Lilly-Ann's dirty little secret

My name is Lilly-Ann, I'm a reporter for The New York Times or more like a detective. I uncover the stories no one else is willing to unravel. And this time a have one hell of a fish in the frying pan.

We recently heard about this big hotel tycoon named Gustav Lenkov the Third. He just opened a hotel here in NYC called the Starlux Deluxe. He looks so innocent at first glance but the more you get to know him the darker it gets. Rumors have it that there is some bad shit happening behind the curtain, like gangster stuff. Human trafficking type of thing or so I was told. I never believe anything until I can see the proof. Several reporters tried their luck at getting the true story, but non succeed, they all were bribed to drop it, but not me. No sir, no fancy Gucci bag or Versace dress, will get me to back off. Now I am sitting here sipping his fancy champagne, waiting patiently for him to drop his guard.

Starlux Deluxe is 180-story high. With an astonishing view of the city. It seems normal on the outside but on the inside, it is something else, something between French style and modern time. It is a true masterpiece from luxury décor to fancy art pieces of artists I cannot even pronounce the names of and the crystal chandelier hanging overhead, sets a warm tone to the room. Sleek, black marble floor add a hint of sophistication. I must add he has great taste and the people here tonight hold him in high regard, no one is willing to utter a bad word about him or just a hint of hatred towards him, which is making my job a lot harder. The thing that really caught my eye is that there are only women working in the hotel and all of them have dark hair, strange? Maybe or just a coincidence.

I cannot get into the hall where the ceremony for the new manager is being held. Only the VIPs may enter. It is heavily guarded and the ass hats are everywhere, with their big black shades and tuxedos looking all macho. I never get the easy stories, not that I mind the challenge.

"Hey, Ann."

Oh please no. It can't be him. I spin around and gaze into those mahogany brown familiar eyes of my ex-Rayon. Tall, dark, and handsome, with a knee-numbing smile, making all the girls blush, except for me. After five years he decides to cheat on me with my younger sister, you just do not do that.

"Hi, Rayon. What are you doing here?" I ask as politely as possible, trying hard to fight back the annoyance in my voice.

"I could ask the same about you. Man, I almost didn't recognize you. You look good." He examines me, making me feel very uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Are you chasing a story?" Leaning closer to me, his voice barely audible.

"Yeah, why?"

His mouth curved into a smirk. "So am I." He winks.

"Oh, and what story might that be?" Suspicion stirs up inside of me, hungry for more details.

"Oh, no you don't get to do that. I'm telling you nothing." He places his hand in his pocket as he takes a sip of wine, smirking as he looks away.

"I'm not doing anything." I smile innocently as I rise from my chair.

"I know you Lilly-Ann, I know all your stunts." He gives me his drop-dead gorgeous smile, "May the best reporter win." He whispers as he walks away.

Now my ex is also on this story, I need to get to Gustav first and I need to figure out how am supposed to expose him for who he really is. I need to do it fast before Rayon gets it. This night has been a bust so far and all I have to go on is that he'll be flying back to Las Vegas tomorrow. Maybe I can intercept him at the airport.

What am I saying, a multi-millionaire won't be flying commercial. He'll have a private jet or plane. I let out a long sigh. For a sixty-something-old guy, he sure is hard to talk to. I gulp down the last of my wine and make my way out of the hotel. Just as I spot him outside on the phone smoking a cigar in a very heated conversation. Of course, I can't make out a word this man is saying. Snapping a pic of him, I notice the tattoo on his hand, it looks like a dragon head.

As I try to stalk closer, he spots me, his dark eyes bore into me pinning me to the spot. I feel the wind getting knocked out of me as the blood drains my face. "Who are you, what do you what?" He exclaims in a deep terrifying tone.

I'm gasping for air unable to speak, I know I just interrupted something imported. "Speak child!"

Child? What the hell? I'm no child. "I'm ...."

"Stop wasting my time with formalities I don't give a shit who you are. Now what do you want?" This time his question is more demanding, he flicks his cigar and stomp on it to put it out. "Kids these days, no respect."

