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 was almost ready to believe that the whole Rossellini mess would fade to the background permanently. Which was why he felt a niggling combination of curiosity, surprise, and dread when the boss called Vincent to his office in a somber, low voice. The low voice that always meant somebody, somewhere had fucked shit upgood. Vincent didn’t bother to ask for clarification, but he did have feel a flash of concern—Hope it’s not the widow.


Jimmy usually conducted business in his suite, preferring the relative privacy and safety for all of his transactions and socializing. He was very much a homebody, which might explain his sudden need to fix somebody in his home. That day, though, he was in his office on the ground floor, his blinds shut against the harsh desert sun, and the fans overhead clicking in a regular rhythm as they tried to beat back the waves of heat. There was already a gleam on Jimmy’s forehead, and Vincent felt a tickle of moisture on the back of his neck.


Chapter 38