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

Too bad the other part wasn’t even going to be on the same continent after tonight. Could he really say good-bye?


Though he didn’t usually pay too much attention to the audience during the shows, tonight, David couldn’t keep from scanning the crowd, wondering which shadowed face was Vince’s, wishing he wasn’t blinded by the lights. No more Thunderbird after this. No more Vegas. He was moving on, taking a giant leap into an unknown, and this time, he wasn’t even going to have Kate as a backup.


It would have been nice to be able to read Vince’s take on the matter. Without spotting him during the last set, though, David had to settle for finding out during the time they said good-bye.


Chapter 44