"Excuses me?" A little annoyed, there it is again downgrading me.

"Well, at least you have manners, you are excuses Lil Miss. Have a pleasant evening." he spins around and makes his way back to his party. Such a rude old man, he would most likely not even give me the time of the day, even if I manage to ask.

My curiosity gets the best of me or maybe it is my reporter instinct that kicked in, but something told me to check the cigar he left. I listen to my inner reporter and quickly make my way to what's left of it and pick it up. There it is the same symbol he has tattooed on his hand is on the cigar. A creepy yet relieved smile pulls on the corner of my face, I won't be leaving here empty-handed.

Yelling for a cable, I went back to my cozy little with more than what I thought I would.

"Honey, I'm home," I call as I open the door. Honey, my ginger cat rubs up against my legs purring. "Always so happy to see me." Gently picking her up from the floor I make my way to my laptop dumping my keys on the desk.

"Now, let's get a ticket to Vegas." I start searching for a plane ticket. I will follow this man to the end of the earth if it means getting the story I need. My phone buzzes, it's a text from Clara.

Hi sis, Rayon told me he saw you at that fancy hotel opening. Why didn't you come to say hi?

I roll my eyes at her. Geez sometimes I wonder if we are really related. It's almost been a year since I caught them in bed, I avoided both of them, but her especially, and now this text acting like nothing happened. Shutting the phone off, I turn my attention back to my laptop.

Luckily, I got a ticket a very expensive one but at least I got one. I grab my phone and immediately start texting

Hi Regina, sorry to bother you so late, just to update you on the Lenkov story. Well, I couldn't get anything tonight except that he's going back tomorrow. I will be following him and I will get you that story. Just need a few more days.

I hit sent. "Mommy's going to Vegas." I smile placing a soft kiss on Honey's head, smiling at the thought,

*******

The next morning, I got up earlier than usual, I have a few more things I need to take care of before leaving. Like Honey needs a sitter and my plants need watering, I need to pack. Shit, I didn't even pack my suitcase yet.

Yanking my drawers open I grab the first bunch of clothing I can reach and shove it into my suitcase. Sprinting to the bathroom, I toss most of my toiletries in a bag. Hopefully, I've got everything I need. I grab my phone from my nightstand and hit the call button.

"Morning." His yawning voice picks up in two rings.

"Morning, Shane, sorry to bother you this early."

"You're never a bother girl, you know that."

"I need a favor. Can you please look after Honey for me? I can't leave her with old lady Gretal. She's having her grandkids over this weekend."

"Sure, thing babe, I've got you. Where are you going?"

"Vegas."

"Vegas? Hell girl, I know your heart is broken but Vegas?"

"No, it's not like that. I'm chasing a lead."

"Oh, okay. I'll let Lesley pick you up. How late is your flight?"

"Thanks, At 10."

"Okay, I'll send him over, Love Ya."

"Love Ya too, Bye."

Shane is my oldest friend, a photographer, and is gay. We've been friends since high school. Lesley his partner, is a detective, he sometimes helps me out with my stories. They are such sweet guys, both increasable handsome and both fun to hang with.

Packing the last of my thing, I take a quick browse on the web. Googling the man, I'm chasing, not that there is much to work with, his very secretive. There are also not a lot of photos of him. So instead, I start working on the cigar bud I picked up, researching the symbol on it. "Well, this is interesting." It would seem this symbol belongs to a drug cartel, they mark their goods, for what reason I don't know, yet. "What are you, Gustav?"

A knock on my door makes me shut my laptop. "Morning, Ann, your Uber has arrived." Lesley's voice calls from the other side of the door. "Coming!" I jump out of my chair and open the door for him.

"Hey, come in, just need to pack up my laptop and then we can leave."

"Okay." He strolls in and falls on the couch waiting patiently for me to finish.

I grab the hair tie around my wrist and pulled my hair in a ponytail. Packing up my laptop, I grab all of Honey's things and meet up with Lesley.

"Ready?" He asks as he scans all my luggage.

