The Black Diamond

Chapter One:

The Call

The first rule of surviving a legendary heist was simple.

Disappear.

Not forever.

Just long enough for the world to convince itself the legends weren't real.

For six months, that's exactly what the women of Smoke, Steel & Sisterhood had done.

No group chats.

No late-night meetings.

No celebrating.

No social media pictures together.

Nothing.

If anyone had been watching, they would've seen seven women living completely ordinary lives.

Dakota was the loudest of them all, which somehow made her the least suspicious.

She worked. She argued with strangers over stupid things. She posted memes. She complained about uncomfortable shoes and overpriced coffee. Every week she swore she was "retiring from excitement."

Nobody believed her.

Especially not the women who knew better.

Bliss never called unless somebody was about to get paid.

Dakota stared at her phone as it buzzed across the kitchen table.

BLISS

She smiled.

"Well... somebody either found money or found trouble."

She answered.

"What?"

"You busy?"

"I was minding my business."

"So...nothing important."

Dakota rolled her eyes.

"I hate when you call me sounding calm. Every time you sound calm, somebody ends up running."

Bliss chuckled.

"I need everyone."

"No."

"You don't even know why."

"I don't have to."

Silence.

Then Bliss laughed.

"I missed you too."

Dakota leaned back in her chair.

"I am not wearing another dress

"...Bliss?"

"You better answer me."

"It depends."

Dakota groaned so loudly the neighbor's dog barked.

"I KNEW IT."

An hour later...

An old jazz bar sat quietly on the edge of the city.

No signs.

No advertisements.

Just good music and bad decisions.

One by one, the women arrived.

Naima walked in first, dressed like she'd stepped out of a fashion magazine.

"You all look broke."

"You literally arrived in a designer coat," Dakota replied.

"It's called confidence."

"It's called expensive."

Lulu pushed through the door carrying a backpack that looked entirely too heavy.

Dakota narrowed her eyes.

"What is in the bag?"

"Snacks."

"Lulu."

"...and maybe other stuff."

"What kind of other stuff?"

"The fun kind."

Dakota looked at Bliss.

"If she blows up another building—"

"I didn't blow it up."

"You absolutely blew it up."

"I blew up part of it."

"Exactly."

The room erupted in laughter.

Even Jin smiled.

Barely

Toni arrived next.

She hugged everyone once.

Then immediately started eating Lulu's chips.

"Those were emergency chips."

"They're my chips now."

"You owe me."

"I'll buy you more."

"They're discontinued."

"They're...what?"

Lulu looked genuinely heartbroken.

"They stopped making them."

Dakota leaned toward Toni.

"You've started an international incident."

Zayla walked in last with two laptops under one arm and a tablet under the other.

Dakota blinked.

"You planning to rob NASA?"

"I like options."

"You brought the internet."

"I brought backups."

Bliss waited until everyone had settled before sliding a thick black folder onto the table.

Nobody reached for it.

Nobody needed to.

When Bliss put a folder on the table...

Lives changed.

She opened it.

Inside were photographs.

Financial reports.

Casino advertisements.

Newspaper clippings.

Security stills.

Maps.

Names.

Millions of dollars.

Dakota stared.

"...that's a casino."

"Yes."

"I already don't like where this conversation is going."

Naima smiled.

"I knew she'd say that."

Bliss looked around the table.

"Three years."

Nobody spoke.

"Three years we've watched him."

She slid another photograph into the center.

A sharply dressed casino owner smiled for the cameras while donating a check to charity.

"He calls himself a businessman."

Bliss flipped the picture over.

"But he's built his empire by ruining people who never stood a chance."

Another page.

Another family.

Another article.

Another ruined life.

The joking stopped.

"So why us?" Toni asked quietly.

Bliss met each woman's eyes before answering.

"Because no one else can get close enough."

Dakota leaned back.

"I swear..."

Bliss smiled.

"What?"

"I know that look."

"What look?"

"The one that says you've already planned the whole damn thing."

"I've planned half."

"Half?"

"The other half depends on whether you all say yes."

Silence settled over the table.

Seven women.

One folder.

One decision.

Dakota sighed dramatically.

"I've got one condition."

Bliss smirked.

"I knew it."

"I am NOT wearing another damn dress."

The room exploded with laughter.

Bliss reached into the folder...

...and slowly placed a glossy fashion catalog in front of Dakota.

Dakota stared at it.

Looked at Bliss.

Looked back at the catalog.

Then closed her eyes.

"I hate every single one of y'all."

The laughter echoed through the empty jazz bar.

Outside, thunder rolled across the city.

Inside, the next legend had just begun.

Chapter Two: Everybody Gets a Job

Outside, thunder rolled across the city.

Inside, the next legend had just begun.

For several seconds, nobody moved.

The laughter faded slowly, leaving behind the low hum of the old jazz bar, the soft clink of melting ice inside abandoned glasses, and the muffled sound of rain tapping against the dark windows.

Dakota stared at the fashion catalog Bliss had placed in front of her.

Then she stared at Bliss.

Then back at the catalog.

“No.”

Bliss leaned back in her chair.

“You haven’t even opened it.”

“I don’t need to open it.”

“You don’t know what’s inside.”

“It’s clothes.”

“That is generally what they put inside fashion catalogs.”

Dakota pushed it away with one finger like it was contaminated.

“I said I wasn’t wearing another damn dress.”

Naima picked up the catalog and flipped through it.

“Oh, this one is cute.”

Dakota turned toward her.

“Put it down.”

Naima held up a black evening gown with a deep neckline and a slit that climbed almost to the model’s hip.

“This would look good on you.”

“It would look good in a fireplace.”

Lulu leaned over Naima’s shoulder.

“I like the slit.”

“Of course you do,” Dakota said. “You like anything that looks like somebody can hide a weapon in it.”

Lulu considered that.

“That is a fair assessment.”

Toni reached across the table and took the catalog.

“What’s the dress for?”

Dakota pointed at her.

“Thank you. Finally, somebody asking the right question.”

Bliss closed the black folder.

“The dress is not the plan.”

Dakota narrowed her eyes.

“But it is part of the plan.”

Bliss smiled.

“A small part.”

“How small?”

“Small enough for you to stop complaining.”

“Then it must be microscopic.”

Zayla laughed without looking up from one of the photographs spread across the table.

“You haven’t stopped complaining since you walked in.”

“I was promised retirement.”

“Nobody promised you retirement,” Bliss said.

“I promised myself.”

“That doesn’t count.”

“It counts to me.”

Jin sat near the end of the table, quiet as always, turning one of the photographs beneath the dim hanging light.

The picture showed the exterior of the Black Diamond Casino & Resort.

It was enormous.

A wall of dark glass and silver steel rose above the river, the front entrance crowned by a sculpture shaped like a black diamond split down the middle. The building glowed beneath rows of white lights. Valets stood beneath a covered entrance. Luxury cars curved around a circular drive.

Even in a photograph, the place looked expensive.

Not normal expensive.

The kind of expensive that made people lower their voices when they entered.

The kind of expensive built to remind everybody else that they did not belong.

Jin slid the photograph toward the center of the table.

“So that’s the target.”

Bliss nodded.

“The Black Diamond Casino and Resort.”

Dakota leaned closer.

“Who names a casino Black Diamond?”

“A man with too much money and an ego problem,” Naima said.

“Exactly.”

Bliss pulled a photograph from the folder and placed it beside the picture of the casino.

The man in the photograph appeared to be in his early fifties. Tall. Broad shoulders. Sharp gray suit. Silver watch. Perfect smile. The type of smile that never quite reached the eyes.

He stood beside a giant ceremonial check while cameras flashed around him.

His name was printed beneath the photograph.

Roman Vale — Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Black Diamond Entertainment Group.

Dakota studied his face.

“I already don’t like him.”

“You don’t like anybody,” Toni said.

“That is not true.”

Everyone looked at her.

Dakota frowned.

“I like y’all sometimes.”

Lulu smiled.

“Growth.”

Bliss tapped Roman’s photograph.

“He owns Black Diamond through a collection of corporations, investment firms, and partnerships. Publicly, he’s a businessman, philanthropist, developer, and community leader.”

“Which means?” Toni asked.

“Which means he pays a lot of money to make sure people call him those things.”

Zayla picked up another sheet.

The page showed charity events, business awards, groundbreaking ceremonies, and ribbon cuttings. Roman appeared in every photograph, usually surrounded by politicians, celebrities, athletes, or executives.

“He likes cameras,” Zayla said.

“He likes control,” Bliss corrected. “Cameras are just one way he proves he has it.”

Naima crossed her arms.

“So what exactly are we taking?”

Bliss looked around the table.

“The casino.”

Dakota blinked.

“The whole building?”

“The money inside it.”

“That sounds more reasonable.”

Bliss opened the folder again.

“This is not Union Station.”

“No shit,” Dakota said.

“This is bigger, more complicated, and more dangerous.”

Dakota tilted her head.

“You really know how to sell an idea.”

“The casino operates around the clock. Thousands of employees. Thousands of guests. Money moving constantly. Security everywhere. Every department separated from the next.”

Lulu grinned.

“That sounds fun.”

“No,” Bliss said. “It sounds dangerous.”

“That too.”

Bliss pulled seven envelopes from the folder and placed them in a row.

Each one had a name written across the front.

The women leaned forward.

Dakota looked at the envelope bearing her name.

“What is this?”

“Employment.”

The table went silent.

Even the music coming from the bar seemed to quiet.

Toni looked at Bliss.

“You want us to work there?”

“I want all seven of us inside.”

Dakota immediately shook her head.

“No.”

Bliss ignored her.

“The casino is hiring. They recently expanded the hotel, the private gaming floor, the restaurants, and the executive services department. They need staff.”

Naima picked up her envelope.

“So we apply.”

“We interview,” Bliss said. “We get hired. We learn the building. We learn the people. We learn who watches what, who trusts who, and who makes mistakes.”

Dakota stared at her envelope like it had personally offended her.

“You made us résumés?”

“I made sure each of you had the experience necessary to get through the front door.”

“That sounds suspiciously like you made us résumés.”

“Open it.”

Dakota tore the envelope open.

She pulled out several pages.

Her eyes moved slowly across the first page.

Then stopped.

Then moved back to the top.

“Guest relations?”

Naima started laughing before Dakota finished speaking.

Dakota looked up.

“Why am I in guest relations?”

“Because you know how to talk to people,” Bliss said.

“I know how to cuss people out.”

“You know how to read people.”

“That is not the same thing.”

“You know when somebody is lying. You know when somebody is scared. You know when somebody thinks they’re better than you.”

“That last one is everybody in a casino.”

“Exactly.”

Dakota looked down again.

“VIP Guest Services Coordinator?”

Naima laughed harder.

Dakota slapped the papers against the table.

“I don’t even like regular guests. Now I got to deal with important ones?”

“You don’t have to like them,” Bliss said. “You have to make them think you do.”

“I’m not doing all that smiling.”

“You can smile.”

“No, I can smirk. There’s a difference.”

Toni reached for her own envelope.

“What am I?”

She opened it.

“Warehouse and receiving.”

Dakota pointed at her.

“That makes sense.”

Toni nodded while reading.

“Deliveries, inventory, internal transportation.”

“You’ll have access to the back of the property,” Bliss said. “Most people ignore delivery workers unless something is late.”

Toni flipped another page.

“I can do this.”

“Of course you can,” Lulu said. “You pick up heavy stuff and look mean.”

Toni stared at her.

Lulu slowly pulled her bag closer.

“I meant strong.”

“Keep talking.”

“Beautifully strong.”

Naima opened her envelope next.

Her eyebrows lifted.

“Executive casino host.”

Dakota groaned.

“Oh, she’s going to love that.”

Naima smiled as she read.

“Private clients, special events, high-limit guests, athlete and celebrity accommodations.”

“You already dress like you own the building,” Dakota said.

“And you dress like you’re about to argue with the building.”

“I might.”

Bliss looked at Naima.

“Roman Vale personally attends private events and spends time with high-value guests. The executive host works near him.”

Naima’s expression shifted.

The smile remained, but her eyes sharpened.

“So I’m the one getting close to him.”

“Yes.”

“How close?”

“Close enough for him to trust you.”

Dakota looked at Bliss.

“You sure about that?”

Naima answered before Bliss could.

“I can handle him.”

“I know you can handle him. I’m asking if you should have to.”

Naima reached across the table and touched Dakota’s hand.

“I’ll be fine.”

Dakota stared at her for another second before nodding.

“Okay. But if he gets weird, we’re throwing him in the river.”

“Noted,” Bliss said.

“I wasn’t joking.”

“I know.”

Zayla opened her envelope.

“Systems support technician.”

Lulu leaned over.

“Fancy.”

Zayla kept reading.

“Employee devices, internal service requests, gaming floor equipment support.”

“That places you in multiple departments without tying you to one location,” Bliss said.

Zayla nodded slowly.

“And when people have technical problems, they tell the technician everything.”

“Exactly.”

Dakota looked between them.

“I don’t like when y’all start sounding like that.”

“Like what?” Zayla asked.

“Smart and criminal at the same time.”

“You survived Union Station.”

“Barely.”

“You were laughing during the car chase.”

“I laugh when I’m nervous.”

“You laughed when the police car hit the fruit truck.”

“That was funny.”

“It was not funny.”

“It was a little funny.”

Lulu tore open her envelope.

Her face lit up.

“Facilities maintenance.”

Dakota stared at Bliss.

“No.”

Lulu looked offended.

“What?”

“No. Absolutely not.”

Bliss remained calm.

“Lulu knows mechanical systems.”

“Lulu knows explosions.”

“I know other things.”

“Name three.”

“Wiring.”

“That’s one.”

“Pressure systems.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Air conditioning.”

Dakota hesitated.

“Okay, that’s three.”

Lulu smiled triumphantly.

Bliss continued.

“Facilities staff are everywhere. Kitchens, offices, storage areas, hotel floors, gaming areas. They repair problems nobody else understands.”

“And nobody questions the person carrying tools,” Lulu said.

Dakota pointed at her.

“You are not carrying anything that explodes.”

“I make no promises.”

“Lulu.”

“Fine.”

“Say it correctly.”

“I promise not to intentionally carry anything that explodes.”

“That extra word is exactly why I don’t trust you.”

Jin opened her envelope without saying anything.

She read the first line.

“Surveillance.”

Everyone looked at her.

Dakota shook her head slowly.

“That’s almost too perfect.”

Jin raised an eyebrow.

“Why?”

“Because you sit in corners and watch people without blinking.”

“I blink.”

“I’ve never seen it.”

“You’re usually talking.”

“That has nothing to do with my eyesight.”

Bliss slid another document toward Jin.

“Black Diamond is hiring surveillance observers. The work is quiet. Detail-oriented. Most of the shift is spent watching screens and documenting behavior.”

Jin looked back down at the paperwork.

“And watching employees.”

“Yes.”

“And guests.”

“Yes.”

“And security.”

Bliss nodded.

Jin folded the résumé neatly.

“I can do that.”

Everybody looked toward the final envelope.

Bliss’s name was written across it.

Dakota leaned forward.

“And what are you doing?”

Bliss opened the envelope.

“Internal audit.”

Zayla whistled softly.

“That sounds important.”

“It sounds boring,” Dakota said.

“Boring is useful,” Bliss replied. “People relax around boring.”

She handed the page to Zayla.

“Internal audit reviews discrepancies, department reports, vendor issues, and compliance concerns.”

Dakota squinted.

“What does that mean in regular people language?”

“It means she gets to ask questions and people have to answer,” Naima said.

“Oh.”

Dakota nodded.

“That’s not boring.”

“No,” Bliss said. “It isn’t.”

The women sat quietly, each looking through the carefully prepared paperwork.

Seven women.

Seven jobs.

Seven different paths into the same building.

