My Fallen Saint by J. Kenner

Author:J. Kenner [KENNER, J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781949925715
Publisher: Martini & Olive

Chapter Nineteen

I went to Vegas once with Brandy right after college. We stayed at one of the cheaper casinos on the strip. We gambled, drank, pigged out at the buffet, watched a few shows—and never even left the casino. As far as hotels went, it felt like somebody had given a chain motel a shot of adrenaline. There were no luxuries other than watered-down drinks served for free if you sat at a table or slot machine long enough. And, of course, non-branded shampoo and soap in the room.

I managed to return home with a total of ten dollars more than I’d come with, not counting the cost of my share of the room. At the time, I considered that a win. I’d also thought the casino was pretty damn impressive.

Clearly, I was young and naive.

The Phoenix is located on the famous Las Vegas Strip, but Devlin tells me that it’s at one of the newer ends and intentionally set off from most of the traffic.

“We want to draw tourists, but this place serves a dual purpose, so having a slightly smaller crowd is acceptable as long as we’re ultimately making enough to cover costs of the hotel and casino, as well as rehab and education.”

“Rehab and education?” I ask as the driver turns into a long driveway leading to a huge, elegant building featuring a large center space with two tall towers on either side and a shorter one in the back. He continues on, then pulls to a stop under the porte-cochere.

“I’ll explain in a minute,” Devlin says as the valet opens the door and offers me a hand. Devlin follows me out, then ushers me inside. And that’s when I realize we are definitely not in Kansas—or on the other end of the Strip—anymore.

The place is gorgeous. Decorated in a contemporary style, it’s all sleek lines and beautiful, functional art, like the light fixtures that fill the main room with a warm glow, the steel and leather furniture in the reception area, and the brass and glass bar in the far corner that seems to act as a gateway to a casino beyond.

“The casino is in this section,” Devlin says. “And the towers are for hotel guests. We’ll be staying in one of the suites.”

We?

He’d said I’d have my own room, but I don’t question him on it. I’m not sure what he’s thinking, but my words to Brandy are still at the forefront of my mind. Closure.

And despite being shut down on the plane, I’m still all about that plan.

“—and education center.”

I look up, frowning. “Sorry. Could you say that again?”

“I said that there’s a corridor at the back of the retail space that leads to the third tower, albeit a significantly shorter one. That’s where the foundation’s local office is located. It’s also where we house rescued women and children while they undergo rehab, education, and job-training.”

“That’s incredible,” I say. “How many people?”

“Maximum capacity is just shy of five-hundred. We’re at about fifty-percent occupancy right now.

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