"I think so." I smile, what can I say a girl needs her goods.

He rises takes all the bags and hands me Honey as we leave and head down to where he parked the car.

"What story are you chasing?" He asks as he loads my stuff.

"The Lenkov story." I slide into the car.

"Like Gustav Lenkov, the Hotel tycoon?"

"The one and only." I smile, knowing full well he has a speech prepped for me.

"You need to be careful, with this one." His mouth presses in a hard line as his grip tighter around the steering wheel. "His bad news Ann." He says seriously.

"Why? What do you know?"

He gives me a once-off look, "Not much, just that he wanted for several crimes but non that we can prove, his very careful and very powerful, we are watching him like a hawk. I suspect he has some of the cops on his payroll as well. Promise me Ann, promise me you won't go looking for trouble."

I didn't know that his on the police's radar. He sounds more and more like a mafia boss and not the innocent millionaire he sets out to be.

We arrived at the airport just in time. "Okay, I'm just dropping you off, need to get to work, was just called in," Lesly says as he pulls into the drop-off zone.

"Okay, thanks." I kiss Honey goodbye gently patting her head as she purrs under my touch, catching the worried look in Lesley's eyes as I jump out of the car.

"Be careful, promise me you won't do something stupid, remember I have no derestriction in Russian or Mexican so if you get caught, I'm taking Honey." He smiles and winked.

"I promise, see you in five days." I grab my bags and wave them off as they speed down the road.

The airport is stacked with people, some leaving for holiday with their family and some visiting NY. I make my way to the check-in point. A kind elderly woman greets me. "Morning." I hand her all the necessary papers and start loading all my luggage.

"First time?"

"Flying no but Vegas yes."

"Well, have fun, enjoy the flight" She smiles politely.

Sweaty palms, sweaty palms. My nerves are killing me. With my heart beating out of my chest and my sweat running down my forehead I take my seat in the waiting area. A group of big bodybuilder guys with black-on-black suits and that black shades pass by surrounding someone.

It must be him, who else has so many bodyguards? I try to peek through them when they come to a standstill but nothing. I stand on my chair to try and see over the monster of a guy. That's when he dropped something and one of the guys bent to pick it up. For an old guy he's not gross, he is handsome, if you are into sugar daddies. Grey hair, tall and well not chubby. More like a George Clooney type. Yeah, Clooney looks alike. A bunch of papers are laying on the floor. Mucho man, starts gathering all the documents in his monster hands.

I snap a pic of Gustav and try to zoom in on the papers snapping a pic or two of them as well, his eyes darted in my direction, with a killer glare and a deadly smirk on his face, Gustav shut the briefcase and makes his way to his jet. Crap maybe I just imaged that warning look, must be my nerves that makes me hallucinates.

Our gate opens and the people start making their way to the plane. I hate flying, normally I would take a pill to calm my nerves but in the rush of the moment, I forgot to take them or to bring them. I can feel my heart pounding as I start walking toward my seat.

The plane is stacked and to top it all off there is a crying baby behind me and a huge man next to me, taking both seats for himself. Squeezing into my seat I start to inhale sharply.

"Good morning and welcome to Delta Airlines. Thank you for choosing us. Today we had a pleasant surprise for one of our passengers. All the single-seat bookings have been placed in a bowl so one lucky winner gets upgraded to first class." A kind clear voice announced.

Awesome, crossing my finger I hope they call out my seat number. The flight attendant comes strolling out with a bowl in hand. So many single people on the plane. She pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to the other woman at the intercom.

"The winner is seat number B 23." She announces. I almost jump out of my seat in excitement. "That's me!" I shout a bit to overjoyed. The people start giving me a round of applause as I walk down the aisle. Thank God, I would have dead next to that man. I grab my luggage from the overhead compartment and make my way to the flight attendant.

"Please come with me." The young blond friendly flight attendant says, as she leads the way to my new seat. I have never fly first class before, but flying is still flying. We enter the first class, it is epitome of luxury and comfort.

