Page 28 of Vanish From Sight
“Alexander. Huh.”
“You know him?”
“He’s the rector at the private residential school. High Peaks Academy.”
“Is he married?”
“I believe so.”
He could only assume that this was his missing wife.
As Noah walked out, he chewed over the information.High Peaks Academy.He couldn’t recall a private residential school being in the area back when he lived there but that was a good twenty-plus years ago. Then again, he’d attended a public school. Now that he knew who the dog belonged to, he left the animal hospital with a sense of relief that they were no longer searching in the dark.
After returning Sonny to the station, he figured he would swing by the casino.
Within half a mileof Whiteface Ski Resort, he could already see the Ashford Casino. The building was truly impressive, with towering columns, a glass façade and glittering lights that beckoned people inside. The sprawling parking lot was packed with cars even on what he would have considered a sleepy Sunday.
After parking the Bronco in one of the many spaces, he approached the entrance, feeling excitement in the air. Laughter and conversation carried on the chilly fall wind as groups of people were milling around outside, bundled up in warm jackets and hats, smoking cigarettes.
Not far away he could see ski gondolas running, and the nearby slopes covered in fresh powder snow. They’d only been open a few days and with the weather so mild, they’d had to resort to using snow guns to jet crystallized water onto the slopes until there was a good dumping of snow.
Stepping inside the warm casino, Noah was taken aback by the opulence of the interior. He gazed around the lobby, staring up at the towering ceiling and gilded chandeliers that sparkledoverhead. It was bustling with activity, people chattering, music playing. Slot machines rang out while other players gathered around roulette and card tables. It was grand and luxurious; no expense had been spared.
The atmosphere was one of opportunity and anticipation, the chance to walk away with thousands, even though most would lose. He’d seen places like this. They were rigged, designed to give people a sense that they could win only to pull the rug out from underneath them when they started getting lucky.
Trying to find Ray in there would have been like searching for a needle in a haystack. Noah opted to stroll over to the information center and see if they could be of help. There was a short line of people. As he waited, it felt like an eternity. Getting impatient, and irritated at his brother, he heard his name.
“Noah Sutherland.”
Noah turned to see a tall and well-built man in a suit approaching him, flanked by two bouncers. He had a commanding presence. His skin was a deep, rich brown, and his hair jet black, styled neatly and professionally. He wore a sleek and modern navy-blue suit that accentuated his muscular physique, and a patterned silver tie that added a touch of tribal design to his outfit.
Noah noticed heads turn in his direction as he strode confidently toward him. His expression was calm, collected and confident, as if he wore the casino like a second skin.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” the stranger said.
“Sorry, you are?”
“Gabriel Ironwood. The manager of this establishment.”
“Ah, right.” Noah extended a hand and felt the authority and pride in the shake. He exuded a sense of respect, and thosearound him, visitors and staff alike, took notice of his self-assured demeanor. “I’m looking for my brother.”
“Ray.” He thumbed over his shoulder. “He’s in the VIP room. Come, I’ll take you there.”
As they threaded through the casino, Gabriel continued. “Your brother said you had returned. I must say the county and this town are grateful for what you did. Corruption is a hard thing to weed out, those who seek to cover it up even more so. Do you gamble, Mr. Sutherland?”
“It’s never been my thing.”
“Well, if you ever change your mind. The house would love to extend to you a thousand dollars. Incentive. Of course.”
“Of course. I wasn’t aware the city had approved a casino.”
“Progress always wins the day. Besides, it’s a win-win situation with the ski resort. That place is only open between November and April. This opens up hundreds of jobs and will bring even more wealth into the community.”
“As long as that’s all it does,” he said.
He caught a glint in Gabriel’s eye as he opened a door and led him into a VIP room at the back of the casino. His brother was sitting at a large green table, surrounded by other players, most of whom looked like wealthy businessmen. Ray turned, his eyes bloodshot and glazed over, clearly under the influence.
Some might have thought Noah would be embarrassed by his brother’s behavior, but he was used to seeing his father in all manner of states growing up. Still, Ray had never struck him as a heavy drinker.
