Lured By Light: A sci-fi Mystery by Beth Barany

Author:Beth Barany [Barany, Beth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Firewolf Book

Fifteen

Janey took the staff elevator to the main lobby and hustled across the open space, the huge and impressive chandelier at a low, calming light. At the concierge main desk, Paula Redstone glanced up from her screen and nodded to Janey. Janey nodded back. Paula’s brother and partner in concierge services, Peter, was nowhere in sight. Paula seemed to endure her, while her brother Peter always had a smile and a compliment for her. The fraternal twins looked similar and always both dressed in chic black. As long as Paula didn’t obstruct her investigative work, they got along fine.

At the entrance to the casino, Janey thought of something and turned around and approached the main desk. After a moment, Paula glanced up from her screen.

“Yes, Investigator?” Paula peering down at her work.

“I notice you’re at your post early, hard at work in the middle of the night, and was wondering why.” Janey said, matching Paula’s quiet tone.

“We have a special arrival in a few hours.”

“But we’re in lockdown. I’m sure you’ve heard.”

“I know.” Paula wouldn’t meet Janey’s eye. “There’s nothing I can do.”

“Why wasn’t I notified?” Janey leaned on the counter to get a look at Paula’s screen.

“Chief Milano knew.”

“He didn’t say anything to me.” Which was unusual, since her supervisor knew they had a murder on board. Janey frowned. “Who’s coming?”

“All I know is that it’s an investment group out of Guangdong Province, being flown in by one of Mr. Schoeneman’s space jets.”

“Is Mr. Schoeneman coming too?” Janey asked.

“Yes, that’s what I heard.” Paula stared intently at her screen and tapped on it.

“How many?”

“I was asked to book five suites on the upper levels.” The premium high roller suites.

“So five people?”

“I don’t know until they arrive. I don’t have the guest list yet.”

Most unusual. She didn’t like it. Schoeneman’s jet could hold up to two dozen people.

“Thanks, Paula.” Janey rubbed between her eyes and muttered under her breath. “All I need…”

Right. Like she wanted Schoeneman here, questioning her every move, breathing down her neck, and a handful of unknowns getting in the way of her clearing a murder.

“I know,” Paula eyed her sympathetically, her face was pale, her lips pinched. She lowered her voice. “Is the girl okay?”

What was going on in Paula? Why was she so interested in this case?

“Who?” Janey kept her tone impassive.

“The one asking for sanctuary.”

“Kim told you?” Janey frowned.

“She mentioned it in passing. No specifics. She just knows that I…care.” Paula sighed and looked down and to the right, as if mired in heavy emotions.

Paula didn’t have clearance from the security department as far as Janey knew, but she trusted Kim. The security office manager wouldn’t share anything with Paula unless she had a good reason. Janey made the call. “Yes, the girl is okay.”

Paula let out a breath and held Janey’s gaze. “Oh good.” Color came back into Paula’s cheeks.

She was an unexpected ally.

Janey continued, “She’s a suspect in last night’s murder.”

“I don’t believe it.” Paula sounded personal affronted. “I mean, why? Sorry, Investigator.

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