The jazz bar suddenly felt smaller.

The casino in the photographs felt larger.

Dakota turned another page.

“Hold on.”

“What?” Bliss asked.

“You already picked interview clothes.”

Naima grabbed the page.

“Oh, these are nice.”

Dakota snatched it back.

“Why are there heels?”

“For the interview.”

“I can interview in boots.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re interviewing for VIP guest services.”

“VIP people don’t like boots?”

“They might.”

“Then there we go.”

Naima flipped through the fashion catalog again.

“You need something polished.”

“I am polished.”

“You are wearing a hoodie that says, ‘Try Jesus, Not Me.’”

“It’s a quality hoodie.”

Toni laughed.

“It has stains.”

“That is character.”

Bliss held up one hand.

“The interviews start next week.”

Everyone stopped talking.

“Next week?” Toni asked.

“Yes.”

“That soon?” Lulu said.

“The casino is hosting a major grand-opening celebration for the new luxury wing. They want the new employees trained before the event.”

Naima looked at Roman’s photograph.

“And he’ll be there.”

“He’ll be everywhere.”

Dakota leaned back.

“So let me understand this. We’re all getting jobs. We work there. We smile. We pretend we’re normal.”

“Some of us won’t have to pretend,” Jin said.

Dakota stared at her.

“Was that a joke?”

“No.”

“It felt personal.”

Bliss gathered the photographs into separate piles.

“We don’t arrive together. We don’t acknowledge one another unless our jobs require it. We don’t become friends at work.”

Lulu frowned.

“I’m bad at that.”

“You’ll learn.”

“What if I see Dakota?”

“You keep walking.”

“What if she says something funny?”

“She won’t.”

Dakota looked offended.

“I am naturally funny.”

“You are naturally loud,” Bliss said.

“Same family.”

Bliss pushed the envelopes closer to each woman.

“Your work histories have been built around things you already know. Nothing you cannot explain. Nothing you cannot perform.”

Dakota raised a hand.

“I have a question.”

Bliss sighed.

“What?”

“What happens when somebody asks me why I left my last job?”

“Tell the truth.”

Dakota blinked.

“Which truth?”

“The acceptable one.”

“Oh.”

“That seems more complicated.”

“It is not.”

Naima crossed one leg over the other.

“We also need interview practice.”

Dakota immediately shook her head.

“No role-playing.”

“You need it the most.”

“I’ve had jobs before.”

“You said ‘what’ when Bliss called you.”

“That was not an interview.”

“You answer every question like somebody irritated you by asking it.”

“Because they usually do.”

Bliss checked the time.

“The diner across the street stays open all night.”

Dakota looked toward the rain-covered window.

“What diner?”

Bliss pointed through the glass.

Across the street, beyond the narrow parking lot and the slick pavement, a small twenty-four-hour diner glowed beneath a red neon sign.

Dakota followed her finger.

“That place?”

“Yes.”

“It looks like somebody got murdered in there in 1987.”

“Then it should be quiet.”

Lulu stood and picked up her backpack.

“Do they have pancakes?”

“This is not about pancakes,” Dakota said.

“Everything can be about pancakes.”

Toni grabbed Lulu’s abandoned chips.

“You said those were discontinued.”

“They are.”

“Then I’m taking them.”

Lulu lunged across the table.

“You thief!”

Everybody froze.

Lulu froze too.

Then she slowly looked around at the seven women preparing to rob a casino.

“Okay. Bad choice of words.”

Dakota laughed so hard she had to hold the edge of the table.

Even Bliss broke into a smile.

They gathered the folders, envelopes, photographs, and catalog. One by one, they pulled on coats and moved toward the rear exit.

The rain had softened to a mist by the time they stepped outside.

The thunder had moved farther away, but the wet streets still reflected the yellow glow of traffic lights and storefronts.

Dakota pulled her hood over her head.

“You know what I don’t understand?”

Naima walked beside her.

“Only one thing?”

Dakota ignored her.

“Why we have to go across the street when we already had a perfectly good table.”

“Because this meeting is over,” Bliss said. “The next one is interview preparation.”

“That is the same meeting with food.”

“It is a different location.”

“That doesn’t make it different.”

“It does to me.”

Dakota muttered something under her breath.

“What was that?” Bliss asked.

“I said your leadership style is inspiring.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“You can’t prove it.”

They crossed the street beneath the drizzle.

The diner’s bell jingled when Bliss opened the door.

Warm air, coffee, grease, and old music rushed toward them.

A waitress behind the counter looked up from filling a sugar container.

She stared as all seven women entered.

“Y’all together?”

“No,” Bliss said immediately.

Dakota looked at her.

The waitress looked from Bliss to Dakota to the rest of them.

Dakota smiled.

“We’re a traveling gospel group.”

Naima covered her mouth.

Toni coughed into her fist.

Lulu turned away before she laughed.

The waitress stared at them for a long moment.

“Booth or table?”

“Table,” Bliss said.

“Biggest one you got,” Dakota added.

The waitress pointed toward the back.

They claimed a long table beneath a window overlooking the river.

From there, the lights of Black Diamond Casino could be seen in the distance, glowing through the mist like a promise waiting to be broken.

The waitress passed out menus.

Lulu opened hers.

“Pancakes.”

Dakota pointed at Bliss.

“See? This is already becoming about pancakes.”

Bliss ignored her and placed the envelopes back on the table.

“Interviews.”

Everybody groaned.

“No,” Bliss said. “This part matters.”

Dakota opened her menu.

“So does bacon.”

“Dakota.”

“I can listen and order.”

Bliss looked around the table.

“The interviews will happen in stages. Some of you will meet human resources. Some will meet department managers. Naima may meet executive staff.”

Naima’s face remained composed.

Dakota noticed.

“You good?”

“I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

Dakota nodded.

“Okay.”

Bliss began with Toni.

“Tell me about yourself.”

Toni stared at her.

“What?”

“Answer.”

“You know me.”

“Pretend I don’t.”

Toni folded her arms.

“I work hard.”

Bliss waited.

“That’s it?”

“What else do they need?”

“More than three words.”

Dakota raised her hand.

“I can help.”

“No,” everyone said together.

Dakota lowered her hand.

“Rude.”

Toni tried again.

“I have experience working with deliveries, inventory, and fast-moving environments. I stay organized, I show up, and I don’t need somebody standing over me to get things done.”

Bliss nodded.

“Good.”

Lulu leaned toward Dakota.

“She sounded responsible.”

“That scared me.”

Toni kicked Dakota beneath the table.

“Ow.”

“You earned it.”

Next came Zayla.

Bliss asked, “Why do you want to work at Black Diamond?”

Zayla answered without hesitation.

“I enjoy solving problems. Technology changes every day, and I like environments where I have to think quickly.”

Dakota nodded.

“See? That sounded good.”

“Thank you.”

“It sounded like a commercial, but good.”

Zayla rolled her eyes.

Jin went next.

“What is your greatest strength?” Bliss asked.

“Observation.”

“Explain.”

“I notice what changes.”

Bliss waited.

Jin waited too.

Dakota leaned toward Naima.

“They’re having a silent competition.”

Naima whispered back.

“Jin is winning.”

Bliss finally nodded.

“That answer works.”

“Of course it does,” Dakota said. “She looked into your soul while she said it.”

Then it was Lulu’s turn.

Bliss inhaled slowly.

“What is your greatest weakness?”

Lulu thought about it.

“People who ask too many questions.”

Dakota dropped her head onto the table.

“No.”

“What?”

“You cannot say that.”

“It’s honest.”

“You’re trying to get hired, not investigated.”

The waitress arrived with coffee.

She looked at Dakota.

“You all ready to order?”

Dakota sat up.

“Yes. Finally, somebody asking useful questions.”

After the orders were placed, Bliss turned toward Naima.

“How would you handle a demanding VIP guest?”

Naima smiled.

“I would listen long enough to figure out what they actually want. Most people ask for one thing when what they really want is to feel important. Once they feel important, they become easier to manage.”

The table went quiet.

Dakota pointed at her.

“That right there is why she’s getting close to Roman.”

Naima’s smile faded slightly.

Bliss did not disagree.

“He’ll notice her,” Bliss said.

“He notices everybody who can be useful to him.”

“And when he notices me?” Naima asked.

“You let him believe it was his idea.”

Dakota looked uncomfortable.

“I still don’t like that.”

Naima held her gaze.

“I know.”

Bliss turned toward Dakota.

“Your turn.”

Dakota sighed dramatically.

“Go ahead.”

“Why should Black Diamond hire you?”

Dakota sat up straighter.

“Because I’m good with people.”

Everyone stared at her.

“What?” she said.

Naima shook her head.

“You lied too quickly.”

“I am good with people.”

“You told a cashier at the grocery store that her attitude needed prayer.”

“It did.”

Bliss tapped the table.

“Again.”

Dakota took a breath.

“I have experience dealing with different personalities. I stay calm when people are upset, I listen, and I solve problems.”

Lulu whispered, “That was good.”

Dakota smiled.

“Thank you.”

Bliss continued.

“What would your previous supervisor say about you?”

Dakota’s smile disappeared.

“Which supervisor?”

“Any of them.”

“That feels like a trap.”

“It is a standard interview question.”

“My previous supervisor would say I ask questions.”

“Good.”

“And that I don’t tolerate bullshit.”

“No.”

“But that’s true.”

“Not in the interview.”

“So they want lies.”

“They want professionalism.”

“That’s lying in business clothes.”

Naima laughed into her coffee.

Bliss pressed her fingers to her forehead.

“We are going to be here all night.”

The waitress returned with plates stacked along both arms.

Pancakes for Lulu.

Eggs and toast for Toni.

A salad for Naima.

A burger for Dakota.

The food temporarily ended the interview practice.

For several minutes, there was only chewing, plate scraping, and Lulu threatening Toni for reaching toward her pancakes.

Bliss let them eat.

Then she placed Roman Vale’s photograph in the center of the table.

“This is the man standing between us and the score.”

Nobody joked.

“He built Black Diamond around loyalty,” Bliss continued. “Most of his executives have been with him for years. He rewards people who protect him and removes people who question him.”

Dakota studied the photograph.

“So he thinks he owns everybody.”

“He thinks everybody has a price.”

Naima wiped her hands and looked at Roman’s picture.

“Then he’ll assume I do too.”

“Yes.”

“What does he like?”

“Attention. Obedience. Beautiful things. Winning.”

Naima smiled faintly.

“So, himself.”

Dakota laughed.

“There she is.”

Bliss gathered the papers.

“We get the jobs first. We do not rush. We do not get careless. Nobody tries to be a hero.”

Everybody looked at Dakota.

She frowned.

“Why are y’all looking at me?”

“Union Station,” Toni said.

“That was different.”

“You drove through a gate.”

“It was open enough.”

“It was closed.”

“It became open.”

Lulu raised her coffee cup.

“To creative driving.”

Dakota clinked her glass against it.

“Thank you.”

Bliss stood.

“Interviews begin Monday.”

The women looked at one another.

Monday.

The word made everything real.

The plans.

The jobs.

The casino.

The man they intended to fool.

Dakota looked through the diner window toward the distant Black Diamond lights.

The building sat across the river, bright and beautiful against the darkness.

She imagined herself walking through those doors in a dress she hated, smiling at people she did not like, pretending she belonged to a world built on money and ego.

Then she imagined running back through those same doors, ripping the dress off as she moved, black clothes and boots underneath, the entire casino collapsing into chaos behind her.

A slow smile crossed her face.

Bliss noticed.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“That smile is never nothing.”

Dakota took another bite of her burger.

“I was just thinking.”

“That is usually when trouble starts.”

Dakota glanced again at Black Diamond.

“Then Monday needs to hurry up.”

Chapter Three: Welcome to Black Diamond

Monday came too damn fast.

At seven forty-three that morning, Dakota sat behind the wheel of a rented black sedan across the street from Black Diamond Casino & Resort, staring at the building like it had personally inconvenienced her.

The casino looked even bigger in daylight.

Dark glass stretched across the front of the property, reflecting the cloudy sky and the slow-moving river beyond it. The enormous black diamond sculpture above the entrance caught what little sunlight existed and threw it back in sharp silver flashes.

Employees hurried through a separate entrance on the side of the building.

Guests moved through the revolving doors beneath the covered drive.

Valets opened car doors.

Bellmen lifted luggage.

Security officers stood near the entrance wearing pressed black uniforms and expressions that suggested smiling was prohibited.

Dakota glanced at the clock.

Seven forty-four.

Her interview was at eight fifteen.

She had been sitting there for twenty minutes because Bliss had insisted nobody arrive late.

Dakota hated arriving early.

Arriving early gave a person too much time to think.

It also gave her too much time to look down at the fitted gray dress Naima had selected and become angry all over again.

The dress stopped just below her knees.

It was not revealing.

It was not uncomfortable.

It was not ugly.

None of that mattered.

It was still a dress.

Dakota tugged at the fabric around her waist.

“I look like somebody’s assistant principal.”

Her phone buzzed inside her purse.

A message from Bliss appeared on the screen.

You are parked too close to the main entrance. Move.

Dakota immediately looked around.

She did not see Bliss.

She checked the mirrors.

Nothing.

Another message came through.

Stop looking around.

Dakota narrowed her eyes at the phone.

Where the hell are you?

Three dots appeared.

Inside.

Dakota looked at the time again.

Your interview isn’t until nine.

Bliss replied almost immediately.

I know.

Dakota shook her head.

“Psychopath.”

She started the car, moved farther down the block, and parked beside a coffee shop.

Another message appeared.

Better.

Dakota stared at it.

Then typed:

I hate you.

Bliss sent back a single black heart.

Dakota tossed the phone into her purse.

“See? Crazy.”

She adjusted the collar of her jacket, checked her reflection in the mirror, and frowned.

Naima had done her makeup.

Nothing dramatic.

Just enough to make Dakota look polished, professional, and significantly less irritated than she actually felt.

Naima had also insisted on a shoulder-length black wig with soft curls.

Dakota had argued for forty-five minutes.

Naima had won.

Mostly because Bliss had threatened to cancel Dakota’s interview if she arrived wearing her “Try Jesus, Not Me” hoodie.

Dakota opened the car door and stepped out.

The heels were low.

She had negotiated that.

The black boots were hidden in the trunk for emotional support.

As she crossed the street, she spotted a woman in a beige coat walking toward the employee entrance.

Naima.

Dakota recognized the walk immediately.

Confident.

Smooth.

Unhurried.

The kind of walk that made people move out of the way before realizing they had moved.

Naima did not look at Dakota.

Dakota did not look at Naima.

They passed within ten feet of one another like complete strangers.

Dakota felt something tighten inside her chest.

This was real now.

Not the jazz bar.

Not the diner.

Not folders and fake interviews over pancakes.

Black Diamond was no longer a photograph lying on a table.

It was right in front of them.

And they were walking inside.

The revolving door carried Dakota into a lobby lined with polished black stone.

A chandelier hung from the ceiling, made of hundreds of narrow crystal pieces shaped like falling diamonds. Light scattered across the walls and floor.

A massive fountain stood in the center of the lobby.

Water poured over layers of dark glass while gold coins shimmered beneath the surface.

Dakota stopped for half a second.

“Who throws gold coins in a fountain?”

A man beside her glanced over.

Dakota smiled politely.

“Good morning.”

She continued walking.

To her left, the casino floor stretched beneath high ceilings filled with moving light.

Slot machines flashed.

Electronic bells rang.

Music played from hidden speakers.

Guests sat at machines drinking coffee as if it were not even eight o’clock in the morning.

Dakota watched an elderly woman slap the button on a slot machine with enough aggression to start a fight.

The machine erupted in lights.

The woman stared at the screen.

“Damn,” Dakota whispered. “She serious.”

A security officer near the entrance looked in her direction.

