It’s 1955, Las Vegas is swinging, and David Lonergan has the chance of a lifetime when he accompanies his cousin to be the headlining act at the Thunderbird Casino. A pianist who cut his teeth in the jazz clubs of Chicago, David is a dazzled by the lights, the music, and the “anything goes” attitude of Las Vegas. But he’s not knocked off his feet until he meets Vincent “Shorty” Accardo.<br><br>Vincent is a full-time bodyguard and sometimes hitman for the mob-controlled casino. He doesn’t indulge his interest in men very often, but there’s something different about David from the moment they meet. He’s attracted to David’s talent, his surprising innocence, and his easy smile.<br><br.There are a million reasons to stay away from the young piano player, but Vincent can’t help himself. Even when there are lives at risk.

The Bad and the Beautiful

“I’m excited about seeing the Flamingo,” he admitted. “Is it as great as they say?”


“It might be better than that. Say what you will about Bugsy Siegel, he knew what he wanted. Knew how to get it, too. I always kind of regretted I never got the chance to meet him.”


That was regret David didn’t share, though he refrained from saying so. Before meeting Jimmy, his exposure to the more powerful members of the Outfit had been at a distance. He’d always preferred it that way. It was safer by a long shot.


“You must meet a lot of people, though, doing what you do.” Too late, he realized what that sounded like and rushed to add, “Working for Jimmy, I mean.”


“Sure. Lots of people coming and going all the time. The boss likes to have his parties, you know. The Thunderbird isn’t as big as the Flamingo or the Stardust, but it still gets plenty of people. Especially coming in from Hollywood.”


Chapter 7