Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights Book 2) by MJ Nightingale Read Free Book Online

entered one room and then went through the adjoining doors. The two couples in them just returned from dinner to change for a night out. Both couples had their safes broken into and some jewelry taken along with their cash and credit cards.”
    Jonathan quickly nodded his greeting and took a seat in one of the chairs before Tawny’s large oak desk. Joseph joined him in the second plush leather chair. “Did they take out any travel insurance?” Joseph asked, hoping their guests at least had done that and would be able to recover some of their losses.
    Tawny sighed in frustration. “Yes, and they are in the process of cancelling their credit cards too. But still,” she added shaking her head morosely, “We need these security cameras in place sooner rather than later. That’s six this month alone. Our reputation is on the line. We don’t want people hearing about this—they won’t think it’s safe to come here for a weekend getaway or vacation.” She turned to Joseph looking him in the eye. “I really want you to handle this personally for us, Joseph.” He kept his shock to himself. He knew his mother and brother were incredibly busy with their new projects, but this wasn’t exactly his field of expertise. But he wouldn’t say no either. He’d work with Tom Watson, their head of security and make it happen. He thought it might be a test, and those suspicions were confirmed with his mother’s next words. “Do you think you have time with your busy schedule, now that you are running for tribal council?” There was no note of sarcasm in her voice, but her eyes told him more. She wanted him to commit himself here. To the casino. The family business. The life-blood of their people.
    He knew this was also her attempt at asking him whether he thought he could handle both jobs.
    “Yes, of course. I’ll get the contracts ready for the new employees and talk to Tom about who we used for the other cameras. We can get them in this week. I’m sure.” He didn’t mind the new task set before him. It was his job to handle the employee contracts and business contracts for outside help anyway. This would reduce the boredom of his otherwise tedious job. He knew how important the success of the casino was. It was vital to all of his people, too. And that had always been why he wanted to pursue a political career. But for some reason she never voiced, she’d always tried to steer him away from it. He added, “I’m sure I can handle both. Not a problem. And, after the campaign and if I win, I still plan on continuing my work here. Tribal council member isn’t a full time job, it’s not like the Senate or the House.” She narrowed her eyes and looked away quickly. He saw the flash of annoyance, or was it regret? He didn’t know. Her mask was already in place and she was back to business as she looked down at the reports on her desk. She did have a lot to do. His guilt ate at him a bit.
    His mother was the hardest working woman he knew. He wanted to give her more reassurance. “As tribal council member, I’ll have the Saturday morning meetings. I’ll have to do some research, and attend some conferences on occasion. And there may be a workshop or two scheduled each month. It’s for the people. Our people,” he added.
    She looked up and saw her son smiling at her with concern in his eyes. He was so like his father. Always wanting to do the right thing. Never wanting to disappoint the people he loved. Joseph had a big heart. He was noble, kind. But look where that had gotten him? Alone. Miserable most of the time, sacrificing for others while he went without. It wasn’t the life she wanted for their son. But she knew in her heart her son was choosing his own path. She couldn’t deny him that. She returned his smile. She hated to do it, but she needed to let go of her dreams for him and let his pursue his own even if it meant heartache. She could accept it, but she didn’t have to like it.
    “And what about the