Dakota immediately turned toward the hotel reception desk.

A sign beside the elevators read:

EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEWS — EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE LEVEL

She followed the arrows toward a bank of elevators.

A young man in a navy suit stood nearby checking names against a tablet.

“Good morning,” he said.

Dakota smiled.

“Good morning.”

“Are you here for an interview?”

“Yes.”

“Name?”

For one dangerous second, Dakota’s mind went completely blank.

Not because she had forgotten her name.

Because Bliss had spent the entire weekend telling them to answer questions naturally, and now Dakota was thinking too hard about how naturally a person was supposed to say their own name.

“Dakota.”

The man waited.

“Dakota Miller.”

He found the name and smiled.

“VIP Guest Services Coordinator?”

“That’s me.”

“Wonderful. Take the elevator to the third floor. Someone will meet you when you arrive.”

“Thank you.”

The elevator doors opened.

Dakota stepped inside.

Before the doors closed, another woman entered.

Jin.

Jin wore a black pantsuit with her hair pulled into a neat bun. She carried a leather folder and gave Dakota no sign that they had ever met.

The elevator doors shut.

Silence.

Dakota stared at the floor numbers.

Jin stared ahead.

They passed the second floor.

Dakota’s left eye twitched.

Jin did not move.

The elevator slowed.

Just before the doors opened, Jin said quietly, “Assistant principal.”

Dakota snapped her head around.

Jin stepped out before Dakota could respond.

The doors closed again.

Dakota stared after her.

“That quiet bitch heard me.”

The third floor opened into a wide conference lobby filled with applicants.

Dozens of people sat in chairs or stood near tall windows holding résumés.

Casino representatives moved through the room wearing Black Diamond name badges.

A receptionist sat behind a black desk beneath a silver logo.

Dakota checked in and was directed toward a waiting area labeled GUEST EXPERIENCE AND VIP SERVICES.

Naima sat across the room beneath another sign.

EXECUTIVE HOSTING AND PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES

Her legs were crossed.

Her résumé rested neatly in her lap.

She looked perfectly calm.

Of course she did.

Dakota sat three rows away.

They did not acknowledge one another.

A nervous young woman beside Dakota leaned over.

“Are you interviewing for VIP services too?”

Dakota looked at her name tag.

MELANIE

“Yes.”

“I heard they only have three positions.”

Dakota glanced around.

At least fifteen people were waiting beneath the same sign.

“Well, that’s rude.”

Melanie laughed nervously.

“I’ve been preparing for this interview for two weeks.”

Dakota thought about the diner, Lulu’s pancakes, Bliss’s questions, and Naima repeatedly correcting the way Dakota crossed her legs.

“I’ve been preparing my whole life.”

Melanie’s eyes widened.

Dakota immediately regretted it.

“I mean, customer service. I’ve been doing customer service for a long time.”

“Oh.”

Melanie nodded.

“That makes sense.”

A woman wearing a Black Diamond badge approached.

“Dakota Miller?”

Dakota stood.

“That’s me.”

The woman smiled.

“I’m Caroline Shaw, director of guest experience. Come with me.”

Dakota followed her through a set of glass doors.

As they walked, Caroline talked about Black Diamond’s reputation, guest expectations, and commitment to providing exceptional service.

Dakota nodded at the appropriate moments.

At least she hoped they were appropriate.

They entered a conference room overlooking the casino floor.

A second interviewer sat at the table.

He stood when Dakota entered.

“Ms. Miller. I’m Aaron Cole, assistant director of VIP operations.”

Dakota shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Please, have a seat.”

Dakota sat.

She crossed her ankles exactly as Naima had taught her.

Caroline looked over Dakota’s résumé.

“You have extensive experience working with demanding customers.”

“I do.”

“What do you enjoy most about customer service?”

Dakota nearly said, “Clocking out.”

Instead, she smiled.

“I enjoy solving problems people think cannot be solved.”

Aaron leaned forward.

“Can you give us an example?”

Dakota had prepared for this.

She told them about a fictional guest whose reservation had been lost before an important anniversary weekend. She explained how she had listened, remained calm, found another accommodation, and made sure the guest felt valued.

The story was based loosely on something that had actually happened to her years earlier.

Except Dakota had been the angry customer.

She left that part out.

Caroline nodded.

“Good.”

Aaron studied Dakota.

“VIP guests can be difficult.”

“I’m aware.”

“They may speak harshly.”

Dakota nodded.

“They may believe normal policies do not apply to them.”

Dakota almost laughed.

She caught herself.

“Yes.”

“How do you handle someone who believes their status gives them permission to disrespect you?”

Now that was a real question.

Dakota folded her hands.

“I don’t take the disrespect personally.”

That was a lie.

“I focus on what the guest needs and what I can do within policy. People usually calm down once they feel heard.”

Another lie.

Some people became worse once they felt heard.

But the answer sounded good.

Aaron glanced at Caroline.

Caroline smiled.

“Tell us about your greatest strength.”

Dakota heard Bliss’s voice in her head.

Do not say honesty.

Do not say patience unless you can prove it.

Do not make jokes.

“I pay attention to people,” Dakota said. “Not just what they say, but how they say it. Most problems start before someone actually complains. If you notice the signs early, you can usually fix the situation before it becomes bigger.”

That answer was true.

Both interviewers seemed pleased.

Aaron flipped a page.

“And your greatest weakness?”

Dakota hesitated.

She could hear everyone at the diner shouting different advice.

Naima: Give them something real but manageable.

Bliss: Never give them a weakness that makes you unsuitable for the job.

Lulu: Tell them you care too much.

Dakota had laughed at Lulu for ten straight minutes.

She smiled.

“I can be direct.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

“How direct?”

Dakota chose her next words carefully.

“I believe in resolving problems instead of avoiding them. Earlier in my career, I sometimes moved too quickly toward a solution before making sure everyone felt included in the conversation. I’ve learned that the right answer is not always enough. People need to understand how you reached it.”

Silence.

Caroline placed her pen down.

“That is an excellent answer.”

Dakota smiled.

Inside her head, she screamed.

She had no idea where that answer came from.

Maybe Naima had temporarily possessed her.

The interview continued for another twenty minutes.

Work schedules.

Confidentiality.

Professional conduct.

Handling celebrity guests.

Working evenings and weekends.

Dakota answered everything smoothly.

At the end, Caroline stood.

“We’re conducting second-round interviews this afternoon. Would you be available at one thirty?”

Dakota blinked.

Today?

She had not expected that.

“Yes.”

“Wonderful. The second interview will include a property tour and a meeting with one of our executive hospitality managers.”

Dakota smiled.

“I’ll be here.”

She shook their hands and walked out of the room without rushing.

The moment the glass door closed behind her, she exhaled.

Melanie looked up from her seat.

“How did it go?”

Dakota grabbed her purse.

“They want me back this afternoon.”

Melanie’s face fell.

Dakota immediately felt bad.

“That doesn’t mean anything. They probably ask everybody.”

“They didn’t ask the last two people.”

Dakota looked toward the elevators.

“Well.”

She had no idea what to say.

“Good luck.”

As she walked away, her phone buzzed.

A message from Bliss.

Well?

Dakota entered the elevator before answering.

Second interview at 1:30.

Bliss replied:

Good. Do not celebrate yet.

Dakota typed:

I wasn’t.

Then added:

Tell Jin I heard her.

No response came.

Dakota stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the lobby.

She made it halfway across the marble floor before she saw Lulu.

Lulu stood near the employee entrance wearing dark blue slacks, a white blouse, and a tool-company jacket that Bliss had found for her.

She was speaking to a maintenance manager.

With her hands.

A lot.

The manager listened while Lulu appeared to explain something extremely complicated.

Then she pointed toward the ceiling.

The manager looked up.

Dakota looked up too.

Nothing happened.

Thank God.

Dakota continued walking.

She did not acknowledge Lulu.

Lulu did not acknowledge her.

But as Dakota passed, Lulu said loudly to the manager, “Some people think facilities is just unclogging toilets.”

Dakota kept walking.

Lulu continued.

“But it’s actually about understanding how the entire building breathes.”

Dakota bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing.

The maintenance manager nodded with genuine interest.

Lulu had him.

Across the lobby, Toni stood beside a loading-area supervisor.

She wore black slacks, a blue button-down shirt, and steel-toed work shoes.

The supervisor handed her a clipboard and pointed toward a hallway leading into the back of the building.

Toni followed him.

Calm.

Focused.

Believable.

Zayla emerged from another elevator speaking with two members of the technology department.

One of them was laughing.

Zayla had somehow turned an interview into a conversation between colleagues.

Dakota felt a flicker of pride.

They were doing it.

All of them.

Separately.

Together.

Bliss appeared near the hotel front desk.

She wore a dark green suit and carried a slim black portfolio.

She did not look toward Dakota.

She did not need to.

Dakota knew from the slight lift of Bliss’s chin that Bliss had seen everything.

Dakota left through the main entrance.

The morning air felt cooler than before.

She crossed toward the coffee shop where she had parked, resisting the urge to check behind her.

Her phone buzzed again.

This time it was a message from Naima.

Roman Vale is in the building.

Dakota stopped walking.

Another message appeared.

He interrupted my interview.

Dakota turned slowly toward the casino.

Through the dark glass, she could see movement inside but could not make out faces.

She typed:

Did he talk to you?

Naima answered.

He asked who I was.

Dakota’s fingers moved quickly.

And?

Three dots appeared.

Disappeared.

Appeared again.

Finally:

He asked to sit in on the rest of my interview.

Dakota stared at the screen.

Bliss had said Roman noticed people he could use.

Naima had not been inside Black Diamond for an hour.

He had already noticed her.

Dakota typed:

You okay?

Naima responded immediately.

I’m fine. Stay focused.

Dakota hated that answer.

It was the kind of answer people gave when they did not want anyone asking more questions.

She looked toward the casino again.

The building no longer seemed glamorous.

It seemed hungry.

Inside, Naima sat in a private interview room on the fourth floor.

Roman Vale sat across from her.

He had entered without knocking.

The hiring director had stood immediately.

“Mr. Vale.”

Roman smiled.

“Please. Continue.”

His voice was smooth.

Measured.

The kind of voice designed to make demands sound like invitations.

Naima remained seated.

Not because she did not respect his position.

Because she refused to scramble for any man.

Roman noticed.

Of course he did.

The hiring director introduced them.

“Mr. Vale, this is Naima Brooks. She’s interviewing for the executive casino host position.”

Roman’s eyes remained on Naima.

“Impressive résumé.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ve worked with professional athletes?”

“Yes.”

“Celebrities?”

“Yes.”

“Difficult people?”

Naima smiled.

“Those categories sometimes overlap.”

The hiring director laughed too loudly.

Roman’s smile grew.

“So they do.”

He sat beside the director.

“Would you mind if I joined you?”

“You own the building,” Naima said.

The hiring director’s eyes widened.

Roman laughed.

A real laugh this time.

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

Naima held his gaze.

“No, I don’t mind.”

The interview resumed.

Roman asked more questions than the hiring director.

How Naima handled pressure.

How she maintained privacy.

How she managed powerful people who were accustomed to getting what they wanted.

Naima answered with confidence.

She did not flatter him.

She did not act impressed.

She did not shrink.

Every response seemed to make Roman more interested.

At the end, the hiring director closed her folder.

“We’ll be making decisions later this week.”

Roman looked at her.

“Why?”

The director hesitated.

“Excuse me?”

“Why wait?”

He turned toward Naima.

“When can you start?”

Naima kept her face neutral.

“Whenever the position requires me.”

Roman stood.

“Tomorrow.”

The director blinked.

“Mr. Vale, we still have several candidates—”

“Interview them.”

Roman buttoned his jacket.

“Then hire her.”

He walked toward the door.

Before leaving, he looked back at Naima.

“Welcome to Black Diamond.”

The door closed behind him.

The hiring director forced a smile.

“Well.”

Naima smiled back.

“Well.”

By eleven fifteen, the seven women had scattered across the city again.

None of them met.

None of them called.

Bliss had forbidden group communication until evening.

Too many messages at the same time would create a pattern.

So they waited.

Dakota changed out of the dress in the coffee shop bathroom and returned to her car wearing black jeans, a sweatshirt, and her boots.

She tossed the wig onto the passenger seat.

“There you go.”

She felt human again.

At one thirty, she returned for the second interview.

By three, Toni had completed a physical assessment and a warehouse tour.

By three thirty, Lulu had been taken through the casino’s maintenance corridors while pretending not to be thrilled.

By four, Zayla had solved a staged technology problem faster than the employee evaluating her.

By four fifteen, Jin had sat in front of a wall of surveillance monitors and identified a suspicious interaction nobody else in the room had noticed.

By five, Bliss had completed two interviews with finance executives who underestimated her within thirty seconds.

They regretted it by the second question.

At six forty-five that evening, the women returned to the jazz bar.

One at a time.

Different entrances.

Different parking spaces.

Different arrival times.

Dakota arrived last.

Bliss sat at the same table from Saturday night.

The black folder was gone.

In its place sat seven glasses and a bottle of champagne.

Dakota stopped.

“Who died?”

“Nobody,” Toni said.

“Then why is there champagne?”

Lulu grinned.

“Because we’re employed.”

Dakota looked around the table.

Naima lifted her glass.

“They hired me immediately.”

“Of course they did.”

“Roman Vale was there.”

The room quieted.

Dakota sat beside her.

“Tell us everything.”

Naima explained the interview.

His entrance.

His questions.

His decision.

Bliss listened without interrupting.

When Naima finished, Bliss asked, “Did he touch you?”

Dakota’s eyes shifted toward Bliss.

Naima shook her head.

“No.”

“Did he ask anything personal?”

“Not directly.”

“Did he try to impress you?”

“He didn’t have to try. He assumes everyone is already impressed.”

Dakota frowned.

“I don’t like him.”

“You have said that several times,” Zayla replied.

“And I mean it more each time.”

Bliss turned to the others.

“Toni?”

“Second interview tomorrow.”

“Lulu?”

“Conditional offer. Background check and paperwork.”

Dakota looked at her.

“They’re giving you tools?”

Lulu smiled.

“Eventually.”

“That building is doomed.”

“Zayla?”

“Offer pending final approval.”

“Jin?”

“Second interview Wednesday.”

Bliss nodded.

“They offered me the internal audit position.”

Everyone looked toward Dakota.

She lifted her glass.

“Second interview went well.”

“And?” Naima asked.

Dakota took a slow sip.

“They offered me the job.”

The table erupted.

Lulu cheered.

Toni slapped the table.

Zayla raised her glass.

Even Jin smiled openly.

Bliss poured the champagne.

“Seven women walked into Black Diamond this morning.”

She looked at each of them.

“By the end of the week, seven employees will walk back in.”

Dakota raised her glass.

“To employment.”

“To Black Diamond,” Lulu said.

“To getting paid twice,” Toni added.

They laughed.

Naima lifted her glass last.

“To the house.”

Dakota looked at her.

“The house?”

Naima’s eyes moved around the table.

A slow smile crossed her face.

“They say the house always wins.”

The women touched their glasses together.

Dakota looked toward Bliss.

“Not this time.”

Outside, the lights of Black Diamond Casino glowed across the river.

Inside, seven new employees celebrated their first victory.

None of them realized someone at the casino had already begun asking questions about Dakota Miller’s résumé.

Chapter Four: The First Lie

The champagne had barely stopped bubbling when Bliss’s phone vibrated against the table.

Once.

Then again.

Bliss did not reach for it immediately.

She was still looking at Dakota, who had one hand wrapped around her glass and the other stretched across the table toward Lulu’s untouched plate of food.

Lulu slapped Dakota’s hand away.

“That’s mine.”

“You haven’t touched it.”

“I was saving it.”

“For what?”

“Later.”

“It is later.”