"Here this is your seat." She points as a blush color her cheeks and a bright smile paints her face. I shot my eyebrow up confused at that reaction.

"Uh, thanks," I say walking past her to take my new awesome, first-class seat. The soft, supple leather envelops me as I sink into it. Each seat is equipped with its own personal entertainment system. "Awesome." I mumble under my breath. This is how you are supposed to fly, this is the good life.

A big bright smile paints my face as I make myself comfortable on my awesome new best bud. I look at the person opposite of me and my eyes fall upon a God of a man. My jaws almost drop to the floor as I gulp down the drool forming in my mouth. Now I know why she is standing there all flustered. He is not even paying her a little bit of attention. He sits there in all his glory reading his book with his earphones on. Unbothered by the two horny women checking him out. I love first class

She giggles as she walks away looking over her shoulder hoping to just see him gaze at her but nothing. He just shoves a bit in his seat and runs his fingers through his Jet black hair, as he straightens his off-white designer tuxedo. Minding his own business

I shook my head, that poor girl crush on a guy that does not even know she exists. The pilot makes his announcement, and the seat belt sign goes on. I gulp and feel the cold sweat breaking on my forehead. How I wish I took my pills. I squeeze my eyes shut as the plane starts to move. Shit, shit, I repeat over and over in my head. Squeezing the armrest with all my strength, almost clawing into it as we take off. There is a small turbulence with the lift off shaking the plane slightly." I'll be good, I promise." I cry as the plane ascend, my heart is beating so fast I swear it's going to explode. I hear a soft huff as the plane starts leveling.

Okay, you're okay, I start to calm down, the worst is over I hope, I peer my eyes open, just to make sure it's not a nightmare. That is when I notice my hand on his leg. His forest green eyes lock onto mine and a grin paints his glorious face. Slowly I retrieve my hand from his leg, embarrassed about my actions, he must think I faked it. "Sorry," I murmured, ripping my gaze from his, wishing I could just jump from the plane and plunder to my death. Great work Lilly-Ann you sure got his attention now, my subconscious scowled at me.

"Normally we do interdictions first, but this works as well." His lips curve up ever-so-slightly, sending shivers down my spine, there is a hint of mischievousness in his eyes only adding to his alluring look. He flashes his pearly whites as he exposes those sweet cheek dimples, giving him that charming appearance. Oh, this is a deadly combo and a super red flag.

"I'm sorry." I whisper moving my gazing to the window, trying to avoid eye contact or more like slamming the breaks on, the staring at the poor man like his something yummy to devour

"You can stop apologizing. You did nothing wrong, baby girl." His low pitch voice is a symphony to my ears.

"Just glad you didn't pass out. Are you feeling better now? It looked like you were not doing so good. Nerves flyer?" He asks, tilting his head slightly, to examine me.

"You couldn't tell. I hate flying."

"My name is Lorenzo." He holds out his hand smiling sweetly. With a great boost in my convenience which I leak at the moment. I take the outstretched hand. "Lilly-Ann." I greet him professionally. Hiding the fact that my whole body is on fire.

"Nice to meet you, Lilly-Ann." He says politely gently shaking my hand. My name sounds so sexy rolling off his tongue

"So, Vegas?" He falls back into his chair placing his book on the table and folding his long strong legs.

"Yup." popping the p. I turn my eyes away from him.

"Business or pleasure?" He almost whispers the last word.

"Uhm, both." I frown looking for a way out. Man, where is that flight attendant when you need her?

"First time visiting Vegas?" he asks, finding my discomfort amusing.

"Yup."

"Are you nerves?" He whispers, narrowing his eyes, forcing me to look. I notice the sexy grin on his face as our eyes meet.

"Nope. Just jumpy, because of the.... fly thing." I gulp.

He frowns and lets out a soft chuckle. "Lilly-Ann, tell me, do you like sunsets?" A devilish grin pulls on the corner of his mouth. Warning me there is more to the story. I inhale sharply as I fell my heart rate speed up.

"Can I get you something to drink?" The flight attendant asks politely.

