Page 166 of Gilt

“Not going to ask if I’ve changed my name?” I ask dryly. He’ll be the first person I’ve seen since my return to Las Vegas not to.

“Why would I ask that?” His bushy eyebrows knit into one woolly caterpillar over his eyes.

“Nothing. Rumors. Tabloids.” I’m more than happy to not explain.

“Oh, that.” He waves a hand. “I never believe that crap.”

I nod in agreement. Finally, a reasonable response.

“Plus, I checked wedding license applications in New York. I know you didn’t get married,” he adds.

“I think that’s a breach of my privacy,” I inform him.

“I am a private eye,” he says as if that absolves him of his nosiness.

“Did you receive my advance?” I’d taken the liberty of PayPal-ing a significant sum through Chamber’s website, hoping it would encourage him.

“I did. Much appreciated. I’m happy to report that I have something for you as well.” He tosses a folder across his desk to me.

“Is this…?”

“Better than a few pictures, huh?” he says with pride.

I’d asked Dominic for a picture or a document that only the police would have. Instead, he delivered the mother lode.

“Las Vegas PD is surprisingly easy to bribe,” he continues. “Plus, I think they want to stick it to that FBI agent who thinks she’s running the show.”

“They aren’t the only ones,” I mutter. I skim through the contents of the Nathaniel West case file, glancing away when I reach the crime scene photos.

“He was a bastard, but he didn’t deserve that,” Chamber says thoughtfully.

“No, he didn’t,” I agree. Standing to leave, I assure him that the rest of the agreed-upon fee will be arriving shortly. Before I reach the door, he stops me.

“If you don’t mind my asking, what are you going to use it for?”

I flash the detective a coy smile. “Bait.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

The West Resort and Casino has a lovely afternoon brunch, even during weekdays, which is why I choose it for a bite to eat. Plus, it gives me a chance to put my invited guest in her discomfort zone. I need Monroe West if I’m going to use the information I’ve gotten from Dominic Chamber to my advantage. I’m already seated by the time she arrives, and my earliness makes me feel as if I have the upper hand.

Perhaps that’s why my mother always gets to a restaurant thirty minutes in advance.

Monroe’s annoyance radiates from her. While her lacy, navy dress and nude flats make her look the part of the innocent, I know exactly how I got her to meet me today. That’s probably why her sharp blue eyes cast daggers at me from across the dining room.

“Did you have to call my agency?” Monroe hisses as she takes the seat across from me.

I shrug, stirring a packet of sugar into my tea. I’m not certain this is what people mean when they say kill them with sweetness. “It seemed the easiest way to reach you.”

“You have my phone number.” She orders a mimosa from the waiter and then turns her fury back on me.

“I forgot.”

She considers this for a moment, and I hold my ground. Bullies respond to strength, so if I want to bond with my future sister-in-law, I’m going to have to show her exactly what I’m made of.

“So did you miss me or is there a point to this little afternoon tea party?” she asks, lounging into her seat. She’s getting comfortable, which means she’s letting me win this round.

Score one for Emma.