“It has been four minutes.”

Dakota reached again.

Lulu moved the plate closer to her chest.

“You have a job now. Buy your own.”

“I don’t start until Thursday.”

“Then struggle until Thursday.”

Toni laughed.

“You two just stole enough money to retire.”

Dakota pointed toward Bliss.

“That was the last story.”

The women laughed.

Bliss did not.

Her phone vibrated a third time.

Naima noticed first.

“What is it?”

Bliss turned the phone over.

The screen showed an unknown number.

No message.

Just three missed calls.

Dakota stopped reaching for Lulu’s food.

“Who keeps calling you?”

“I don’t know.”

“Answer it.”

“If I wanted to answer it, I would have.”

“That sounds suspicious.”

Bliss slipped the phone into her jacket pocket.

“It is probably nothing.”

Dakota stared at her.

“You don’t believe in nothing.”

“I believe in bad timing.”

The jazz bar had begun to fill around them.

A trumpet player stood near the stage adjusting his microphone. Two couples had taken seats near the front. The bartender polished glasses beneath a row of amber lights.

Their private celebration was becoming less private.

Bliss looked around the table.

“We’re done for tonight.”

Dakota frowned.

“We just got here.”

“You arrived last.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m ready to leave.”

“It means the rest of us have already been here.”

Bliss stood and buttoned her jacket.

“No more talking about Black Diamond outside scheduled meetings. No group calls. No showing up at one another’s departments. If you cross paths, you are strangers unless the job requires otherwise.”

Lulu raised her hand.

“What if somebody asks if we know each other?”

“You don’t.”

“What if they show me a picture?”

“Why would they have a picture?”

“I don’t know. I’m preparing.”

Dakota looked at her.

“For what? A hostage interrogation?”

Lulu shrugged.

“Anything can happen.”

“That is exactly why I don’t like you working near electrical equipment.”

Bliss gathered the empty envelopes and folded copies of their offer letters into the black folder.

“Naima starts tomorrow. Dakota starts Thursday. The rest of you will receive final dates after screening.”

Zayla leaned back.

“And Roman?”

Bliss glanced toward Naima.

“For now, Naima observes him.”

“I thought I was supposed to get close to him,” Naima said.

“You are. Slowly.”

Naima took the final sip from her glass.

“He already moved quickly.”

“That does not mean you have to.”

Dakota nodded.

“Exactly. Let him chase.”

Naima smiled.

“I know how to handle men like Roman.”

Dakota’s expression remained serious.

“That is not what I’m worried about.”

Naima met her eyes.

For a moment, the noise of the bar seemed to fade around them.

Then Naima reached across the table.

“I’m fine.”

Dakota looked down at Naima’s hand resting over hers.

“You better stay that way.”

“I plan to.”

Bliss’s phone vibrated again inside her pocket.

This time she stood immediately.

“Separate exits. Ten-minute intervals.”

Dakota opened her mouth.

“No,” Bliss said.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were going to.”

“I was going to ask for Lulu’s food to go.”

Lulu pulled the plate closer.

“No.”

Dakota pushed back from the table.

“All of y’all are selfish.”

She left first, still complaining.

Naima followed ten minutes later.

Then Toni.

Zayla.

Lulu.

Jin.

Bliss waited until the table was empty before removing the phone from her pocket.

A text message had finally appeared.

We need to discuss one of your applicants. Dakota Miller. Call me tonight.

The sender identified himself as Malcolm Reed.

Vice President of Human Resources.

Black Diamond Casino & Resort.

Bliss stared at the message.

She had interviewed with Malcolm that afternoon.

He had been polite.

Careful.

Forgettable.

The kind of man who looked as if he had never raised his voice in his life because other people did the unpleasant work for him.

He should not have had Bliss’s private number.

She had provided a separate number on her application.

Bliss read the message again.

One of your applicants.

Not one of our applicants.

Your applicant.

She deleted the message.

Then deleted the call log.

Then sat in the empty booth for another five minutes without moving.

Across the room, the trumpet player began his first song.

Slow.

Low.

Heavy.

Bliss finally stood, picked up the black folder, and walked out through the rear entrance.

She did not see the man sitting alone at the bar watching her leave.

The next morning, Dakota woke up at nine seventeen to twelve missed calls.

Six were from Naima.

Three were from Lulu.

Two were from Toni.

One was from an unknown number.

Dakota sat upright so quickly that the blanket wrapped around her legs and nearly dragged her off the bed.

“What the hell?”

She grabbed the phone and called Naima first.

Naima answered before the first ring finished.

“Where have you been?”

“Sleeping.”

“For twelve hours?”

“I was tired.”

“I called you six times.”

“I see that now.”

“You did not think to keep your phone on?”

“It was on.”

“Then why didn’t you answer?”

“Because I was unconscious.”

Naima exhaled sharply.

Dakota swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

“What happened?”

“Nothing happened.”

“Then why are you calling me like somebody died?”

“I start today.”

Dakota stared at the wall.

“I know.”

“I need you to talk me out of changing my mind.”

Dakota’s face softened.

“You’re not changing your mind.”

“I know.”

“Then why do you need me to talk you out of it?”

“Because I hate Roman Vale.”

“You met him for five minutes.”

“That was enough.”

Dakota stood and walked toward the bathroom.

“What did he do?”

“Nothing.”

“That is twice today y’all have said nothing when there is clearly something.”

Naima was silent.

Dakota stopped walking.

“Naima.”

“He sent a car.”

“What?”

“A car is downstairs.”

“For you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he said executive hosts should not arrive at work stressed.”

Dakota stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Her bonnet sat crooked on her head.

One eye was still half closed.

But she was awake now.

Fully awake.

“You didn’t ask for a car.”

“No.”

“Did you tell Bliss?”

“She told me to accept the ride.”

Dakota frowned.

“She did?”

“She said refusing could make me look suspicious.”

“That sounds like Bliss.”

“I know.”

“Where is Bliss?”

“She isn’t answering.”

Dakota pulled the phone away from her ear and checked the screen.

No messages from Bliss.

That was unusual.

Bliss always answered Naima.

She might ignore Dakota for an hour out of spite, but she answered Naima.

“Don’t get in the car yet,” Dakota said.

“I am already in the car.”

Dakota closed her eyes.

“Of course you are.”

“It is a very nice car.”

“That does not make me feel better.”

“It smells expensive.”

“That makes it worse.”

Naima laughed softly.

The sound eased something inside Dakota’s chest.

“Listen,” Dakota said. “Go to work. Smile. Be impressive. Don’t let Roman get you alone.”

“I’m an executive host. Being alone with executives may happen.”

“Then don’t drink anything he gives you.”

“Dakota.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know.”

“And turn your location on.”

“Bliss said no shared locations.”

“I don’t give a damn what Bliss said.”

“That is unusual.”

“No, it isn’t.”

Naima sighed.

“I will message you when I arrive.”

“And when you leave.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Don’t play with me.”

“I’m not.”

The call ended.

Dakota immediately called Bliss.

It went to voicemail.

She tried again.

Voicemail.

Dakota stared at the unknown number in her missed calls.

The call had come at eight forty-six.

No voicemail.

She pressed the number.

A man answered.

“Dakota Miller?”

Dakota’s stomach tightened.

“Who is this?”

“This is Malcolm Reed from Black Diamond Human Resources.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Oh. Good morning.”

“I apologize for calling so early.”

Dakota looked at the clock.

“It’s after nine.”

“We begin early here.”

“I can tell.”

There was a brief pause.

Malcolm cleared his throat.

“I’m reviewing final employment documentation for your position.”

“Okay.”

“I had a question regarding your previous employer.”

Dakota’s grip tightened around the phone.

“What question?”

“The company listed as Crown Guest Solutions.”

Dakota remembered the résumé Bliss had created.

Crown Guest Solutions was fictional.

Not obviously fictional.

Bliss had built a website, employment records, tax documentation, phone numbers, and references.

The company was supposedly a private hospitality contractor that handled high-value guests for luxury hotels and entertainment venues.

Dakota had spent two nights memorizing details.

Still, hearing the name from Black Diamond’s human resources director made the room feel smaller.

“Yes,” Dakota said.

“You worked there for four years?”

“That’s correct.”

“What was your supervisor’s name?”

“Janet Collins.”

“And why did you leave?”

Dakota sat on the edge of the bathtub.

“The company lost one of its larger contracts. My position was eliminated during restructuring.”

“Were you eligible for rehire?”

“Yes.”

Another pause.

Dakota could hear keyboard keys clicking.

She hated the sound.

“What exactly did your role involve?”

“Guest recovery, private event coordination, and resolving service issues involving high-profile clients.”

“You worked with celebrities?”

“Occasionally.”

“Athletes?”

“Yes.”

“Politicians?”

“Some.”

The clicking stopped.

“What kind of politicians?”

Dakota frowned.

“That is confidential.”

Malcolm chuckled.

“Of course.”

She did not laugh with him.

“Is there a problem with my background check?”

“No problem.”

His answer came too quickly.

Dakota leaned against the sink.

“Then why are you calling?”

“A routine verification.”

“Do you routinely ask applicants what kind of politicians they worked with?”

Silence.

Dakota closed her eyes.

Too direct.

Bliss had told her to stop challenging interviewers.

But she was already hired.

Technically.

Malcolm’s voice remained calm.

“Black Diamond takes discretion seriously.”

“So do I.”

“That is why you were selected.”

“Good.”

He paused again.

“Ms. Miller, have you ever been employed by a casino?”

Dakota’s heart kicked once against her ribs.

She had worked at casinos in real life.

Not Black Diamond.

Not under the résumé Bliss created.

“Yes.”

“Which one?”

Dakota looked toward her bedroom.

The black folder containing all her prepared details sat inside the nightstand drawer.

Too far away.

She did not need it.

She knew this part.

“A smaller property outside St. Louis.”

“What was the name?”

“Rivergate.”

“Rivergate Casino?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not familiar with it.”

“It changed ownership.”

“When?”

“A few years ago.”

“What is it called now?”

Dakota hesitated.

Half a second.

Maybe less.

It felt like ten minutes.

“I don’t know. I left before the sale.”

The keyboard started clicking again.

Malcolm said nothing.

Dakota’s patience snapped.

“Mr. Reed, is my job offer being withdrawn?”

“No.”

“Then I’m confused about what this is.”

“An employment verification.”

“You already said that.”

“And it remains true.”

Dakota stood.

“Okay. Is there anything else?”

“One final question.”

“What?”

“Do you know a woman named Bliss Carter?”

Dakota stopped breathing.

The bathroom went silent around her.

No water.

No television.

No traffic.

Nothing.

She stared at herself in the mirror.

Her face did not change.

At least she hoped it did not.

“Who?”

“Bliss Carter.”

“No.”

“You’re certain?”

Dakota forced a small laugh.

“Should I know her?”

Malcolm did not answer immediately.

Dakota kept her voice steady.

“Mr. Reed?”

“No. There is no reason you should.”

“Okay.”

“We’ll see you Thursday morning.”

“Great.”

“Have a pleasant day, Ms. Miller.”

“You too.”

The call ended.

Dakota stood frozen for three seconds.

Then she called Bliss again.

Voicemail.

She called Naima.

No answer.

She called Jin.

Jin answered.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?”

“At home.”

“Bliss is not answering.”

“That is not unusual.”

“Human resources called me.”

Jin went quiet.

“They asked if I know Bliss.”

The silence changed.

Dakota could almost hear Jin sitting up straighter.

“What did you say?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“Why the hell would they ask me that?”

“I don’t know.”

“Somebody knows something.”

“Possibly.”

“Possibly?”

“You want me to panic?”

“I want you to sound concerned.”

“I am concerned.”

“You sound like you’re ordering lunch.”

“That is how I sound.”

Dakota began pacing.

“They questioned my résumé. They questioned the fake casino. They asked about politicians. Then they asked if I knew Bliss.”

“Did they mention anyone else?”

“No.”

“What number called you?”

Dakota read it to her.

Jin repeated it once.

“I’ll call you back.”

“Do not hang up and disappear like Bliss.”

Jin disconnected.

Dakota stared at the phone.

“All of these women are irritating.”

She called Toni next.

Toni answered over loud machinery.

“What?”

“Where are you?”

“Warehouse assessment.”

“You’re at Black Diamond?”

“Yes.”

“You were not supposed to start today.”

“They called this morning.”

Dakota closed her eyes.

“Why did nobody tell me?”

“Because you were asleep.”

“That keeps coming up.”

“What happened?”

Dakota lowered her voice even though she was alone.

“Human resources asked if I knew Bliss.”

The machinery in the background faded as Toni moved somewhere quieter.

“They asked you directly?”

“Yes.”

“What did you say?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“Stop saying good. It is not good.”

“Did you tell Bliss?”

“She isn’t answering.”

Toni exhaled.

“I saw her.”

“When?”

“Twenty minutes ago.”

“Where?”

“Second-floor administrative corridor.”

“What was she doing?”

“Walking with two men.”

“What men?”

“I don’t know. Suits.”

“Security?”

“Maybe.”

“Did she see you?”

“I don’t think so.”

Dakota grabbed the black jeans hanging over a chair.

“I’m coming there.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“You don’t start until Thursday.”

“I can be a guest.”

“You hate casinos.”

“I can hate it inside.”

“Dakota, stay home.”

“Do not tell me to stay home when Bliss might be walking around with security.”

“You showing up will make it worse.”

Dakota shoved one leg into the jeans.

“You don’t know that.”

“I do.”

“How?”

“Because you are loud.”

“That is not relevant.”

“It is always relevant.”

The line went quiet.

Toni spoke again.

“I’ll watch for her.”

“You have a warehouse assessment.”

“I can do two things.”

“If anything looks wrong—”

“I’ll call.”

“Immediately.”

“Yes.”

“And Naima is there.”

“I know.”

“Watch her too.”

“I cannot watch everybody.”

“You’re Toni.”

“That does not mean I have seven sets of eyes.”

“It should.”

Toni hung up.

Dakota stood in the middle of her bedroom with one pant leg on.

She looked ridiculous.

She felt worse.

Her phone buzzed.

A message from Jin.

The number belongs to Malcolm Reed, vice president of human resources. He has called Bliss four times since last night.

Dakota typed back.

How do you know that?

Jin responded:

I asked Zayla.

Another message appeared.

Bliss entered Black Diamond at 8:02 this morning. She has not left.

Dakota stared at the screen.

Then another message came through.

Do not go there.

Dakota pulled on the other pant leg.

Naima arrived at Black Diamond at nine fifty-eight in a black luxury sedan sent by Roman Vale.

The driver opened her door beneath the main entrance.

A hotel manager waited for her on the sidewalk.

“Ms. Brooks?”

Naima stepped out.

“Yes.”

“Welcome. I’m Elaine Porter, director of executive hospitality.”

Elaine wore a cream suit, pearl earrings, and the careful smile of a woman who had been instructed to make someone feel important.

“We’re thrilled to have you.”

“Thank you.”

The driver carried Naima’s bag toward the doors.

Naima took it from him.

“I’ve got it.”

Elaine’s eyes flickered toward the driver.

“You don’t have to carry anything here.”

“I prefer to.”

Naima smiled.

Elaine smiled back.

A tiny battle had already begun.

Inside, employees moved through the lobby with practiced efficiency.

Naima noticed everything.

Security near the main doors.

Two hotel managers watching guest arrivals.

A man in a gray suit speaking quietly into an earpiece.

A woman at reception who looked toward Naima twice.

And Roman Vale standing on the mezzanine above the casino floor.

He was not speaking to anyone.

He was watching her.

Naima lifted her chin slightly.

Roman smiled.

Then walked away.

Elaine did not appear to notice.

“Your first day will mostly be orientation.”

Naima followed her toward the elevators.

“We’ll review guest privacy, appearance standards, communication protocols, and executive expectations.”