"A glass of champagne for me." He asks not breaking eye contact with me.

"And for you miss?" She asks placing the glass of champagne in front of him

"Huh?" I break from the trance; with my red-hot cheeks I look at her. "Oh, I'm, fine thanks." She gives me an infuriating smile, glaring at me as she strolls away.

"I need to use the bathroom, excuse me." I struggle to get my footing, but manage to rise from my seat, swinging like a drunk through the aisles, I made it to the bathroom, without collapsing.

Shutting the door behind me, I rush to the tap, splashing some water onto my hot face, which I'm in dire need of. Shit, shit, shit. What is that man doing to me? Maybe I should hide in here till we land.

"Miss?" A knock on the door makes me jump. "Please take your seat we are heading into a storm and might experience some turbulence." Great just fucking great, I'm already a big freakin' mess and now this. That big guy sound great about now even with the crying baby. His really intimidating and normally I'm the one people finds fearful and a freakin' storm. I am already terrified and now this.

Walking back to my seat, the plane jolted violently throwing me to the floor. A young woman shrieks as panic sets in, lightning illuminates the cabin in a bright eerie glow. My knees are trembling and I can't seem to stand. "Please forgive me I will atone for my sins." murmuring to myself.

A strong hand reaches out for me pulling me to my feet. "Let's get you strapped in." Lorenzo pulls me to his chest holding me steady in his arms as we make our way back to our seat. Screams fill the air as turbulence intensifies, tossing the plane like it a leaf in the wind.

"We're going to die! " I exclaim as we fall to his seat.

"No, we won't die, just breathe, baby girl, just breathe." He says in a calm and soothing voice cradling me in his arms.

I peer my one eye open gazing in to his impenetrable eyes as he looks out the window and his inscrutable countenance gives little away. He looks down catching my stare. "Let's get you in your seat." Gently sliding back into my seat, I start working on my seatbelt. He snaps his on with ease, my brain can't seem to figure out this contraption.

He lets out a sigh, "Jeez, here let me." strapping it on and checking if it is secure, a grin spreads on his face. "This is a first." My eyes widens as he slides his hand over my abdomen. "Seems fine, don't worry baby girl you're nice and tight." He said deliberately, each word dripping with suggestive innuendo.

Gasping for a breath of fresh air, "Thanks" I manage to murmur.

He gently takes my hand in his, entwined in a reassuring grip, locking eyes with me. We were strangers brought together by chance, but I find comfort in his gaze, words did not need to be spoken our eyes did all the speaking that is needed. Everything around us falls away, lost in our own little world. Reality slaps me hard through my face as my subconscious screams at me. Get a grip you will NEVER see this man again. Sad but true.

I rip my hand out of his, a frown spreads on his forehead. "Thanks, but I'm okay now." I look away afraid my expression might give me away. Spoiling the moment, cursing myself for doing so. He looks confused not sure what to say or how to react, he clears his throat, "Good to hear."

The pilot announce that we will be landing shortly, Lorenzo starts to gather all his things. I notice some ink peeking out from under his sleeve and a mark on his hand where a tattoo was, it still faints but I cannot make it out.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lilly-Ann." My heart sink to the floor knowing our moment together will come to an end in just a few short moments, the plane starts to descend.

"Yeah, same and thanks." I smile politely, try hard to fight back the blush.

"Hopefully we'll meet again."

"Uhm, yeah." I cannot look at this man without my cheeks heating up or my tongue getting all twisted.

The plane comes to a stop a nice and smooth landing. The seatbelt sign goes off and we unbuckle, rising from our seats. I notice he is much taller than me, I cannot help but stare as he stretches out to get his bag in the overhead compartment. He gives me a side look and chuckles softly. Unknowingly bite down on my bottom lip as our eyes meet.

"Shit." Flustered in just a wink of an eye I spin on my heels and make my way down the aisle heading straight for the exit. Any woman in her right mind would stare at that sex god. I shook my head trying to get him out of my mind.

