Indian Hills Hotel Casino
5:45 A.M.

“It looks like a country club,” Lara said as she got out of the Land Rover in the parking lot of the hotel. It was enormous, and the lot was full of cars and vehicles of every description. She could see an airport in the distance. The main building was situated on a hill above a sparkling river, and Lara saw a few boats on the water. “It’s beautiful. And it doesn’t look like a casino.”

“That was the point. There are game rooms on the first floor, but nowhere else. I’ve never liked the idea of having slot machines in the bathrooms or other meeting rooms. Enough is enough.”

“Volkov and my father wouldn’t share your dislike. Whenever they went to a casino, they could never get enough. They loved every minute of it. Every chance they got, they’d go to whatever casino was nearest and stay for at least a few days. I thought all gamblers were like them.”

“Gamblers are just people. Unless they’re addicts. That’s an entirely different animal.”

“You should know about that. I’m sure they must be your best customers.”

“Sure, I know all about them.” His smile was twisted. “I can spot most of them in the first five minutes from across the room. I’ve taught my pit bosses to recognize them, too.” He shrugged. “Don’t look now but your distaste is showing.”

“I told you, I don’t like gamblers.”

“That’s your privilege. You’re in the minority. Gambling has been around from the time of the Neanderthal.”

“And you love it like Volkov.”

He flinched. “Please don’t compare me to that bastard. Everyone has their own way of dealing with their passions, and I’m sure I wouldn’t appreciate his methods. We’re nothing alike.”

She shook her head. “I don’t believe he’d have any problem dealing with addicts, either. He’d enjoy it.”

“Then that should prove we’re nothing alike. I don’t deal with them at all. I don’t allow them in my casinos.”

She frowned. “What?”

“Addicts are sick. That’s not how I run my business. I told you once I don’t cheat. It’s no fun for me. Dealing with addiction is a form of cheating. If someone wants to feed that addiction, I won’t help them.”

“I…see.”

“Do you? I’m sure that proved a disappointment to you.”

“No.” They had reached the front door and a doorman was opening the glass door for Tanner with an ingratiating grin. Tanner nodded and then ushered her into the palatial lobby. “It…just surprised me. Why should it disappoint me? I like to know that not everyone is like Volkov.” She looked around the lobby. “This is beautiful, too. The paintings are wonderful. Fields and mountains and seascapes…Everything soothing and yet colorful.”