“Executive expectations?”

Elaine pressed the elevator button.

“Mr. Vale is very involved.”

“I noticed.”

“He built Black Diamond from nothing.”

“Men like him enjoy telling people that.”

Elaine looked at her.

Naima smiled pleasantly.

The elevator opened.

On the third floor, Elaine led her through a series of offices overlooking the casino.

Executive hosts sat behind glass walls speaking on phones and studying guest profiles.

Every desk was immaculate.

Every screen displayed Black Diamond’s silver logo.

A woman named Camille introduced herself as senior host.

She hugged Naima immediately.

Naima did not like people who hugged immediately.

“Roman told us you were special,” Camille said.

Naima looked at Elaine.

Elaine looked away.

“I interviewed yesterday.”

“I know.”

Camille smiled.

“He doesn’t usually get involved with hiring.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“He must have seen something.”

Naima returned the smile.

“I’m sure he did.”

Her phone vibrated inside her purse.

Dakota.

Naima ignored it.

A second vibration.

Then a third.

Camille noticed.

“You can answer.”

“It can wait.”

“Personal calls are usually discouraged, but Mr. Vale believes executive hosts need flexibility.”

“How generous.”

Camille laughed.

Naima did not.

The tour continued.

Private gaming salons.

Executive lounges.

A dining room reserved for high-limit clients.

A discreet elevator leading to the top-floor suites.

Naima memorized the names of every person they passed.

She also noticed that one man appeared three times.

Gray suit.

Blue tie.

No name badge.

First near the lobby.

Then near the executive offices.

Then outside the private elevator.

He pretended to check his phone when Naima looked at him.

She kept walking.

At eleven thirty, Elaine took her into a private conference room.

Roman sat at the far end of the table.

A plate of fruit rested in front of him.

A second plate had been placed across from him.

Naima stopped in the doorway.

“I thought I was attending orientation.”

“You are,” Roman said.

Elaine smiled too quickly.

“I’ll give you both a moment.”

She left before Naima could respond.

Roman stood and pulled out the chair across from him.

Naima remained where she was.

“Do all new employees have lunch with the owner?”

“No.”

“Then why am I here?”

Roman smiled.

“Sit.”

“That was not an answer.”

His smile widened.

“No. It wasn’t.”

Naima walked toward the table and sat without accepting his help.

Roman returned to his chair.

“I like direct people.”

“Most powerful men say that until somebody is direct with them.”

Roman studied her.

“You think I’m powerful?”

“You sent a car to pick up an employee you met once.”

“I was being courteous.”

“You were establishing control.”

For the first time, Roman’s smile disappeared.

Only briefly.

Then it returned.

“You are very observant.”

“That is part of the job.”

“I thought the job was making important people feel valued.”

“That too.”

Roman leaned back.

“Do you know why Black Diamond is successful?”

“Because people believe they might leave richer than they arrived.”

“No.”

He lifted a piece of fruit but did not eat it.

“Black Diamond succeeds because people come here to become someone else. A mechanic becomes a high roller. A teacher becomes a celebrity. A lonely man becomes the center of attention.”

“For a price.”

“Everything has a price.”

Naima looked at him.

“I don’t.”

Roman laughed softly.

“Everyone says that before they know the offer.”

Her phone vibrated again.

Roman’s eyes moved toward her purse.

“Someone needs you.”

“They can wait.”

“Answer it.”

Naima held his gaze.

Then reached for the phone.

Dakota had sent three messages.

CALL ME.

HR ASKED IF I KNOW BLISS.

SOMETHING IS WRONG.

Naima kept her face still.

Roman watched her closely.

“Problem?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

She locked the phone and placed it facedown on the table.

Roman looked at it.

Then back at her.

“Good.”

The conference room door opened.

Malcolm Reed entered carrying a folder.

His expression changed when he saw Naima.

“Mr. Vale. I apologize.”

Roman did not appear annoyed.

“What is it?”

Malcolm held the folder tighter.

“We have an issue with one of the new hires.”

Naima’s spine stiffened.

Roman glanced toward her.

“Which one?”

Malcolm hesitated.

“Dakota Miller.”

Naima did not blink.

She did not breathe differently.

She did not move.

Roman looked at her for one long second.

Then back at Malcolm.

“What kind of issue?”

“Employment verification.”

“Resolve it.”

“I’m trying.”

Roman picked up his coffee.

“Then why are you interrupting me?”

Malcolm lowered his voice.

“There is also a possible connection between Ms. Miller and another employee.”

Roman’s attention sharpened.

“Who?”

Malcolm glanced at Naima.

Roman noticed.

“You may speak freely.”

Naima almost smiled.

He believed she belonged to him already.

Malcolm opened the folder.

“Bliss Carter.”

Naima reached for her water.

Her hand remained steady.

Roman turned toward her.

“Do you know either of those women?”

Naima took a sip.

“No.”

It was the first lie she told inside Black Diamond.

Roman watched her swallow.

Then smiled.

“Neither do I.”

Malcolm looked uncertain.

“Sir?”

Roman closed the folder with one hand.

“Do not terminate anyone.”

“Until we verify—”

“No.”

Roman slid the folder back toward him.

“Bring Ms. Carter to my office.”

“She is currently with corporate security.”

“Then have them release her.”

Malcolm nodded.

“And Ms. Miller?”

Roman looked toward the windows overlooking the casino floor.

“Let her start Thursday.”

Malcolm appeared surprised.

“Even with the discrepancies?”

“Especially with the discrepancies.”

Naima set down her glass.

Roman turned back to her.

His expression was calm.

Pleasant.

Dangerous.

“I find inconsistencies interesting.”

Naima smiled.

“So do I.”

Bliss had been sitting inside a windowless security office for fifty-three minutes.

The two men across from her had introduced themselves as corporate investigators.

Neither had offered a last name.

One was older, white hair cut close to his head.

The other was younger, muscular, and impatient.

A camera blinked red in the corner.

Bliss sat with her hands folded in her lap.

The older man placed a copy of her résumé on the table.

“Your application is impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“Internal audit. Compliance. Fraud review.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve worked for several corporations.”

“I have.”

“Some no longer exist.”

“That happens.”

He smiled without warmth.

“Does it?”

“Companies merge. Contracts end. Owners retire.”

“And records disappear.”

“Sometimes.”

The younger investigator leaned forward.

“You know Dakota Miller?”

“No.”

“You applied during the same hiring campaign.”

“So did hundreds of people.”

“You interviewed on the same day.”

“So did dozens.”

“You both listed employment with hospitality contractors that used the same payroll processing company.”

Bliss looked at him.

“That sounds like a payroll company with multiple clients.”

The younger man’s jaw tightened.

The older investigator remained relaxed.

“Have you ever been to Union Station?”

Bliss felt the question settle between them.

Heavy.

Deliberate.

“Yes.”

“When?”

“I live in Kansas City.”

“That was not my question.”

“I have visited several times.”

“Were you there six months ago?”

Bliss held his gaze.

“I don’t remember.”

The younger man laughed.

“You don’t remember if you were at Union Station during one of the biggest robberies in the city’s history?”

“I remember the robbery.”

“But not where you were.”

“I was probably at home.”

“Probably?”

Bliss leaned back.

“If you believe I committed a crime, call the police.”

Silence.

The older investigator studied her.

“We never said you committed anything.”

“You did not have to.”

The door opened.

Malcolm Reed entered.

Both investigators stood.

Malcolm looked at Bliss.

“You’re free to leave.”

The younger man frowned.

“We’re not finished.”

“Mr. Vale says you are.”

The older investigator closed the folder.

“For now.”

Bliss stood.

She picked up her purse but left the copy of her résumé on the table.

The younger man watched her.

“Ms. Carter.”

Bliss stopped at the door.

“We’ll speak again.”

She looked back.

“I’m sure you believe that.”

She walked out.

Malcolm followed her into the corridor.

“I apologize.”

“For which part?”

“The confusion.”

“That did not look like confusion.”

Malcolm lowered his voice.

“Roman Vale would like to meet you.”

Bliss continued walking.

“I have already interviewed.”

“This is not an interview.”

“That does not improve the invitation.”

Malcolm stopped.

Bliss kept moving.

“Ms. Carter.”

She turned.

Malcolm looked nervous.

“He asked me to bring you personally.”

Bliss studied him.

“Then you should try to keep up.”

She walked toward the executive elevators.

Dakota was halfway into her sweatshirt when her phone rang.

Bliss.

She answered immediately.

“Where the hell have you been?”

“At Black Diamond.”

“I know.”

“How?”

“Toni saw you.”

Silence.

Dakota pulled the sweatshirt over her head.

“Human resources called me.”

“I know.”

“They asked if I know you.”

“I know.”

Dakota froze.

“How do you know?”

“Because I’m standing beside Malcolm Reed.”

In the background, Dakota heard a man clear his throat.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“They questioned you?”

“Yes.”

“About me?”

“And Union Station.”

Dakota sat down.

“What?”

“Stay calm.”

“Don’t tell me to stay calm after saying Union Station.”

“They do not know anything.”

“They know enough to ask.”

Bliss lowered her voice.

“Listen to me. You start Thursday.”

“I’m not starting anything until you tell me what is happening.”

“You will start Thursday.”

“Bliss.”

“They found inconsistencies.”

“That sounds like a problem.”

“It is an inconvenience.”

“Corporate security questioned you for almost an hour.”

“A serious inconvenience.”

Dakota pressed the phone tighter to her ear.

“We should stop.”

The words came out before she could reconsider them.

Bliss did not respond.

Dakota stared at the floor.

“We’re not even inside yet and they are already connecting us.”

“Not all of us.”

“You and me is enough.”

“Roman told them not to fire us.”

Dakota frowned.

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“That is worse.”

“Yes.”

The honesty frightened her more than reassurance would have.

“Where is Naima?”

“With Roman.”

Dakota stood.

“Why?”

“He arranged it.”

“I told her not to be alone with him.”

“You do not control her.”

“I am aware of that.”

“Then act like it.”

Dakota paced toward the window.

“This whole thing feels wrong.”

“It was never supposed to feel right.”

“That is not what I mean.”

Bliss was silent again.

Then she said, “Roman is interested.”

“In Naima?”

“In all of us.”

Dakota stopped pacing.

“How can he be interested in all of us if he doesn’t know all of us?”

“He knows there is a connection.”

“Then the plan is already falling apart.”

“No.”

Bliss’s voice hardened.

“The plan has changed.”

Dakota laughed once, without humor.

“We have not even started.”

“Exactly.”

The line went quiet.

Dakota looked outside at the cloudy sky.

Cars moved through the street below.

People walked dogs.

A delivery truck stopped at the corner.

Everything looked normal.

Nothing felt normal.

“What do you want me to do?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

“I’m tired of that word.”

“Go to work Thursday. Be Dakota Miller. Do the job. Do not look for me. Do not look for Naima. Do not react if someone asks questions.”

“And if Roman approaches me?”

“He will.”

Dakota’s stomach tightened.

“You sound certain.”

“He kept you employed for a reason.”

“What reason?”

“I intend to find out.”

Bliss ended the call.

Dakota stared at the phone.

Then she noticed the message Naima had sent ten minutes earlier.

I lied to Roman. He knows something.

Dakota typed back.

What did you lie about?

Naima replied:

Us.

Dakota closed her eyes.

Another message appeared.

He believed me.

Dakota looked toward the black boots sitting beside the bedroom door.

For the first time since Bliss placed the Black Diamond file on the table, Dakota did not feel excited.

She felt watched.

Roman Vale’s office occupied the highest floor of Black Diamond.

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around three sides of the room, offering views of the river, the city, and the casino entrance far below.

Bliss stood near the door.

Naima sat on a black leather sofa.

Roman stood behind his desk.

For several seconds, none of them spoke.

Bliss looked at Naima.

Naima did not look back.

Strangers.

That was the rule.

Roman opened the folder Malcolm had brought him.

Dakota’s résumé lay on top.

Bliss’s rested beneath it.

He studied both women.

“Ms. Brooks, you say you do not know Ms. Carter.”

“That is correct.”

Bliss did not react.

Roman turned to her.

“Do you know Ms. Brooks?”

“No.”

He smiled.

“Interesting.”

“What is?” Bliss asked.

“You both lie the same way.”

Naima crossed one leg over the other.

“And how is that?”

“Without hesitation.”

Roman walked toward the windows.

“Most people pause when they lie. They build the answer. They look away. They add details nobody requested.”

He turned back.

“Neither of you did.”

Bliss remained calm.

“Maybe we told the truth.”

“Maybe.”

He picked up Dakota’s résumé.

“And perhaps Ms. Miller told the truth too.”

Naima’s expression did not change.

Roman smiled.

“Seven women interviewed at Black Diamond this week.”

Bliss said nothing.

“Seven women with unusually polished backgrounds.”

Nothing.

“Seven women whose previous employers are difficult to verify.”

Naima lifted an eyebrow.

“That sounds like a problem for human resources.”

“It is.”

Roman walked around the desk.

“But I do not believe in coincidences.”

“Neither do I,” Bliss said.

“I know.”

He stopped several feet from her.

“Six months ago, Union Station was robbed by a group the police still cannot identify.”

The room seemed to tighten.

Roman’s voice remained conversational.

“The public believes the thieves disappeared.”

Bliss looked toward the windows.

“What do you believe?”

Roman’s smile returned.

“I believe people who succeed once rarely retire.”

Naima’s fingers tightened against the arm of the sofa.

Only slightly.

Roman noticed.

He noticed everything.

He walked back to his desk and sat.

“I could call the police.”

Bliss met his eyes.

“But you haven’t.”

“No.”

“Why?”

Roman closed the folder.

“Because I have something more valuable than money inside Black Diamond.”

Naima looked at him.

“What?”

Roman leaned back.

“A problem.”

Bliss’s expression remained still.

“What kind of problem?”

“The kind seven talented women might be able to solve.”

He smiled.

“And if they refuse?”

Roman looked toward the casino floor below.

“Then perhaps I become more interested in Union Station.”

Bliss finally understood.

Roman did not want them arrested.

He wanted them owned.

Outside the office, the elevator doors opened.

Malcolm Reed stepped into the executive lobby carrying another folder.

Inside it were employment files for Toni, Lulu, Zayla, and Jin.

Seven women.

Seven false histories.

Seven new employees.

Roman looked at Bliss.

“Tell your friends they all start this week.”

Bliss said nothing.

Roman’s smile widened.

“Welcome to Black Diamond.”

Chapter Five: The House Knows

“Welcome to Black Diamond.”

Roman Vale said it like a blessing.

Bliss heard it like a threat.

For several seconds, nobody moved.

Roman sat behind his massive desk with one hand resting over the closed folder containing seven employment files.

Seven names.

Seven women.

Seven connections he was not supposed to understand.

Naima remained on the black leather sofa, one leg crossed over the other, her face calm enough to fool almost anyone.

Almost.

Bliss knew her.

The tiny movement in Naima’s jaw said everything.

She was angry.

Not scared.

Angry.

Roman apparently knew the difference too.

He smiled.

“You can relax.”

Bliss looked at him.

“I am relaxed.”

“You don’t look relaxed.”

“I don’t perform comfort for strangers.”

Roman leaned back.

“I like that.”

“That makes one of us.”

Naima almost smiled.

Roman noticed.

His eyes moved between them.

“You really expect me to believe you don’t know one another?”

Bliss said nothing.

Naima said nothing.

Roman chuckled.

“Fine.”

He tapped one finger against the folder.

“We can continue pretending.”

“That seems to be what you’re good at,” Naima said.

Bliss looked at her.

Roman’s smile widened.

“I knew hiring you was the right decision.”

Naima leaned back.

“You didn’t hire me because you thought I was qualified.”

“Oh, you’re qualified.”

“For what?”