Sprinting towards the airport to put as must distance between us, I grab my phone from my back pocket and sent a text to Shane, just to let him know I made it in one piece. He knows about my fear. Knowing him, his pacing the flat worrying about me. I gaze over my shoulder but he is nowhere to be seen. I stroll in side and make my way to the baggage reclaim area, to get my suitcases. My phone buzzes. Must be Shane, I checked my phone, but it is an unknown number. Suspiciously I open the text,

Miss Lilly-Ann Anderson, this is your first and formal warning. Please delete that picture you took of me and stop pursuing me. You will only be in harm's way and I don't want a pretty little thing like you to get in my way.

I frown as I stare at the screen. Threatening messages like this I am use to.

"Ma'am." A deep unfamiliar voice makes me look over my shoulder. A police officer stands behind me with his hands in his pocket.

"Yes."

"Would you please come with me." he gestures towards the office on the far corner of the airport.

"Why? Did I do something wrong?"

"Please ma'am." Ignoring my question, he gently grabs my arm.

"But what about my bags?" I ask as we walk away from the baggage carousel.

"Don't worry, we can get them later." Chewing his gum, he nods at the other officer as we pass him. His grip tightens around my arms as he forcefully pulls me along with him.

"Hey!"

"Please don't make a scene or you will get a knock on the head." With a warning tone in his voice, he glares at me.

We step into a small, empty, and dark room with only a flicker of light. A cold disturbing feeling runs down my spine.

"What did I do?" I ask as he shuts the door behind him.

"I need your phone." He holds out his hand, demanding my phone.

"For what reason?"

"Just give me your damn phone woman! I really don't want to hurt you." He yells as an irritated expression manifests on his face.

"Did that jerk face of a Lenkov put you up to this?"

"Be very careful what you say next." He warns me as he steps closer, pulling out his baton pushing me to the wall.

My body starts to tremble, my eyes wide with fear "Just let me go" I begged as my breathing rapidly shallow.

"I can't do that; I need your phone." He pins me against the wall as his minty breath blows in my face.

"I left it in my suitcase." I cringed underneath him. Clasping my hands tightly.

"God, damnit Woman!! Do you value your life this little?!" He spats at me hitting the wall with his fist.

"No." I whisper fighting back the tears of fear.

"Then just stop the shit and give me your phone or else...... (He leans in closer to my ear and whisper) I'll take it by force." His breathing heavy and quick, his face is flustered with anger. "So please cup cake, please give me a reason to use force."

Clearly understanding his attention, I reached into my back pocket and pull out my phone, with shaking hands I give it to him.

"Good girl," He whispers as he takes it and pushes away from the wall.

"Password?" He asks swiping my screen to unlock.

"Honey" I mumble

"Speak up!" He gives me an alarming glare.

I clear my throat. "Honey" I repeat.

"Seriously." he says chuckling as he types it in. "Your favorite sweetener or something?"

"No." I mumbled wishing this to be over.

"Here." He tosses the phone back to me as he exits the room leaving me all alone in the dark.

I take a deep breath, calming myself. Sliding to the floor and checking my phone. I notice he deleted the photos of Lenkov. Why did he go through some much trouble to delete them? I should have taken a closer look at that pictures when I had the chance, but instead I stared at Lorenzo. I let out a long sigh of relief. Just glad it is over a little traumatizes, but am a strong woman.

My phone starts ringing.

"Hello?"

"You see how far I can reach? Miss Lilly-Ann?" A deep voice speaks on the other side of the phone.

"Mister Lenkov?" I whisper as the call ends; Lesley told me that he is a powerful man but how powerful can one guy be? Dusting off my butt and straightening my clothes, I head back to the baggage carousel hopefully my bags are still there.

"Ann," Rayon's voice calls from behind me.

"Hey." He grins as he makes his way to me.

"Stalking me now?"

He starts to laugh. "No, following a lead just like you I assume." He shoots his brow up.

"No, I'm here on holiday." I smirk, like nothing happened, grabbing my bags.

"Yeah, right and I'm Santa." He says sarcastically.

