Cassie (The Mitchell/Healy Family #7)(17)
“I knew someone, who worked for them in the past. Rocky doesn’t like keeping the same employees, just in case they’re working undercover to bust him. He let’s you in, teaches you what you need to know, and then uses you one time to change out and add new devices. He doesn’t even tell you when it’s happening, just in case you were to call and report him. Everything is done without notice. That’s why I’m trying to wait it out. We’re not in danger, baby. I’m going to do the job and get paid. Then we’ll take the ten grand I make and get started someplace better.”
It sounded a lot easier than I knew it would be. Still, I sighed and wrapped my arms around his waist. “I love you and I don’t want to leave you here. I’m just afraid. This could put you in jail. I could go as an accomplice.”
“That’s why I wanted to keep you occupied and out of the spotlight, Cass. Now do you understand? Do you see how important it is to stay out of the business?”
“Why did you let me steal?”
“I thought if you felt like you were a part of things you’d back off. You’re going to keep me on the straight and narrow once we’re out of here. This is one last stint and then we’re off to a better life. Have I ever let you down before?”
I hated to admit it, but he hadn’t. He’d always been there for me no matter how small the challenge. His love was true and forever. It was something I could always count on, even when I was steaming mad, I knew it would never fail. “No.”
He cupped my face and stared into my eyes. “Don’t tell anyone about what I told you. Nothing bad will happen if I stick to the plan and get the job done. This is for us, or else I wouldn’t be doing it.”
I felt annoyed. “Let me guess, he’s got other people doing the dirty work just in case you were to get caught? Do you have any idea what you’re risking by getting involved with these people?”
“It’s not as bad as you’re making it. It’s smart business. Rocky has been doing this for a long time. People would jump on the opportunity he’s given me.”
“He’s a joke. I hate him. He’s creepy, and he stares at me all the time. What’s with the two of them? Are they a couple? Tammy seems to screw whoever she can find to drop their pants.”
“Obviously they’re swingers. They don’t talk to me about it.”
“Why would someone want to share the person they love? I guess I’m too jealous.”
“Don’t worry, baby. I’d never share you. Stop thinking about them. Imagine it like we’re sharing a house with strangers. We don’t have to be their friends. Just be cordial and the time will go by quick. If you need to take the edge off just tell me and I’ll get you something.”
“Something, like drugs?”
He shrugged. “Whatever it takes. I won’t let you get hooked. It’s important you’re comfortable. I know you’re not happy.”
“I feel stuck in a situation I don’t want to be in. Put yourself in my shoes.”
“It’s for our future. How many times do I have to say it?”
His defensive attitude annoyed me. “Forget it. While you’re dabbling in danger every day, I’m going to go out and get a real job. I’m tired of staying in this house.”
“Maybe that’s a good idea.”
I was shocked he’d agreed, but didn’t question it. The less I had to be in the house the better. “Then it’s settled. If we’re staying for a while I’m getting a job. I promise to keep my mouth shut about your business venture, if you promise as soon as it’s over we’re out of here. I’m not screwing around either. One time is enough, Brant.”
The idea of him stealing for our future still didn’t sit right with me, and I knew my parents would never be able to understand. Brant may not have been forthcoming about our future, but I believed he had our best interest at heart.
One of us needed to forge toward an honest living, before we both got carried away in evil acts we couldn’t be saved from.
Chapter 8
Cassie
It took me eight days to be called in for an interview at a casino. My hours would vary, but at least I’d be making honest money to put away. The job requirements were simple. I had to be twenty-one, without a criminal record, and able to wear a slutty little outfit around while serving drinks to gamblers. I could be friendly all the day long if I needed to, plus meeting new faces seemed like a good side of it.
Brant didn’t like the idea, especially after he saw the uniform. After two days of arguing, he was dropping me off at the back employee entrance, warning me to let him know if men tried to grope all over me.
I snickered as I walked inside the establishment, getting off on the fact that he’d be jealous. A part of me wanted him to be overprotective, because it was reassuring. Another part wished he’d let me breathe. Since we’d been away from home I felt like he was watching me constantly. I liked freedom.
My boss was an older woman in her fifties. She still had a nice body for having six kids. She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes, introducing me to employees and going over my job duties. Carol Tanner had worked in Vegas since she was sixteen years old. Her husband, Joe was a party planner for major clubs in the area. He’d met her while he was a guest at the casino, and they’d been together for thirty years. Her story was sweet, and to hear her talk about her children made me want to be a mother of my own.