Forsaking (Vampire Assassin League Book 26) Read Online Free PDF Page B

late. Past nightfall. Before dawn. There wasn’t a window in the playing room. Actually, no casino ever had windows in their gaming areas. It would be bad for business. It might distract. Bring people to their senses. Bring an addict out of a ‘fix’. That included the gamblers in this high stakes room.
    Everyone had started with at least two hundred grand. Bram’s total was considerably higher now. The bag hanging at his hip bulged with winnings. No one looked uncomfortable about it, although they had exhibited annoyance more than once. That’s what made the game so enticing. Besides, everyone looked like they could afford to lose. That’s why they were here. This room was exclusively for the very well-heeled. They’d been brought up an elevator by two extremely good-looking gentlemen in tuxedos. Drinks were provided. Expensive cigars were available. All of it catered by gorgeous ladies in revealing attire.
    Bram waited for the door to open for his exit. A distinct buzzing sound accompanied the unlocking. He clicked the connect button on his cell as one of the tuxedoed gentlemen opened the door for him. He wondered if anyone would check his cards before taking them. A loud whistle behind him gave the answer. He shrugged and stepped into the foyer.
    He’d been right. The three security guys were there waiting for him. One spun from contemplation of his reflection in the glass. He didn’t note that Bram’s was missing. Bram looked at each in turn. Focused. Watched their eyes glaze over. He snickered slightly once everyone was mesmerized and then lifted the phone to his ear.
    “Hello.”
    “Ah. There you are, Bramwell. I was beginning to wonder.”
    It was Akron, the leader of the Vampire Assassin League. Bram hadn’t been expecting that. He subconsciously stood straighter. Cleared his throat. Answered at a slightly lower timbre. “Sir?”
    “How are things?”
    “Passable.”
    “Anything strange happening in your neck of the woods?”
    “No.”
    “Ah. I do so enjoy conversing with a cowboy. They’re so...chatty and forthcoming with information.”
    “I just left a winning poker hand.”
    “You’re gambling?”
    “Yep.”
    “That’s interesting. Private club?”
    “Casino. High stakes room.”
    “You’re in a casino?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Hmm. I bet that caused a stir.”
    “Some.”
    “I thought you hated crowds. Light. Parties. I might as well just put it in an all-encompassing term. I thought you detested anything enjoyable...since it might break through your self-imposed afterlife of penance-like behavior.”
    Bram waited a few moments before replying. “You saying something with those words?”
    “Just making conversation. Was it a big pot?”
    “A million. Maybe more. Maybe less.”
    Akron whistled. The receiver shrilled with it. Bram pulled the cell away from his ear for a moment.
    “Well. Allow me to make it up to you, then.”
    “You have a job?”
    “I do. And it’s right in your vicinity.”
    “I don’t have a vicinity. Not anymore.”
    “Well. That does explain the casino visit. Burning your bridges, are you?”
    “Just enjoying some last hours.”
    “Last hours? Hmm. Cryptic. I take that to mean you are relocating?”
    “You want to tell me about the job, Sir?”
    “We are nearly out of time, Bramwell. Grab another cell.”
    Bram snapped the cell phone shut. Slid it behind a bit of wall molding where it might never get discovered. Snagged another one from the case in his pocket. Hit the connect button as it vibrated. Akron was on the line an instant later.
    “Jobs can wait, Bram. Associates do not. I need your answer. I’m assuming your words mean you are relocating. That is why you’d shed anonymity, visit a casino, and probably reap more than one interested look. Am I correct?”
    “Yes.”
    “But you like Dobbin Creek. Spent decades on renovations.”
    “Yeah. Well...things change.”
    “I take it we are referring to Dobb Lake?”
    “Have you seen it recently,