“That remains to be seen.”

Bliss stepped closer to the desk.

“You said you have a problem.”

Roman’s attention shifted.

“I do.”

“And you believe seven women you barely know can solve it.”

Roman slowly stood.

“No.”

He walked toward the windows.

“I believe seven women who robbed Union Station and disappeared without leaving enough evidence to identify themselves can solve it.”

The room went still.

Naima’s expression did not move.

Neither did Bliss’s.

Roman looked over his shoulder.

“You should both consider acting lessons.”

Bliss crossed her arms.

“You have no proof.”

“Proof is for courtrooms.”

“And accusations without proof are for fools.”

Roman laughed.

“Maybe.”

He turned toward them.

“But I don’t need to prove anything to make your lives difficult.”

Bliss stepped closer.

“That sounds like blackmail.”

Roman smiled.

“That sounds like intelligence.”

Naima stood.

“No. It sounds like blackmail.”

Roman looked at her.

“And yet you’re still here.”

“Because you sent for me.”

“You could leave.”

Naima picked up her purse.

“Watch me.”

She started toward the door.

Roman’s voice stopped her.

“If you leave, Ms. Brooks, your friends lose their jobs before they begin.”

Naima stopped.

Bliss’s eyes narrowed.

Roman continued.

“And by lunchtime, an anonymous package containing seven names and photographs arrives at the police department.”

Naima slowly turned.

“You’re threatening the wrong women.”

“I’m not threatening anyone.”

“You just said—”

“I said what would happen.”

“That is a threat.”

Roman shrugged.

“Semantics.”

Naima stared at him.

For one dangerous second, Bliss thought she might cross the room and slap him.

Instead, Naima smiled.

It was not a friendly smile.

“Men like you always think control and respect are the same thing.”

Roman’s face changed slightly.

Not enough for most people to notice.

Bliss noticed.

Naima had touched something.

Roman walked back to his chair.

“I don’t need your respect.”

“Good,” Naima said. “Because you don’t have it.”

Bliss almost sighed.

Dakota would have been proud.

Roman opened a drawer and removed another folder.

He slid it across the desk.

“Take this.”

Bliss did not move.

“What is it?”

“My problem.”

“You expect me to carry your paperwork out of your office after you just accused me of robbing Union Station?”

Roman looked amused.

“You’re worried about appearances now?”

Bliss stepped forward and picked up the folder.

It was thin.

No casino logo.

No label.

She opened it.

Inside was a photograph.

A man in his late forties standing beside Roman at some kind of charity event.

Below it was a name.

Victor Sloane.

Bliss looked up.

“Who is he?”

“My chief financial officer.”

Naima walked closer.

“Your CFO is your problem?”

“He is one of them.”

Bliss turned another page.

More photographs.

Victor with politicians.

Victor with casino executives.

Victor shaking hands with men Bliss did not recognize.

A few pages of financial information followed.

Nothing obvious.

Nothing that explained why Roman looked ready to have seven strangers commit a crime for him.

“What do you want?” Bliss asked.

Roman walked around the desk and sat on its edge.

“I want to know what Victor is stealing from me.”

Naima laughed once.

“You brought seven women into your casino because you think your CFO is stealing?”

“He is stealing.”

“Then call the police.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know how much he knows.”

Bliss closed the folder.

“You’re afraid.”

Roman’s eyes sharpened.

“I am cautious.”

“You are afraid.”

“No one steals from me.”

Naima looked around the office.

“Apparently somebody does.”

Roman ignored her.

“Victor has been with Black Diamond almost twelve years. He knows every department, every account, every executive, every weakness.”

Bliss studied him.

“And you think he’s moving money.”

“I know he is.”

“How?”

“Because numbers don’t lie.”

“People do.”

“Exactly.”

Bliss glanced down at the folder.

“So why us?”

“Because everybody who works for me is connected to somebody.”

“And we’re not?”

Roman smiled.

“You’re connected to each other.”

Bliss said nothing.

He continued.

“You have no loyalty to Black Diamond. No loyalty to Victor. No loyalty to me.”

“That last part is definitely true,” Naima said.

Roman looked at her.

“And that makes you useful.”

Bliss placed the folder back on his desk.

“We’re not working for you.”

“You already do.”

“No.”

Roman tapped the employment folders.

“Yes.”

Bliss stared at him.

He stared back.

Neither blinked.

Finally Roman said, “Go talk to your friends.”

“My friends?”

“Yes.”

“I thought we didn’t know each other.”

Roman smiled.

“Like I said. We can keep pretending.”

Dakota was halfway through destroying a bag of barbecue chips when her phone rang.

Naima.

She answered with her mouth full.

“What?”

“Where are you?”

“Home.”

“Bliss is coming.”

Dakota swallowed.

“Why?”

“We need to meet.”

“What happened?”

Naima paused.

Dakota sat up.

“What happened?”

“Roman knows.”

The bag of chips slipped from Dakota’s hand.

“What do you mean Roman knows?”

“He knows about all seven of us.”

Dakota stood.

“How?”

“He connected the applications.”

“How the hell did he connect seven different applications?”

“He had security looking.”

Dakota started pacing.

“I said we should stop.”

“I know.”

“I said this whole shit felt wrong.”

“I know.”

“And Bliss told me to go to work Thursday like everything was fine.”

“She didn’t know how much he knew.”

“What exactly does he know?”

“That we know each other.”

“That’s not illegal.”

“And Union Station.”

Dakota stopped.

“Excuse me?”

“He believes we were involved.”

“Believes or knows?”

“Believes.”

“Then he doesn’t know.”

“He knows enough.”

“No. No, no, no.”

Dakota pressed two fingers against her forehead.

“We are not doing this.”

Naima remained quiet.

“Naima?”

“I’m listening.”

“He is not about to blackmail us into robbing his own damn casino.”

“That isn’t what he wants.”

Dakota froze.

“What?”

“He thinks somebody inside Black Diamond is stealing from him.”

Dakota blinked.

Then slowly sat down.

“You called me to tell me that the man we were planning to rob is mad because somebody else is robbing him?”

“Yes.”

Dakota stared at the wall.

A laugh escaped before she could stop it.

Naima groaned.

“Dakota.”

“I’m sorry.”

“This is serious.”

“I know, but that is funny.”

“It is not funny.”

“Come on.”

“No.”

“The man built a whole casino, got all that damn security, all those cameras, all those suits walking around, and somebody is stealing from him?”

Naima sighed.

Dakota laughed harder.

“Oh, he mad mad.”

“Very.”

“I know that walk around the office looking out the window mad.”

“Dakota.”

“I’m done.”

She was not done.

She laughed again.

“Who is stealing?”

“Victor Sloane. CFO.”

Dakota’s laughter stopped.

“The money man?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

“That was exactly my reaction.”

“When are y’all coming?”

“Soon.”

“Everybody?”

“Everybody.”

Dakota looked toward the window.

“No jazz bar.”

“No.”

“No diner.”

“No.”

“Good.”

She reached for her chips again.

“Bring food.”

Naima hung up.

Two hours later, the seven women were packed into Dakota’s living room.

No folders spread across public tables.

No waitresses passing by.

No strangers pretending not to listen.

Just seven women, three pizzas, two bottles of wine, one bottle of tequila that Lulu had brought for reasons nobody understood, and a very angry Bliss standing in front of the television.

Dakota sat on the couch eating pizza.

“You can sit down.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’ve been standing for twenty minutes.”

“I think better standing.”

“You look like a substitute teacher.”

Bliss ignored her.

Naima sat beside Dakota.

Toni leaned against the wall.

Zayla occupied the armchair with her laptop open.

Jin stood near the window.

Lulu sat cross-legged on the floor with half a pizza in front of her.

Bliss held up Roman’s folder.

“He knows we’re connected.”

“We established that,” Dakota said.

“He suspects Union Station.”

“Suspects.”

“Yes.”

“So he doesn’t know.”

“He knows enough to cause problems.”

Dakota shook her head.

“That’s not the same thing.”

“No, but it is enough to get law enforcement interested.”

Lulu stopped chewing.

“I don’t like that part.”

“Neither do I.”

Bliss placed Victor Sloane’s photograph on the coffee table.

“This is what Roman wants.”

Everybody leaned forward.

Dakota looked at the picture.

“He looks like he knows where bodies are buried.”

Toni frowned.

“That is very specific.”

“Look at him.”

Victor had the face of a man who smiled only when photographers were watching.

Salt-and-pepper hair.

Dark suit.

Red tie.

Cold eyes.

Zayla picked up the photograph.

“CFO.”

“Yes.”

Bliss sat for the first time.

“Roman thinks Victor has been stealing from Black Diamond.”

Lulu looked confused.

“So Roman wants us to rob the robber?”

“No.”

“Investigate the robber?”

“Yes.”

“That’s less fun.”

Dakota looked at her.

“You wanted fun?”

“I was promised a casino robbery.”

“We still might rob the casino,” Dakota said.

Bliss looked at her.

“We are not deciding that tonight.”

Dakota took another bite.

“I’m just saying.”

Naima leaned forward.

“Roman claims Victor has access to practically everything.”

“Financial records,” Bliss said. “Vendors. Executive accounts. Internal budgets.”

Zayla looked at the folder.

“How long has Roman suspected him?”

“He didn’t say.”

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“Because Roman tells people exactly enough information to make them useful.”

Dakota pointed at Naima.

“See? That is why I don’t like him.”

“You didn’t like him before you met him.”

“And I was right early.”

Jin finally spoke.

“What happens if we refuse?”

Nobody answered immediately.

Bliss looked at her.

“Roman threatens to expose us.”

“Threatens?”

“He said an anonymous package could reach police.”

“Could.”

“Yes.”

Jin nodded.

“Then he has not sent anything.”

“No.”

“Meaning he needs us.”

Bliss’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Yes.”

Jin moved toward the table.

“And if he needed us badly enough to protect our jobs after discovering the résumé problems, he cannot afford to expose us yet.”

Dakota pointed toward Jin.

“This is why she scares me.”

Jin ignored her.

“He has leverage.”

“So do we,” Zayla said.

Everyone looked at her.

Zayla turned the laptop around.

“I searched Victor Sloane.”

Bliss frowned.

“When?”

“While you were talking.”

Dakota smiled.

“See? Employment already paying off.”

Zayla ignored her.

“Victor has almost no public presence outside Black Diamond. No social media worth mentioning. No interviews. No personal foundation. No big public personality.”

Naima looked at the screen.

“Unlike Roman.”

“Exactly.”

Zayla clicked through several photographs.

“Victor is always there, though. Groundbreakings. Charity events. Business dinners. Casino openings. But he is almost never the focus.”

Toni nodded.

“Standing behind Roman.”

“Yes.”

“Which probably means he likes being invisible.”

Bliss looked toward the picture.

“Those are the dangerous ones.”

Dakota pointed at herself.

“I’m never dangerous then.”

Naima laughed.

“You could not be invisible if somebody turned the lights off.”

“Exactly.”

Bliss reached for another slice of pizza.

Dakota stared.

“Did you just eat?”

“I have been eating.”

“No, you have been plotting.”

“People can do both.”

Dakota looked offended.

“Now you sound like me.”

Lulu raised a hand.

“I have a question.”

“No explosives,” Dakota said.

“That was not my question.”

“Good.”

“If Roman knows who we are, why give us jobs?”

Bliss stopped chewing.

“That is the question.”

Naima leaned back.

“Because he wants us where he can see us.”

Silence.

Dakota slowly placed her slice down.

“I don’t like that.”

Naima continued.

“He had me picked up in his car.”

“He interrogated Bliss.”

“He investigated Dakota.”

“He knows our departments.”

Toni crossed her arms.

“So every job might have been intentional.”

Bliss shook her head.

“No. We chose the departments before Roman knew.”

“Maybe.”

Zayla looked at her.

“What do you mean maybe?”

“Maybe he changed where people are being placed after he figured it out.”

Everyone became quiet.

Lulu looked genuinely concerned now.

“Can we quit?”

Dakota answered immediately.

“Yes.”

Bliss answered at the same time.

“No.”

They looked at each other.

Dakota frowned.

“Why can’t we quit?”

“Because seven women quitting before their first week would confirm everything Roman suspects.”

“Then one at a time.”

“Still suspicious.”

“What if somebody gets fired?”

“Dakota.”

“I’m brainstorming.”

“You have not started yet.”

“I can be difficult.”

“That is not something you have to work at.”

Dakota glared.

Naima started laughing.

Toni joined.

Even Bliss eventually smiled.

The tension broke just enough for everyone to breathe again.

Then Jin asked, “Are we still going through with the original plan?”

The laughter stopped.

That was the question nobody had wanted to ask.

Seven women looked at Bliss.

Bliss looked at Dakota.

Dakota looked at Naima.

Naima stared at Roman’s folder.

Finally Bliss said, “We do nothing until we understand what is happening inside Black Diamond.”

Dakota leaned back.

“That sounds like a no.”

“It sounds like patience.”

“I hate patience.”

“We know.”

“What if Roman is lying about Victor?”

Bliss nodded.

“I’ve considered that.”

Toni frowned.

“Why would he?”

“To make us investigate someone.”

“Why?”

“Maybe Victor knows something Roman wants buried.”

Zayla looked at Roman’s photograph lying beside Victor’s.

“So Roman could be the criminal.”

Dakota gave her a look.

“He owns a casino and blackmails women he thinks robbed a train station.”

“Union Station.”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, I actually don’t.”

“Whatever.”

Naima reached for Roman’s photo.

“Victor could also be stealing.”

“Both things can be true,” Bliss said.

“Roman can be dangerous and Victor can be dirty.”

Lulu nodded.

“A whole building full of criminals.”

Dakota looked around the room.

“Well, shit. We’ll fit right in.”

The room exploded with laughter.

“See?” Dakota continued. “Black Diamond is diverse.”

Bliss rubbed her forehead.

“This is serious.”

“That is why I’m making jokes.”

Bliss stopped.

She looked at Dakota.

That answer was more honest than Dakota probably intended.

Nobody commented.

Bliss softened.

“I know.”

Dakota looked away and grabbed her drink.

“Anyway.”

Bliss closed the folder.

“Tomorrow changes everything.”

Naima looked at her.

“I already started.”

“You did.”

“Dakota starts Thursday.”

Dakota groaned.

“Don’t remind me.”

“Toni’s orientation is tomorrow afternoon.”

Toni nodded.

“Lulu starts Friday.”

Lulu smiled.

“I get a uniform.”

Dakota stared at her.

“You’re excited about that?”

“It has pockets.”

“That is fair.”

“Zayla starts Wednesday.”

“Jin begins surveillance training Thursday.”

Jin nodded.

“And Bliss?” Dakota asked.

Bliss looked at the folder.

“Tomorrow.”

Dakota whistled.

“So by Friday we’re all inside.”

“Yes.”

Nobody spoke for a moment.

The words settled differently now.

A week ago, getting inside Black Diamond had been the goal.

Now it felt like they might be walking into a cage.

Dakota looked at each woman.

“Okay.”

Everyone turned toward her.

“If we’re doing this, we need one rule.”

Bliss sighed.

“We already have rules.”

“I’m making another.”

“You don’t make rules.”

“I do tonight.”

Dakota set her drink on the table.

“No disappearing.”

The room quieted.

“No trying to handle Roman by yourself.”

She looked directly at Naima.

“No going into rooms with security and not telling somebody first.”

She looked at Bliss.

“No weird shit happens and somebody decides not to tell the rest of us because they think they’re protecting everybody.”

Bliss did not respond.

Dakota continued.

“Union Station worked because when shit went wrong, we moved together.”

Toni nodded slowly.

“So we move together.”

“Yes.”

Lulu raised her glass.

“Together.”

Zayla lifted hers.

Naima did too.

Jin followed.

Bliss looked around the room.

