Page 41 of Mechanic

“We have more transfers coming in from Las Vegas.” Her eyes widen at that. “Shawna is emailing you a list of names and positions. Once you get the list, get rooms set up. Check with the hotel and see how many rooms the staff is occupying and how many are open for guests. We might need to start doubling up on occupancy. The baseball staff is arriving in a couple of weeks for the start of the season. We will need some place to put them all.”

“That’s no problem, Mr. Sereno,” she says as she rapidly writes notes.

“Thank you. You are doing a great job, Rhodee,” I tell her as a blush creeps up her cheeks. I catch a glimpse of it just before she ducks her head in embarrassment.

“I’m going to go walk the floor. Give me a call if you need me,” I tell her, shaking my cell phone in the air before stuffing it into my pants pocket.

“Sure thing.”

Chapter 24

Antonia

My phone rings as I’m getting ready to go to work. The casino’s phone number flashes across the screen. My brow furrows since I will be there in a little while.

“Hello,” I respond after swiping my thumb across the screen.

“Hey, Toni,” Rhodee exaggerates my name, making me laugh.

“What’s going on? You know I’ll be there in, like, a half hour, right?”

“I know,” she sighs. “I need to adjust your schedule a bit for Saturday.”

“Now you have my attention,” I laugh.

“I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet,” Rhodee says.

“Now youreallyhave my attention.”

“Not sure if you are aware, but once a month, Mr. Sereno hosts a private, high-stakes poker game. The dealer who was supposed to deal for the game has a family emergency, and we need to get someone else,” she blurts out.

My legs give out at what she is implying.

“What does that have to do with me?” I ask, wanting, noneedingclarification.

Blowing out a long breath, stress falls off my shoulders.

“Weelll,” she drawls out. “Mr. Sereno specifically requested you,” she says, letting the statement hang in the air.

“Me?” I ask, my voice full of doubt. Why would he want me?

“Yes. He said that he wants Toni. The pit bosses have given you tons of compliments. Mr. Sereno wants to see you in person,” Rhodee states.

“Oh, wow.” This little confidence boost has me squaring my shoulders and standing a little straighter.

“Great, just to give you a little information, there are going to be some big-money players,” Rhodee starts to explain before I interrupt.

“Whales,” the word slips through my lips.

“Huh?” Rhodee asks, obviously confused.

“Whales,” I chuckle. “Anyone who bets big and gets special perks from the casino just for being there. They are referred to as Whales. Cheetah is another name that can be used,” I explain.

“Right, Whales and Cheetahs,” Rhodee mumbles, faint scratching in the background sounds as if she is taking notes.

“Okay,” she says, returning to the conversation. “There are eight players, and the game is held in the poker room.”

Not knowing what or where that is, I hold my questions, not wanting to cut Rhodee off again.

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