Page 32 of Never and Always
The dark-haired man gave me a chin lift. “I found Chance Ellis.”
I crossed my arms and looked at one of the large screens on the wall.
“He spent the night at one of the cheap hotels on the edge of the town, near the highway,” Caden said.
“Is he still there?”
Caden shook his head. “Checked out.”
“But, Caden’s already built up quite a little network of informants in Windward,” Gunnar said, sounding amused.
I wasn’t surprised. Caden took his job very seriously.
“He’s currently at the Black Nugget Bar,” Caden said. “It’s on the edge of town. It’s rough, and definitely doesn’t cater to the ski crowd.”
“It’s also known to run some under-the-table card games,” Gunnar added.
My jaw tightened. “Sounds like Chance’s kind of place.”
“Piper wanted me to tell her if I found her brother,” Caden said.
I held his gaze. “You want Piper near a place like the Black Nugget?”
“No.”
“Me neither.” Plus, I knew she was likely way too soft when it came to her brother. I looked at my watch. “Think I’ll finish my shift a little early and head to the Black Nugget for a drink.”
Caden tilted his head. “Think I’ll come with you.”
The Black Nuggettook seedy to a new level.
The outside was ramshackle wood that had faded over the years. Neon lights—only a few that actually worked—blinked above the door advertising bourbon. When Caden and I stepped inside, I was hit by the smell of stale beer. Battered, worn high tables and stools were scattered around. My boots stuck to the floor as we headed toward the scarred bar.
Two men, who looked like they’d fought in the civil war, were perched precariously at the bar. A middle-aged bartender with a bushy beard was drying glasses. He eyed us with a cool gaze.
I strode in, Caden behind me. “Cards?”
The bartender was quiet a second, then Caden took a menacing step forward.
The man jerked his head. “Back room.”
We’d only taken a few steps toward the door, when Chance Ellis stepped out. He was sweating, his clothes rumpled.
“Chance,” I said.
The younger man’s head jerked up. I tried to see Piper in him, but apart from the blond hair, I couldn’t see it.
“Yeah. Um, tell your boss I’ll have his money for him soon. I just need?—”
I held up a hand. “I’m Everett Murray. We met at the Langston Windward. I work with your sister.”
Chance blew out a breath. “Oh, right.” He glanced at Caden and his eyes turned wary. “You both work with Piper?”
Caden nodded.
I took a step closer. “Chance, the other night?—”
“Look, I don’t give a fuck about my high-and-mighty sister. All she does is tell me I’m a loser. She’s so perfect.” He threw out an arm, bitterness edging his voice. “Won’t even help out her own flesh and blood when he’s in a bind.”
