Page 20 of Mechanic

“Thanks,” I reply, reaching for the doorknob of my office door.

Closing the door behind me and making my way to the desk, I drop the messages onto the top of the table as I take a seat and boot up my computer.

Checking the message slips, my brow furrows when I see one from Shawna. Flipping the note over several times as if more information might magically appear, I slump back into the chair. My mind whirls on what might have happened for Shawna to reach out to me, immediately going to the worst-case scenario.

Pressing the intercom button on the desk phone, I wait for the alert to finish before speaking.

“Rhodee, Shawna from Las Vegas… Did she indicate why she was calling?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Sereno, she did not.”

“Thanks,” I say distractedly, ending the connection.

Pulling up my email, my mind wanders as the screen in front of me blurs.

Grabbing the handset, I use a pen to dial the number for the Vegas casino.

I get ready to end the call as it occurs to me that they are three hours behind me. Just before I hang up, a pleasant, feminine voice sounds in my ear.

“This is Shawna.”

“Shawna, it’s Roderick Sereno. I got a message that you called. There was no reason given. Is everything alright?” There is an edge to my tone as panic threatens.

“Oh hey, Roderick. Thanks for calling me back,” she says, sounding more alert. “Yes, I apologize. Everything is fine,” Shawna pauses as if to collect her thoughts. “The reason for reaching out, a friend of mine, is getting ready to head your way.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Confused at what she isn’t telling me.

“Toni is a long-time employee of the Wildfire. Previously serving cocktails, Toni recently started as a dealer after passing the course and getting a dealer’s license. Toni aced every exam. Things have gotten a little rough—for personal reasons, nothing work-related. Human resources has all of Toni’s informationand wanted to make sure a room was available,” Shawna pauses. “Toni is my best friend and is now alone.”

Several questions run through my head, none of which seem appropriate to ask right now.

“Okay,” I say, drawing out the word. “What exactly are you looking for from me?”

“If you could just…maybe keep an eye on Toni?” Opening my mouth to speak, Shawna rushes out her next words. “I’m not asking that you give Toni any preferential treatment.”

Chuckling at her statement, I reassure her. “It’s fine, Shawna. I will do what I can for your friend.”

“Thanks, Roderick. Toni has a couple more days on our schedule and is taking a week to drive from Vegas.”

“Alright, I will keep an eye open and have a room ready for your friend.”

After saying our goodbyes, my mind starts to wander. Not sure about the conversation I just had with Shawna. A calendar reminder pops up on my computer screen.

Focusing on my pending meeting, I push the strange conversation aside, heading toward the conference room.

Chapter 14

Antonia

This is it.

Today is my last shift at the Wildfire, Las Vegas. Shawna got me a daytime shift and after security clears me, I am meeting her for dinner.

Tomorrow is going to be crazy busy.

A company is coming first thing in the morning to pick up the last of my furniture and donations. There isn’t much left, as this is their second trip. The first go-round included my living room furniture, clothes, and some knick-knacks. Now it’s my bedroom furniture and the rest of my unwanted clutter. Sleeping on the floor tomorrow isn’t something I am looking forward to, but in two days, Las Vegas will be in my rearview mirror.

My card shuffling is interrupted as a guy sits down at my empty table. He places a bet as I put the cards into the shoe. Today, I am dealing Blackjack. Poker is my specialty, but I go where they put me.

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