You Bet Your Life by Jessica Fletcher Read Free Book Online

cash in my chips, and I get the feeling my wife is ready to go back to our room. Right, Maureen?”
    Maureen nodded.
    “Us, too,” Tina said. “We’re bushed.”
    “In case I don’t see you in the morning, let me say good-bye now,” Martha said.
    “You were just the most gorgeous bride,” Maureen said, smoothing Martha’s veil, which she’d kept on all evening.
    “Don’t forget to send me your new address, and call me,” Tina said, grabbing Martha’s hands and squeezing them. “You know my phone number.”
    “I will. And I’d better see lots of pictures of those kids,” Martha said.
    “I’ll keep you up to date on the gossip,” Maureen promised.
    “You’d better.”
    The two couples hugged and kissed Martha and walked away, quickly disappearing down the aisle that led to the elevators. Martha gazed after them, oblivious to the crowds of merrymakers in the casino who flowed past her.
    “Looks like it’s just you and me,” Tony said, “unless we can pry Betsy and Pearl from the slot machines.”
    “Would you mind terribly if I took a rain check?” I asked. “I think Martha could use some company right now.”
    “A rain check? That’s a Yank expression,” Tony said. “While I’ll miss the opportunity for your company, I understand. You realize, of course, that I may have to spend your entire swag on myself.”
    “I hope you enjoy spending it as much as I enjoyed winning it.”
    I caught up with Martha as Oliver counted out a sheaf of bills into her palm. “Thank you, Oliver,” she said, closing her fist over the money. “Please keep an eye on Mr. Kildare. He’s not as young as he thinks he is. When he starts to flag, bring him upstairs. He’ll listen to you.”
    Oliver nodded and walked away.
    “On your way to the elevators?” I asked, linking my arm through hers. “I’ll walk with you.”
    “Are you going up to bed, too, Jessica?” she asked.
    “I’m not sleepy yet,” I said. “What about you?”
    “I’m all keyed up. It’s been quite a day.”
    “Would you prefer to stay down here? There’s plenty of entertainment even if you don’t want to gamble,” I said. “I heard a jazz band over on that side. And a rock group over there.” I gestured toward a nightclub. “You can also browse those fancy shops you were telling me about. They stay open late, I’m sure.”
    “There’s loads to do here, I know,” she said, “but I guess I’m not in the mood for any of them. I’d rather go back to the room—or suite, I should say. Would you like to come up and see it, Jessica?”
    “Are you sure you’re up for the company?” I asked as we reached the short hall leading to the penthouse elevators.
    “Absolutely,” she said. “I’ve been dying to show off the suite. It’s really something. I’ve never stayed in a place like this before.”
    “I’d love to see it.”
    “Wait till you see the picture windows. We overlook the Bellagio fountains and have a fabulous view of the city. I’ll make some tea, if you like. There’s a kitchen.”
    “Sounds perfect.”
    In the elevator, Martha inserted her room key into a lock on the lighted panel and pressed the button for the twenty-first floor. “It’s a security feature, so they say,” she said, waving the key. “Frankly, I think they do it to make the people on these floors feel special. Can’t get up there without a key—and a lot of money. Of course, the penthouse suites aren’t even the best rooms. See this button here, for the villas ? They’re for the really high rollers. Whole houses, I guess. I haven’t seen them. Victor says he’s stayed there before but he prefers to be up high. Our suite is so beautiful. I can’t imagine what the villas must look like.”
    The elevator doors opened and we walked down the carpeted hall to Martha and Victor’s room. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being this rich,” Martha said. She unlocked the door and held it open for me.
    The suite was spacious and