Then lifted her glass.

Dakota raised hers last.

“To not getting arrested.”

Naima laughed.

“That is your toast?”

“It is a good toast.”

Lulu grinned.

“I like it.”

The glasses touched.

Seven women.

One apartment.

One casino.

And one man who believed he had them trapped.

Dakota took a drink.

Then frowned.

“Hold on.”

Everyone groaned.

“What?” Bliss asked.

“If Roman already knows we know each other…”

“Yes?”

“Why are we still pretending at work?”

Bliss stared at her.

Naima slowly turned.

Zayla looked away.

Toni covered her mouth.

Lulu started laughing.

Dakota looked around.

“What?”

Bliss closed her eyes.

“Because the rest of the casino does not know.”

“Oh.”

Dakota nodded.

“That makes sense.”

Lulu fell backward onto the floor laughing.

“Shut up.”

“You asked it so serious.”

“It was a valid question.”

“It was not.”

“I hate all of y’all.”

“Yet here we are,” Naima said.

Wednesday morning, Zayla walked through the employee entrance of Black Diamond carrying a laptop bag and wearing her new identification badge.

She had officially been employed for eleven minutes.

She already hated the badge photograph.

The security guard scanned it.

“Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you.”

She continued through the corridor.

Employees moved around her in every direction.

Housekeepers.

Dealers.

Food service workers.

Managers.

Security officers.

Maintenance staff.

Black Diamond was different behind the scenes.

No chandeliers.

No fountains.

No polished music.

Fluorescent lights.

Gray walls.

Service elevators.

Signs pointing toward dozens of departments.

The illusion ended the moment guests could no longer see it.

Zayla followed a supervisor named Eric toward the technology office.

“You’ll spend your first week shadowing,” he explained.

“Mostly standard support.”

“Passwords?”

“Constantly.”

“Printers?”

“Unfortunately.”

“People blaming technology for something they did?”

Eric laughed.

“You’ve worked IT before.”

Zayla smiled.

The technology department sat deep inside the administrative level.

Rows of desks.

Server-room doors.

Carts loaded with equipment.

Phones ringing.

People complaining.

Perfectly ordinary.

That was what bothered her.

Everything about Black Diamond seemed ordinary once you got behind the walls.

She had expected something sinister.

Secretive.

Dark.

Instead, somebody had taped a cartoon to the printer saying:

HAVE YOU TRIED TURNING IT OFF AND BACK ON?

Zayla almost laughed.

Then she saw him.

Victor Sloane.

He walked past the open office without looking inside.

Dark suit.

Red tie.

Same cold expression as the photograph.

Zayla looked down at her paperwork.

Eric continued talking.

Victor passed.

Then stopped.

Zayla could see his reflection in the glass.

He turned.

Walked back.

Stopped in the doorway.

“Eric.”

Eric immediately straightened.

“Mr. Sloane.”

Victor’s eyes moved toward Zayla.

“New?”

“Yes, sir. Zayla Thomas. Systems support.”

Victor looked at her badge.

Then at her face.

“How long have you worked here?”

Zayla smiled politely.

“About twelve minutes.”

Eric laughed nervously.

Victor did not.

“Welcome to Black Diamond.”

“Thank you.”

Victor started to leave.

Then paused.

Without turning around, he asked, “Do you know Dakota Miller?”

Zayla’s stomach dropped.

She did not move.

Eric looked confused.

“Who?”

Victor slowly turned.

His eyes remained on Zayla.

“A new employee in VIP services.”

Zayla smiled.

“No.”

Victor stared at her for one long second.

Then nodded.

“Good.”

He walked away.

Eric frowned.

“That was weird.”

Zayla looked toward the empty hallway.

“Yes.”

Very.

Her phone remained inside her bag.

She could not message anyone from the floor.

She had to wait.

Wait until break.

Wait until she was alone.

Wait while Victor disappeared somewhere inside the building.

Across the casino, Naima walked beside Roman toward a private dining room.

Two floors below them, Toni pushed a cart through receiving.

In the administrative wing, Bliss sat across from a senior auditor reviewing numbers Roman had personally selected for her.

And outside, Dakota stood beside her rented sedan staring at a garment bag hanging from the back door.

Inside it was the Black Diamond uniform she was expected to wear the following morning.

She unzipped it.

Black fitted dress.

Silver trim.

Matching jacket.

Dakota stared.

“No.”

Her phone rang.

Bliss.

Dakota answered.

“Absolutely not.”

Bliss paused.

“Hello to you too.”

“They gave me a dress.”

“You work in VIP services.”

“It’s fitted.”

“Wear it.”

“It got a little silver belt.”

“Wear it.”

“I look like casino Batman.”

“Dakota.”

“I’m serious.”

“Wear the dress.”

Dakota looked into the garment bag again.

Then at the black boots in her trunk.

A slow smile appeared.

“Fine.”

Bliss immediately became suspicious.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“What are you planning?”

“Nothing.”

“Dakota.”

“I said I’ll wear the damn dress.”

Bliss stayed silent.

Dakota smiled wider.

“What?”

“I know that voice.”

“What voice?”

“The one you use immediately before doing something I specifically told you not to do.”

Dakota zipped the garment bag.

“You worry too much.”

“I worry exactly enough.”

Dakota looked toward Black Diamond glowing across the river.

“See you tomorrow.”

She ended the call.

Then opened the trunk.

Black boots.

Black pants.

Black fitted shirt.

Dakota touched the clothes thoughtfully.

The dress might get her through the front door.

But Dakota had absolutely no intention of spending the rest of this story wearing it

Chapter Six: First Day

Thursday morning arrived wearing entirely too much attitude.

Dakota stood in front of her bedroom mirror at six forty-seven in the morning, staring at herself with the same expression she normally reserved for people who cut her off in traffic.

The Black Diamond uniform stared back.

Black fitted dress.

Silver trim.

Little silver belt.

Black jacket.

And, because apparently somebody at Black Diamond had personally decided to ruin her life, heels.

Dakota turned sideways.

“No.”

She turned the other way.

“Absolutely the fuck not.”

She pulled at the bottom of the dress.

It wasn't ugly.

That somehow made it worse.

The damn thing actually looked good.

Naima had already told her that.

Twice.

Dakota hated when Naima was right.

Her phone buzzed on the dresser.

NAIMA

Dakota answered on speaker.

“What?”

“Good morning to you too.”

“There is nothing good about this morning.”

“Are you dressed?”

“Unfortunately.”

Naima laughed.

“Send me a picture.”

“No.”

“Dakota.”

“I said no.”

“I want to see.”

“You have seen a dress before.”

“I want to see you in the dress.”

“Why?”

“Because I know you're mad.”

“That sounds like entertainment at my expense.”

“It absolutely is.”

Dakota stared at herself again.

Then held the phone up, snapped a picture, and sent it.

Three seconds later, Naima screamed laughing.

Dakota picked up the phone.

“Fuck you.”

“Oh my God.”

“Fuck you.”

“You look beautiful.”

“That's not the point.”

“What is the point?”

“I look like I sell expensive perfume at the mall.”

Naima laughed harder.

“And what is happening with that belt?”

“THANK YOU!”

“I didn't say it looked bad.”

“It looks unnecessary.”

“It gives you a waist.”

“I already had a waist.”

“You know what I mean.”

“No, I don't.”

Naima was still laughing.

Dakota looked toward the corner of her bedroom.

Her boots sat beside the dresser.

Black.

Comfortable.

Familiar.

Beautiful.

She had already made a decision.

“I'm wearing my boots.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“The uniform requires heels.”

“The uniform can kiss my ass.”

“Dakota.”

“I am forty-something years old. I'm not walking around a casino for eight hours in heels.”

“They're not even high.”

“I don't care if they're kitten heels. Kittens grow into cats and cats scratch people.”

Naima became quiet.

“What the hell does that even mean?”

“I don't know. It's early.”

Naima laughed again.

Then her voice changed.

“Listen.”

Dakota immediately stopped joking.

“What?”

“Victor asked Zayla about you yesterday.”

“I know.”

“Bliss told you?”

“Zayla called last night.”

“Okay.”

Dakota sat on the edge of the bed.

“What do you think?”

“I think everybody in that building knows your damn name and you haven't even clocked in yet.”

“That's comforting.”

“I'm serious.”

“So am I.”

“Roman knows you.”

“Victor knows you.”

“Human Resources knows you.”

“And you haven't worked one minute.”

Dakota looked toward the window.

“Maybe I'm famous.”

“Dakota.”

“I'm listening.”

“Today isn't Union Station.”

“I know.”

“We're not running.”

“I know.”

“We're not doing anything.”

“I know.”

“We are employees.”

Dakota sighed.

“Regular-ass employees.”

“Exactly.”

“That is boring.”

“Boring keeps us alive.”

Dakota smiled faintly.

“You sound like Bliss.”

“Don't insult me this early.”

“Tell Roman I said good morning.”

“No.”

“Tell him I said I still don't like him.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Tell him—”

“Goodbye, Dakota.”

Naima hung up.

Dakota smiled.

Then the smile disappeared.

She looked at herself again.

Today was supposed to have been simple.

Walk inside.

Start the job.

Learn the casino.

Play the role.

Instead, Roman already knew enough to threaten them.

Victor somehow knew Dakota's name.

Corporate security had questioned Bliss about Union Station.

And somebody inside Black Diamond was apparently stealing enough money to scare a man who didn't seem afraid of much.

Dakota reached beneath the bed and pulled out a small black duffel bag.

She unzipped it.

Black pants.

Black fitted shirt.

Boots.

She stared at them.

Then zipped the bag.

She wasn't planning anything.

She just wanted options.

There was a difference.

At least that's what she told herself.

At seven fifty-two, Dakota pulled into the employee parking lot at Black Diamond.

She had twelve minutes before orientation.

Bliss had told her to arrive fifteen minutes early.

Dakota considered twelve close enough.

She stepped out of the car wearing the heels.

The boots were inside the duffel bag.

The duffel was inside the trunk.

She locked the car.

Then looked toward the casino.

Black Diamond was already awake.

Employees streamed toward the side entrance.

Delivery trucks moved behind the building.

Guests wandered through the main doors.

The giant black diamond sculpture above the entrance caught the morning sun.

Dakota adjusted her jacket.

“Okay.”

She took one step.

Her heel caught in a crack.

Dakota stumbled.

A man walking past glanced over.

“You okay?”

Dakota straightened.

“I'm wonderful.”

He continued walking.

Dakota looked down at the shoes.

“First warning.”

She entered through the employee entrance.

The security officer behind the desk smiled.

“New hire?”

Dakota handed over her temporary badge.

“First day.”

“VIP services?”

“Yes.”

He scanned the badge.

“Third floor. Orientation room B.”

“Thank you.”

She walked toward the elevator.

The moment the doors closed, she looked down at the shoes again.

“You got eight hours.”

The elevator opened.

A woman wearing a Black Diamond management badge waited outside.

“Dakota Miller?”

Dakota smiled.

“Yes.”

“I'm Caroline Shaw. We met during your interview.”

“I remember.”

“Welcome officially.”

“Thank you.”

Caroline handed her a permanent identification badge.

Dakota looked at the photograph.

“Oh, hell no.”

Caroline blinked.

“Excuse me?”

Dakota immediately smiled.

“Nothing.”

The picture looked like somebody had surprised her during a hostage negotiation.

Caroline laughed.

“Nobody likes their badge picture.”

“I look wanted.”

Caroline laughed harder.

“I think you'll fit in just fine.”

Dakota clipped the badge to her jacket.

“That remains to be seen.”

Caroline led her through a hallway toward orientation.

Dakota passed employees moving in every direction.

Nobody looked twice at her.

That felt good.

Then she saw Bliss.

Bliss stepped from an office carrying a stack of files.

Dakota saw her.

Bliss saw Dakota.

Neither reacted.

They passed one another.

Strangers.

Dakota continued walking.

Her heart beat a little faster anyway.

Caroline opened a conference room.

Six other new employees sat around a table.

“Everyone, this is Dakota.”

Dakota smiled.

“Good morning.”

A man near the end of the table smiled back.

A woman waved.

Dakota took the empty chair.

Caroline began orientation.

Company history.

Guest standards.

Uniform expectations.

Employee conduct.

Confidentiality.

Dakota listened.

Mostly.

Then Caroline said something that caught her attention.

“Black Diamond considers discretion one of our highest priorities.”

Dakota looked up.

“Our guests include public officials, entertainers, professional athletes, executives, and other high-profile individuals. What happens inside Black Diamond stays inside Black Diamond.”

Dakota almost smiled.

Interesting choice of words.

Caroline continued.

“You may see things that surprise you.”

Dakota thought about Union Station.

You have no idea.

“You may hear things.”

Probably.

“You may be asked questions by guests.”

Definitely.

“Your responsibility is never to discuss another guest, employee, or executive.”

Dakota nodded.

That rule she could follow.

The presentation continued for nearly two hours.

By ten fifteen, Dakota knew Black Diamond's mission statement, emergency evacuation policy, uniform requirements, and seventeen different ways an employee could get fired.

Number twelve involved social media.

Dakota made a mental note.

At ten twenty, Caroline dismissed everyone for a fifteen-minute break.

Dakota walked into the hallway.

She needed coffee.

She also needed to get the damn heels off her feet.

She found an employee lounge and pushed through the door.

Toni stood at the vending machine.

Dakota stopped.

Toni looked at her.

Neither spoke.

Another employee sat at a table scrolling through his phone.

Dakota walked toward the coffee machine.

Toni pressed a vending button.

A bag of chips dropped.

Dakota poured coffee.

Toni opened the chips.

Dakota added cream.

Neither looked at the other.

The employee at the table stood and left.

The door closed.

Dakota waited three seconds.

“You couldn't text me?”

Toni kept eating.

“About what?”

“Victor asking Zayla about me.”

“Zayla told you.”

“Last night.”

“So you know.”

“That is not the point.”

“What is the point?”

“Our rule.”

Toni sighed.

“No disappearing. No secrets.”

“Exactly.”

“We didn't keep it secret.”

“You waited.”

“We were working.”

Dakota stirred her coffee aggressively.

“I don't like everybody in this building knowing my name.”

Toni looked at her dress.

Dakota noticed.

“Don't.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“You thought it.”

“The dress looks nice.”

“Fuck you.”

Toni smiled.

“You look professional.”

“Fuck you twice.”

Toni laughed.

The door opened.

Both women instantly separated.

A housekeeper entered.

Dakota picked up her coffee.

Toni studied the vending machine.

Strangers again.

Dakota walked out.

At eleven thirty, Naima stood inside Roman Vale's private dining room.

Roman was having lunch with three men.

Naima recognized one from television.

State senator.

Another was a real estate developer.

The third she did not recognize.

Roman barely looked at her when she entered.

“Naima.”

“Yes?”

“Join us.”

“I am working.”

“You're an executive host.”

“I am.”

“Then host.”

The senator laughed.

Naima smiled politely and took the empty chair.

Roman introduced everyone.

The third man was named Marcus Delaney.

Private investor.

Naima noticed something immediately.

Victor Sloane was supposed to be attending the lunch.

His place setting remained empty.

Roman looked at his watch.

“He's late.”

The real estate developer laughed.

“Victor? That's a first.”

Roman's expression remained pleasant.

“He's never late.”

Naima looked toward the empty chair.

Five minutes passed.

Then ten.

Roman's irritation became visible.

At eleven forty-three, Victor entered.

“Apologies.”

Roman looked at him.

“You're thirteen minutes late.”

Victor sat.

“I was handling something.”

“What?”

“A financial matter.”

Roman smiled.

“All matters here are financial.”

Victor glanced toward Naima.

Their eyes met.

He recognized her.

Naima could tell.

Not from yesterday.

From somewhere else.

Victor looked at her too long.

Roman noticed.