"Well, Santa, I'd like a Ferrari for Christmas." playing along with his sarcastic joke, I start to put some distance between us. I cannot believe I wasted five years of my life with a jackass like that.

"Enjoy your holiday!" He yells.

"Pff" I wave him off, hopefully I won't have to deal with him again.

****

Shane booked me a room at the four Queens hotel and casino for four nights, he even paid for it. I am a bit low on cash. He just double checked that the owner is not Lenkov. I cannot stay in a place he owns while I investigate him.

Vegas is breathtaking and lively. Just like in the movies. Staring at all the colorful buildings as we pass by them. The cab driver is friendly and can tell it is my first time here. He starts telling me where to find nice and cheap food to eat and what casino to visit and which to stay clear off. The reporter in me starts to pry into business I don't belong. Questioning about all the back door ally and sketchy stuff going on. The poor driver doesn't know how to answer me and keeps saying I don't know are you a cop?

"Lenkov?" I finally ask. A concern frown spreads on his forehead.

"Honey, you don't want to get dragged into that man's business." He looks at me in the review mirror with a warning look.

"Stay far away from that man, he is the devil in human disguise." The corner of his mouth lifts in a faint smile. "Besides, you're a pretty girl and by the looks of it, smart too. He would just destroy you." he said as he pulls up to the hotel

"Can I ask you one more thing?" I leaned closer to give him his cash.

"Is he mafia?" I whisper.

"His worse than the mafia."

"Thanks," A polite smile paints my face as I slide out and grab my bags from the tailgate

The hotel is a glittering palace of opulence, its towering height is visible from miles away.

Stepping through its grand crystal-like doors, I'm greeted by a lobby of shimmering marble, a sparkling chandelier, and plush velvet furnishings.

"Holy cow." Gasping for air as excitement flares up.

"Good evening and welcome at the Four Queens, how may I be of assistance?" A friendly redhead woman greets me.

"Hi," I huff still a bit starstruck, "Miss Anderson, Lilly-Ann Anderson." I gaze around taking it all in.

She starts typing. Not before long, she hands me my keys, smiles, and bids me farewell.

****

I found my room in just a few minutes, fishing the key out I unlock the door, "WOW" A luxurious suite awaits me, with a huge bed that draws me in covered with fine linens and comfortable pillows. I rushed to bed and fall face-first. Fishing my phone out. I hit the call button.

"Hey, girl, how's Vegas," Shane asks

"Breathtaking." Overflowing with excitement, I kick off my shoes

"You like your room?"

"Yes, it has a huge bed and a beautiful view. Thanks a lot, I promise I'll pay you back."

"Girl don't worry about it."

"Thanks, how's Honey?"

"She's feisty, just like her mom."

I start to giggle. "Well, Thanks again I need to go now."

"Don't just work, enjoy yourself just a little."

"I will, bye."

I end the call and head for the bathroom. I will just visit his casino, maybe I can uncover something.

***

A short red dress and high open-toe heels will do the trick. Applying blood-red lipstick, highlighting my honey-brown eyes, and letting my jet-black curls hang loose. I grabbed my bag and my phone and exited the room.

Hunting down a story gives me a thrill. I cannot quite explain it, but it lights a fire in me like nothing else.

"Annie!!" A high-pitched voice calls behind me as I wait for a cab.

Glancing over my shoulder, a red hair woman jumps me from behind. "Rosemary." Her long fiery red hair complements her fair skin. Her icy blue eyes only add to her beauty. She has a youthful vibrant energy about her, a confident infectious smile. With her captivating appearance and warm, charming personality, she radiates beauty from the inside out.

"Annie, Shane told me you'll be visiting Vegas and I was like, no way, our Annie in Vegas. I need to see that to believe it." she grins flipping her red hair back over her shoulder.

"Look at you!!" She gestured towards me, scrutinizing me. "Girl, you look drop-dead gorgeous. Where are you going?" She smiles.

"I'm going to the Eldorado casino." Rosemary is a mutual friend. She is more Shane's friend than mine, but she is cool and sweet. Just keep her away from alcohol. She cannot handle her liquor

"Sweet, mind if I tag along?" she hooks her arm into mine.

