Free Liquid Smoke by Jeff Shelby Page B

for Gus,” I said, gesturing behind us. “His face is going to need some help.”
    Moffitt’s eyes clouded over, confused. “Excuse me?”
    “I don’t like people hitting me in the head,” I said. “Gus learned that the unfortunate way.”
    Moffitt frowned and moved his gaze to Ross. “Ross? What’s he talking about?”
    Ross shifted again, his feet kicking at the floor like he had to go to the bathroom. “Well, we didn’t know … uh … I’m not … they were in the casino and …”
    Moffitt held up a hand and shook his head. “Thank you, Ross. We’ll speak more about this later.”
    Ross took the opportunity to pivot and slink out of the room.
    Moffitt stood and held out his hand. “I’m Ben Moffitt. I apologize for any trouble you encountered.”
    I shook his hand and was taken aback. I’d expected to walk into an unfriendly room. Moffitt was treating us like long lost friends.
    “I’m Noah,” I said.
    He held out his hand to Carter. “I’m Ben Moffitt.”
    Carter hesitated, then shook his hand. “Carter.”
    Moffitt gave a sharp nod and gestured for us to sit down in the chairs that faced his desk. We did, and he eased down into his own chair.
    “Again, I apologize for any trouble Gus and Ross may have given you,” he said, forcing a reluctant smile onto his face. “Sometimes they get a little excited and don’t make the appropriate decisions.”
    I nodded. “It’s fine.”
    “I’ll make sure we make it up to you,” Moffitt said. “No need,” I said. “Really.”
    “Well, we’ll see,” Moffitt said. He smiled again, showing some coffee-stained teeth. “Now, how can I help you?” “Hold on a sec,” Carter said. “I’m confused.” “How so?”
    “We came up here half an hour ago, and it was all your receptionist could do to shoo us back into the elevator,” he said. “Then we get your attention in the casino, Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dumbass try to put the squeeze on us, and now we’re sitting here and you seem happy to see us?”
    Moffitt looked amused. “First off, the receptionist is instructed to turn away anyone looking to see me. If I made myself available to every person who lost twenty bucks in my casino, I’d never get anything done.” He smiled. “I don’t know what you’re referring to in the casino. Gus is one of my heads of security. He’s instructed to handle situations.” His smile dimmed. “What he’s not instructed to do is harass our patrons, regardless of what has occurred.” He leaned forward. “My willingness to speak to you is my way of apologizing for the inappropriate treatment you may have experienced.”
    Moffitt was smooth, polished. Just like the room. I thought it was interesting that he hadn’t asked what occurred downstairs. I wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not. But I had a difficult time thinking he didn’t know about every little thing that was happening in his casino.
    “I’m an investigator,” I said.
    “Not from the gaming commission, I hope,” Moffitt said, chuckling.
    “No. I’m working for a man named Russell Simington.” I watched for a reaction but saw nothing. “Should I know that name?” Moffitt asked. “I believe he worked for you.”
    “Mr. Braddock, I’ve got over two thousand employees working in my casinos,” he said. “I wish I knew them all by name, but I don’t.” “He’s in jail now.” Moffitt leaned back in his chair. “On death row,” I said. Moffitt still showed nothing.
    Carter reached over to the edge of the desk and picked up a medium-sized crystal paper weight. It was shaped like a large egg, and it looked expensive. He turned it over in his hands, examining it.
    Moffitt started to say something, then stopped.
    “I’ve been told he worked for you,” I said.
    “I can certainly check to see if that’s accurate,” Moffitt said, looking from me to Carter and back to me.
    “Name doesn’t sound the least bit familiar?”
    Moffitt shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. Like