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

Vincent scanned the crowd, doing his best to pick out the faces in the dim light. He didn’t expect to see anybody dangerous, but it was his job to know who was in the room at all times. Everybody who wasn’t drowning in their booze was completely enraptured by the musicians. Some people were trying to dance, but they weren’t getting far. There just wasn’t enough room to move the way the music demanded. Vincent was happy for the crowd, though. He didn’t want David to notice him and have time to plot another escape.


The song ended, and the audience burst into raucous applause. Though David looked out over the crowd, he didn’t rise from his bench, only looking back to the stage when the singer claimed the need for a five-minute break. David dropped his fingers over the keys and tapped out a quick run, then waved to everyone as he stood and followed the others through a narrow door half-hidden by a curtain.


Chapter 17