"Uh." I want to say no, but then she will just bug me with millions of questions. "Okay."

The cab pulls up next to us. "Eldorado casino please." I slide in, Rosemary follows smiling brightly at our poor driver, mesmerizing him with her charms. "Rose, please behave." A soft chuckle escapes her.

"I'm just having fun." She pouts giving me the puppy dog eyes.

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"Anyway, how's Rayon?" She asks trying to make small talk.

"Fine, I think, we broke up," I say, in a matter-of-fact kind of way.

"What!?" She looks at me shocked.

"Yeah." I shrug my shoulder.

"But why? You dated for what like ten years?" She frowns

"Five years and I really don't want to talk about it." I stare out the window. It's hard dragging that kind of laundry with you, especially if you're trying to forget about it.

"I understand. Well, let's make you forget all about him tonight." She swings her arm around my neck. "Selfie" She smiles as she snaps a pic.

"Shane's going to be so jealous." She giggled hitting the send button.

****

Slot machines and poker tables spread wide and far across the hall; cigar smoke fills the air. Women dressed in short black lace dresses delivered the drinks to the people. Getting a slap on the ass from horny elderly men occasionally.

"Wow, why here?" Rosemary asks.

"Uh, Let's just look around maybe, it's a cool place." I smile and I start my investigation.

"If you say so." She crinkles her nose in disgust, as an old man winks at her. Rushing to my side she hooks in. "How long must we look?" She whispers in my ear.

"Not long."

"Good, 'cause grandpa over there is making a move on me." She makes a gag motion sticking her finger down her throat.

Chuckling softly at her. I walk to the bar. If I learned anything, it is that bartenders hear all and see all. "Whisky neat." I point two fingers in the air, she nods, pulls out a glass, and slides my drink my way.

"Can I get you anything else?" A brunette woman asks

"Yeah, is this an old man club or something?" I ask politely, cause this place is stacked with elderly men as far as the eye can see.

"Nah, it's still early, when the old people go to bed the young ones take over. You'll see just give it time." She smiles as she takes my money.

"Gross," Rosemary slides onto the chair next to me. "Remind me, why are we still here?" she asks, dusting off the table.

"Well, our friendly bartender over there, said this place gets hot when the grandpas go to bed," I smirk, knowing I have her now.

"Really!?" Little too excited. She shrieks and flips her hair.

"Yup," I gulp down my whisky.

A few seconds later the brunette strolls our way, "Another one?" I nod "And for you?"

Rosemary checks the bar searching for her poison. "Mmm, give me a Cosmopolitan" She nods and starts mixing Rosemary's drink. "So where is the boss man?" I ask jumping right in.

"No clue." A frown forms on her face as she hands Rose her drink.

"And these girls? Why is no one doing anything about the sexual assault?"

Her eyes widen, her lips press together as her whole body tense a sense of fear shows in her posture. She scans the room before answering me, leaning in closer. "Are you a reporter or a detective?"

"No, just weird that nobody is doing anything." I laugh it off shaking my head.

She smirks. "Good, to be honest, I don't know why nobody steps up for this poor girl. Last week we had an incident with one of our girls. An old man got too handy with her, and later that night the manager calls her in. She is not working here anymore. No one knows what happened to her. A few weeks back the same story, but as one leaves, she gets replaced immediately." she swings her cloth over her shoulder. "You didn't hear it from me." She spun around and walks down the bar to the other customers.

Well, this is interesting, my eyes scan the room and land on the police officer from the airport sitting at one of the tables. Shit, I grab my bag and pull Rosemary out of the chair. "We're leaving," I command

"Why?" She asks confused

"Because I'm bored, let's go dancing rather."

"Yeah!" She yelps as she sprints to the door.

This is not the only place owned by Lenkov, he has a nightclub or two also. Wonder what the stories are there if it is the same. The staff is being treated poorly and as I can tell from what I have seen and heard he is not doing anything about it. If you dare speak up you get fired.