dried his digit with his handkerchief.   “But I think you’ll agree that the view of the Connecticut woods is spectacular.”
    Smiling, he stepped out of the bathroom and stopped short, averting his eyes to a nearby arrangement of fresh-cut tulips.
    “I thought I mentioned that I walk around naked?”
    “My apologies.   I assumed you were referring to when you were alone.”
    “Well, mostly.   But I’m about to get into the Jacuzzi.   Now you know why I hate paparazzi.”
    “I can see where you might value privacy.”
    “My mom calls me a free spirit.”
    “An adoring quality.”   Antonio stepped closer to the flower arrangement.   He peered at one particular tulip that was slightly wilted.   “When would you like to begin setting the dining room for dinner?”
    “Maybe an hour?”
    “Very good.   I’ll leave the envelope with your room key right here.   Your luggage will be delivered within the hour.   Is there anything else you require before I go?”
    “No thanks,” she said.
    The platinum lighter was produced and extended.   Antonio found yet another wilted tulip as the actress exhaled smoke.
    “You must have eyes in the back of your head.”
    He slid the lighter into his jacket pocket.   “I heard you open the cigarette pack, though I can’t imagine where you might have been holding it.”
    She laughed.   “You’re funny.   I like you.   Where are you from, Antonio?”
    “I was born in El Salvador .”
    “Your complexion is very nice.   I’m trying not stare at your skin.”
      “The feeling is mutual, Miss Moon.   I’ll phone the room when dinner preparations are underway.”
    The sound of her bare feet padding quickly towards the bathroom was followed by, “See you then!”
    Before leaving the suite he folded her clothing and sat it on a corner table outside the bathroom, then withdrew the two wilted tulips from the vase.   As soon as he was in the hotel hallway he withdrew his BlackBerry and checked the screen.   One voicemail.   One text.
    He dialed voicemail first.
    “Antonio?   This is Office Stillson down at loading dock 8.   We have the Brinks truck with its police escort down here, but can’t get by one of your limos.”   Speaking away from the phone the officer asked, “What’s his name again?”   Into the phone he huffed.   “Max Allen.   Says he knows you.”
    BlackBerry pressed to ear, Antonio began to jog.
    “Says he doesn’t want to move because you said you were coming down here to get him.   Says you might not find him if he moves.   He don’t move, our big armored truck full of money don’t move.   And I don’t move.   So you got a problem.   Call me back at this number.”
    Antonio rounded a corner and paced quickly towards the center elevators and accessed his text messages.
    It was from Mark Ford:
    Max limo blocking Brinks.   State Police pissed.   This weekend sucks already.
     
     

 
    Chapter Four
     
    Antonio crossed the Absolute Black marble of the hotel lobby.   Even at this hour he had to maneuver around guests rolling their luggage and gazing wide-eyed across an expansive field of carpet to the hotel registration desk.   The mahogany desk, inlaid with a cut glass Connecticut countryside bas-relief, accommodated twelve check-in stations plus concierge.   But behind the desk was what drew the eyes: A ten thousand gallon wall tank holding a four foot short fin