Read Online What the Hex? (A Paranormal P.I. Mystery Book 1) by Rose Pressey - Free Book Online

shoulders back and headed toward the door. “No, I most certainly do not. And don’t try to flirt with me, it won’t work.”
    “Whatever you say, Cece Cash.” He was so cocky and his attitude only grew worse by the minute .
    The wreck was still on my mind as we walked up to the casino doors. I’d have to do a spell and see if I could get any help with the case . For now though,I wanted t o sneak into this place, find out what I could, and then get the heck out of there. I hoped I could do all that without being kicked out… or worse.
    “I hope your friend can help us this time.”
    “He’s cool. Plus, he owes me.”
    I wouldn’t even ask why Russell owed Derek.
    “We need to find out more about why Morgan was kicked out of here. I wonder if she was kicked out of other casinos,” I said.
    “I guess we have gambling in our future,” Derek said.
    “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I asked.
    “Just having a little fun, that’s all. Let your hair down.” His gaze went to my hair. 
    I glared at him. “That’s not funny.”
    So far no one seemed ready to toss me out on my butt. I just needed to blend in with the crowd. I stayed close to Derek, holding onto to his arm.
    Derek glanced over. “I could get used to this.”
    My stomach did a little dance as he stared at me. I shook off the feeling and focused on getting into the building. The noise of the machines instantly smacked us in the face as we walked through the door.
    “Where is Russell?” I asked.
    “He’s probably by the blackjack tables,” Derek said.
    “Can he meet us by the doors? I don’t want to get too far into the building. Less chance of me getting caught.”
    I peered around for Derek’s friend. I’d only seen him once, so I wasn’t sure I would remember what he looked like.
    “Do you see Russell?” I asked, still hiding behind Derek.
    He glanced over his shoulder. “You know you’re going to draw more attention to yourself if you keep hiding like that.”
    I supposed he had a point. Why did he keep throwing logical arguments at me? I stepped out from behind him.
    “I’ll go ask for him,” Derek said as he headed for the information desk.
    “Don’t leave me standing here alone,” I said as I followed after him.
    I weaved around a couple people and caught up with him. The woman who’d helped us the other day was working again. She took one look at Derek and smiled. It didn’t surprise me that she remembered him. He always left an impression on people.
    I found myself being drawn to the slot machines again. The blinking lights and tinkling sound lured me in. Somehow I managed to resist this time. I supposed the thought of being dragged out when they saw me gambling was a big deterrent. 
    After speaking with her for a couple seconds, Derek turned to face me. “She’s getting Russell for us.”
    “I just hope she hurries up,” I said. “I want to get out of here.”
    “Don’t be so paranoid… oh wait, I think someone’s watching you,” Derek said.
    “What? Where?” I asked as I scanned the area.
    Derek laughed. “I was joking. Besides, of course people are watching… they just think you’re gorgeous.”
    “See, Derek North, this is what you do to people. You charm them with compliments. It has never worked with me.”
    He held his hands up. “I’m only being honest, Cece.”
    Maybe they just hadn’t noticed that I was supposed to be banned. Soon enough they would spot me again.
    I shifted from one foot to the other. “Where is he?”
    “Here he comes now,” Derek said. “Just take a couple deep breaths.”
    “Easier said than done,” I said.
    “Hey, how’s it going?” Russell asked when he approached.
    Russell had dark hair that was shiny from hair gel or sweat. His large, muscular body was crammed into the casino’s navy blue and gold uniform.
    “Never been better.” Derek shook his hand.
    Russell studied my face for a long moment. Surely he noticed my panicked expression. Would he throw