Read Online Sin on the Strip by Lucy Farago - Free Book Online Page B

televangelism phenomenon through his astute use of television, talk radio, and the Internet.
    Preachy sermons weren’t Christian’s cup of tea, so he didn’t know all there was to know about James Hopewell, but Christian didn’t recall him ever acknowledging a daughter. Only his wife was ever photographed by his side.
    â€œShe’s tight-lipped about her family, and I’d have to find a reason to throw your sorry ass in jail if you opened your big mouth. That topic is off limits. From you and the press. Get my meaning?”
    If his meaning was any louder or clearer, Christian would need earplugs.
    â€œWhat else does your fancy file say?” he asked, moving the discussion to another topic.
    Secret number one, Christian thought—and how far would she go to keep it? “She graduated UCLA on scholarship, majored in women and family studies. Moved to Vegas nine years ago and has been running Heart’s Desire for five, and the one in Reno . . .” He glanced down at his file, “the one in Reno, two. She spends most of her time here. Anyone who has ever danced for her is her biggest fan. I’m looking for what it doesn’t say.” He sat back in his chair, tented his fingers, and waiting patiently for Cooper’s reply.
    Many employers were good to work for—his was a pain in the ass—but this went beyond a chummy working relationship. Her doormen, bartenders and especially her dancers painted her as saintly. Saintly, for God’s sake. He was missing something.
    The strippers he’d known over the years, the ones who hadn’t been pimped out by their employers, never credited their bosses with saving their lives. What the hell was she doing that earned her their devoted admiration? Sure, Daddy was a preacher, and maybe some of his holy reputation had rubbed off on his daughter, but bottom line, she ran a strip club.
    â€œLook, I get the lead,” Cooper said, not answering Christian’s question. “But these women run on a circuit. The club has ten,” he paused, “nine who work only for Maggie. The rest do a few months at each joint, then move on. Fresh blood, fresh cash. Hell, some have agents. The victims had several venues in common.”
    â€œHeather Mackenzie didn’t.”
    â€œThe tub in the room was empty,” Cooper pointed out.
    Christian shrugged. “He emptied it.”
    â€œWhy?” he asked. “He never did before.”
    â€œWater drains. Who knows? That’s where she was found, after being drowned, and more important, your autopsy report confirmed the slashes at the back of her neck, just like the others. It’s the same guy, Cooper, and you know it.”
    There was a long pause before he said, “I’ve doubled the patrol on the club,” confirming he agreed with Christian. “I already called Reno. They’re doing the same.”
    â€œGood.” Christian nodded. “Is there something else going on here?” It was a fantastic break. Cooper should have been keyed up. The feds certainly were.
    After a pensive moment, the lieutenant answered. “I don’t like the idea of someone targeting Maggie. I want to catch this guy, but I hope like hell everyone is wrong.”
    Guess he couldn’t fault the guy his concern. He and Ms. Anderson were friends. Christian would do the same in Cooper’s place. “As far as anyone can tell, he’s not targeting her, but the club.”
    â€œMaggie is the club.”
    â€œFirst, it was the feds’ decision to keep her out. I only happened to agree with them. And what do you mean, she’s the club?”
    â€œYou should know. From what I hear, you two are a lot alike.” At Christian’s stunned silence, Cooper added, “You’re not the only one with fancy files.” He grinned. “What Maggie does, it’s more than a job to her,” he explained. “Sound