“Have you met Naima?”

Victor looked away.

“No.”

Naima smiled.

“Nice to meet you.”

Victor nodded.

“You too.”

He was lying.

Naima knew it.

The question was why.

Dakota's first shift moved faster after lunch.

Caroline introduced her to VIP services.

The department occupied a polished lounge near the high-limit gaming floor.

Private check-in.

Complimentary drinks.

Luxury seating.

Employees dressed in black and silver.

Dakota immediately understood why Bliss wanted Naima near executive hosting and Dakota here.

People talked.

Rich people talked a lot.

Especially when they believed the person listening was paid to agree with them.

A man complained about losing thirty thousand dollars before lunch.

Dakota smiled sympathetically.

Inside her head:

Sir, I would have left after the first hundred.

Another guest demanded a different suite because the view from his current room “felt unlucky.”

Dakota stared at him.

Then remembered she was employed.

“I'll see what we can do.”

By two thirty, she had solved three complaints, found a lost purse, calmed an angry guest, and convinced a drunk businessman that screaming at the bartender would not improve his whiskey.

She was annoyingly good at the job.

Caroline noticed.

“You've done this before.”

Dakota smiled.

“I told you.”

“You're very natural with people.”

Dakota almost looked behind herself to see who Caroline was talking about.

“Thank you.”

Caroline walked away.

Dakota whispered, “Naima is never hearing about this.”

“Never hearing about what?”

Dakota froze.

Roman Vale stood behind her.

Of course he did.

She turned.

Up close, he looked exactly like the photographs.

Expensive suit.

Perfect posture.

Controlled expression.

Eyes that measured everything.

Dakota smiled professionally.

“Mr. Vale.”

“Dakota Miller.”

There it was.

Her name.

Again.

“You know who I am.”

“I know all my employees.”

“That's impressive.”

“Not really.”

He studied her badge.

“You don't like the photograph.”

Dakota blinked.

“How do you know that?”

“You're wearing the badge turned slightly inward.”

Dakota looked down.

Damn.

Roman smiled.

“You pay attention,” she said.

“So do you.”

Dakota held his gaze.

She suddenly understood why Naima disliked him.

Roman made conversation feel like interrogation.

“You're good with guests,” he said.

“It's my job.”

“It's your first day.”

“I learn quickly.”

“So I've heard.”

Dakota's smile faded slightly.

“From who?”

Roman did not answer.

Instead, he looked toward the casino floor.

“Do you gamble?”

“No.”

“Never?”

“I like keeping my money.”

Roman laughed.

“Everyone gambles.”

“Not with money.”

“Exactly.”

His eyes returned to hers.

Dakota felt the warning underneath the conversation.

She did not like it.

Roman stepped closer.

“Do you know why casinos fascinate me?”

Dakota considered several sarcastic answers.

She chose none.

“Why?”

“Because everyone walking through those doors believes they're making their own decisions.”

Dakota looked toward the gaming floor.

“And they're not?”

“They are.”

Roman smiled.

“They simply don't understand how many decisions were made before they arrived.”

Dakota looked back at him.

“Sounds exhausting.”

“It can be.”

He began walking away.

Then stopped.

Without turning around, he said, “Bliss is doing excellent work.”

Dakota's stomach tightened.

She kept her face neutral.

“I'm sorry?”

Roman looked over his shoulder.

“Bliss Carter. Internal audit.”

Dakota shrugged.

“I don't know her.”

Roman smiled.

“Of course.”

Then he walked away.

Dakota watched him disappear into the crowd.

Her phone was locked inside an employee locker.

She couldn't call anyone.

She couldn't warn Bliss.

She couldn't tell Naima.

She hated that.

No disappearing.

No secrets.

That was the rule.

But Black Diamond had rules too.

And right now, Black Diamond was winning.

At three seventeen, Zayla was underneath a desk replacing a network cable when she heard two men enter the office.

She recognized Victor's voice immediately.

“Close the door.”

Another voice answered.

“I already did.”

Zayla froze.

Neither man knew she was there.

The desk sat inside a small conference office near accounting.

Her supervisor had sent her to repair a connection.

She could announce herself.

She should announce herself.

Instead, she stayed still.

Victor lowered his voice.

“Roman is suspicious.”

“Of you?”

“Of everyone.”

The other man laughed.

“That's nothing new.”

“He brought in new people.”

“So?”

“Seven of them.”

Zayla's hand stopped moving.

The other man said nothing.

Victor continued.

“Something about them isn't right.”

“You're paranoid.”

“No.”

“Roman hires hundreds of people.”

“Not like these.”

Zayla's heartbeat accelerated.

Victor continued.

“One is internal audit.”

Bliss.

“One is executive hosting.”

Naima.

“One is VIP services.”

Dakota.

Zayla closed her eyes.

“He's surrounding us.”

The other man's voice dropped.

“Then move the date.”

Victor paused.

“We can't.”

“Why?”

“Because everything is already in place.”

Zayla barely breathed.

The other man said, “Then Friday.”

“No.”

“Saturday?”

Victor remained quiet.

Finally:

“Sunday night.”

Zayla heard papers moving.

“After the gala.”

“What about Roman?”

“He'll be distracted.”

“And the women?”

Victor laughed softly.

“If they become a problem, we handle them.”

Zayla's blood went cold.

Footsteps moved toward the door.

Then stopped.

Victor spoke again.

“And find out who Dakota Miller really is.”

The door opened.

Closed.

Silence.

Zayla stayed beneath the desk for another thirty seconds.

Then another thirty.

Finally she crawled out.

Her hands were shaking.

She pulled out her phone.

No signal.

Of course.

She grabbed the replacement cable and hurried toward the hallway.

She needed to tell Bliss.

Now.

At four o'clock, Jin sat in surveillance training.

Twenty-four monitors covered the wall.

Casino floor.

Hotel lobby.

Elevators.

Parking garage.

Loading dock.

Hallways.

Restaurants.

Thousands of people moving through Black Diamond.

Her trainer, Marcus Hill, pointed toward the screens.

“Most people think surveillance means watching for cheaters.”

Jin nodded.

“It doesn't?”

“That's maybe twenty percent.”

“What is the rest?”

“Everything.”

He switched camera views.

“Employee theft. Guest disputes. Accidents. Missing persons. Security incidents.”

Another camera.

“Anything unusual.”

Jin studied the monitors.

One showed the VIP lounge.

Dakota appeared on screen.

Jin's face remained blank.

Marcus pointed toward another monitor.

“See that guy?”

A man stood near a blackjack table.

“Yes.”

“What do you notice?”

Jin watched.

“He isn't gambling.”

“Anything else?”

“He keeps watching the exits.”

Marcus smiled.

“Good.”

Jin continued watching.

The camera changed.

Dakota disappeared.

Another camera showed Naima crossing the executive level.

Another showed Toni moving through receiving.

Another—

Bliss.

Jin's eyes stopped.

Bliss stood near an elevator.

A man approached her.

Victor.

They spoke.

No audio.

Victor handed Bliss something.

A folded piece of paper.

Bliss read it.

Her face changed.

Barely.

Then Victor walked away.

Jin leaned closer.

Marcus noticed.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“You saw something.”

Jin pointed toward another screen.

“Guest dropped something.”

Marcus looked.

A wallet lay near a slot machine.

“Good catch.”

He reached for the radio.

Jin looked back toward Bliss.

Bliss was gone.

At five forty-five, Dakota clocked out.

Her feet hurt.

Her patience was gone.

And Roman Vale had officially moved from “man I don't like” to “man I would enjoy never seeing again.”

She walked into the employee locker room and opened her locker.

The black duffel bag waited inside.

Dakota smiled.

“Come to mama.”

Five minutes later, the dress was inside the bag.

Dakota walked out wearing black pants, fitted black shirt, and her boots.

A female employee looked at her.

“Changed already?”

Dakota adjusted the bag over her shoulder.

“Baby, I've been waiting since seven this morning.”

The woman laughed.

Dakota headed toward the employee exit.

Her phone came alive the moment she left the secure area.

Eleven messages.

Two from Naima.

Three from Bliss.

Four from Zayla.

Two from Toni.

Dakota stopped walking.

The first message from Zayla read:

EMERGENCY MEETING. TONIGHT.

The second:

VICTOR IS PLANNING SOMETHING FOR SUNDAY AFTER THE GALA.

The third:

HE KNOWS ABOUT ALL SEVEN JOBS.

The fourth:

HE TOLD SOMEONE TO FIND OUT WHO YOU REALLY ARE.

Dakota stared at the screen.

“What the fuck?”

Another message arrived.

Bliss.

My place. 8 PM. Everyone.

Dakota immediately called.

Bliss answered.

“Don't.”

Dakota frowned.

“Don't what?”

“Ask questions over the phone.”

“Victor is looking into me.”

“I know.”

“He knows our jobs.”

“I know.”

“He's planning something Sunday.”

“I know.”

Dakota stopped beside her car.

“You keep saying you know shit that nobody told me.”

“We are meeting at eight.”

“Our rule was no secrets.”

“I am not keeping secrets.”

“You apparently got a memo before I did.”

Bliss went quiet.

Dakota heard traffic behind her.

Then Bliss said, “Victor approached me.”

“I know. Jin saw it.”

Silence.

“How?”

“Surveillance.”

Another pause.

“Right.”

Dakota unlocked the car.

“What did he give you?”

“A note.”

“What did it say?”

“Eight o'clock.”

“Bliss.”

“Dakota.”

“Don't start that shit.”

Bliss sighed.

“He knows Roman suspects him.”

“And?”

“He knows Roman thinks we're connected to Union Station.”

Dakota leaned against the car.

“How?”

“I don't know.”

“What else?”

Bliss hesitated.

Dakota's voice lowered.

“No secrets.”

Bliss finally answered.

“The note said, ‘Roman isn't the only one who knows who you are.’”

Dakota stopped breathing for a second.

Cars moved through the parking lot around her.

Employees laughed near the entrance.

Somebody's car alarm chirped.

Normal life continued.

Dakota looked back toward Black Diamond.

“Okay.”

“Eight o'clock.”

“I'll be there.”

She hung up.

At eight oh-three, all seven women were inside Bliss's apartment.

Nobody had brought champagne.

Nobody was laughing.

Zayla stood near the kitchen counter telling them everything she had heard beneath the desk.

Roman is suspicious.

Seven new women.

Move the date.

Sunday night.

After the gala.

If the women become a problem—

“We handle them,” Zayla finished.

Dakota's jaw tightened.

Toni crossed her arms.

“What does ‘handle’ mean?”

“I don't know.”

“We know what it sounds like,” Naima said.

Lulu sat forward.

“Who was Victor talking to?”

“I never saw him.”

“You didn't recognize the voice?”

“No.”

Bliss stood near the window.

Jin looked toward her.

“Victor gave you a note today.”

Everybody turned.

Bliss nodded.

Dakota pointed.

“See? This is exactly what I was talking about.”

“I was going to tell you.”

“When?”

“Tonight.”

“After Jin had to tell us first?”

Bliss looked irritated.

“Can we focus?”

“I am focused.”

Naima touched Dakota's arm.

“Later.”

Dakota sat back.

“Fine.”

Bliss placed Victor's note on the coffee table.

Everyone leaned closer.

Fourteen words.

ROMAN ISN'T THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS WHO YOU ARE. SUNDAY CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Lulu read it twice.

“That is creepy.”

“Very,” Toni said.

Zayla opened her laptop.

“We have two different problems.”

“Roman,” Naima said.

“And Victor,” Bliss finished.

Dakota shook her head.

“No.”

Everyone looked at her.

“We have three.”

“What is the third?” Toni asked.

Dakota pointed around the room.

“Us.”

Silence.

“We went into Black Diamond thinking we were watching them.”

She pointed toward Victor's note.

“They're watching us.”

Nobody argued.

“We thought we were planting ourselves inside that casino.”

Dakota looked toward Bliss.

“Turns out Roman let us walk in.”

Bliss nodded slowly.

“And Victor knew almost immediately.”

“Yes.”

Dakota leaned forward.

“So stop acting like we're running the plan.”

Naima's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

“What are you saying?”

“I'm saying somebody else is already pulling a job.”

Zayla nodded.

“Sunday.”

“Exactly.”

“And Roman thinks Victor is stealing from him.”

“Yes.”

Toni looked between them.

“So Victor's Sunday plan could be the theft.”

“Could be,” Bliss said.

Lulu smiled.

Dakota noticed.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Because this just got interesting.”

“Somebody threatened to handle us.”

“I didn't say it got safe.”

Dakota shook her head.

“You need therapy.”

“Probably.”

Bliss walked toward the center of the room.

“The gala is Saturday night.”

Zayla frowned.

“Victor said Sunday after the gala.”

“Which means whatever happens Saturday may create the opportunity for Sunday.”

Naima looked at Bliss.

“Roman expects me at the gala.”

Everyone turned.

Dakota frowned.

“What?”

“He told me today.”

“You didn't mention that.”

“We've been here three minutes.”

“Fair.”

Naima continued.

“Executive hosts work the gala. Roman wants me assigned directly to his VIP guests.”

Bliss nodded.

“Good.”

Dakota looked at her.

“How is that good?”

“Because Naima will be close to Roman.”

“That is exactly why it isn't good.”

Naima smiled.

“I'll be fine.”

“You keep saying that.”

“Because I keep being fine.”

“For now.”

Naima held Dakota's gaze.

Then nodded.

“For now.”

Bliss looked around the room.

“The gala changes things.”

Dakota sighed.

“I already know I'm not going to like this.”

“All seven of us will be working.”

Lulu grinned.

“In one building.”

“Yes.”

“During the biggest event of the year.”

“Yes.”

Dakota pointed at Bliss.

“No.”

Bliss hadn't even finished.

“No what?”

“Whatever you're about to say.”

“You don't know what I'm about to say.”

“It sounded expensive.”

Toni laughed despite herself.

Bliss almost smiled.

Then her expression hardened.

“Saturday we watch.”

“That's it.”

“No improvising.”

“No chasing Victor.”

“No trying to figure out what happens Sunday by yourself.”

She looked directly at Zayla.

“No hiding under desks.”

“I was doing my job.”

“You stayed.”

“It was useful.”

“It was dangerous.”

Zayla nodded.

“Fair.”

Bliss turned toward Jin.

“Surveillance?”

“I'll be training during the gala.”

“Watch Victor.”

Jin nodded.

“Toni.”

“Receiving.”

“Watch anything unusual coming in or leaving.”

“Got it.”

“Lulu.”

“Facilities.”

“Stay where you're assigned.”

Lulu looked disappointed.

“That sounded personal.”

“It was.”

Bliss turned toward Dakota.

“VIP.”

Dakota folded her arms.

“What?”

“Do your job.”

“That is insulting.”

“Do. Your. Job.”

“I was planning to.”

“Don't follow Roman.”

“I wasn't.”

“Don't follow Victor.”

“I wasn't.”

“Don't start anything.”

“I don't start things.”

Every woman in the room stared at her.

Dakota frowned.

“I finish them.”

Lulu burst out laughing.

Bliss closed her eyes.

“This is going to be a disaster.”

Dakota smiled.

“No.”

She picked up Victor's note.

“This is going to be fun.”

Naima looked toward her.

“You have a strange definition of fun.”

Dakota stood.

She looked around at the women.

Her women.

The same women who had walked into Union Station together.

The same women who had escaped together.

The same women now working different floors of the most dangerous building they had ever entered.

“We wanted Black Diamond.”

She placed the note back on the table.

“Now Black Diamond wants us.”

Nobody laughed.

Outside, thunder rumbled somewhere beyond the city.

Dakota smiled.

“Saturday night…”

Bliss looked at her.

“What?”

Dakota picked up her bag.

“…we find out who the fuck is robbing our casino before we do.”

To Be Continued...........