Dean glanced around the casino, making mental notes for that night’s work. Tally was busying himself setting up the bar while Elena was upstairs soaking in a tub relaxing before she had to work. Dean thought about the other girl upstairs and smiled to himself, he wondered what she was up to right now. He’d never met anyone like Corey. She was outspoken and brash, but she also had the softness that a woman should. Dean told himself to keep his thoughts in check before Anjanette caught on to how he felt for their temporary employee. Certain that the bordello was neat and clean, he sought out Anjanette to tell her that they were ready for business. After searching for her upstairs he finally found her sitting in her office, her head in her hands.

"Anjanette are you okay?" Dean asked worriedly.

The woman nodded then sighed and grabbed her ledger once more and began doing calculations. Dean watched as she became increasingly annoyed and then slammed the book closed.

"Okay what is it?" He asked as he sat in a chair beside her huge oak desk.

Anjanette tossed the book to him. "Look at this month’s totals."

Dean opened the book and looked, then he looked up at her questioningly. "Okay?"

"Now compare those with the totals from every other month since we opened."

Dean turned pages and saw what she meant. "Okay so we’ve made a little less this month. It’s been a little slow around here."

Anjanette’s eyebrows rose. "A little slow?" She snorted disgustedly. "Of course it’s been slow, half the business is running incompletely. As you can see the casino is doing wonderfully. Business is great. But now when the men want to have a good time upstairs they don’t have much of a choice because we’ve lost Vanessa, and Elena can’t do it all by herself."

Dean nodded. "I know what you mean, but as soon as Nessa’s back we’ll make the money back. Besides Corey is great with the customers."

The madam rolled her eyes. "If I’d wanted a waitress I would’ve hired one. What I need is a warm body up in that bed. When I find out who switched those two girls, I’ll have their head on a platter."

"Listen, the bordello is still doing wonderfully considering how small this town is. I mean it could be worse."

"How?" She asked.

"Well, I haven’t had a decent haircut since that barber got switched."

Anjanette laughed and shook her head. "So is Vanessa doing well then?"

"She’s doing fabulously, and I’m sure she’s itching to get back."

"Somehow I don’t think so. I just wish she were here. I get the feeling that Miss Corey Nelson doesn’t approve of what we do here, and the customers can sense that."

Dean frowned. "I don’t think so. Well, maybe the bordello aspect but she’s wonderful with the men in the casino. She smiles and makes jokes. She makes the men feel welcomed when she smiles at them."

Dean turned to find Anjanette staring at him and he blushed. Anjanette arched an eyebrow. Was there something more between the burly bodyguard and the temporary worker? Deciding that if there was he would tell her. Anjanette resolved not to press him about it. Instead she changed the subject.

"There’s something else I wanted to tell you Dean. With all the craziness this town has experienced the last few weeks I want you to keep an eye on Elena."

"Elena? Is she getting herself into trouble again?"

Anjanette sighed. "She promised not to and I trust her. I want you and Tally to watch the good citizens of the town. Make sure no one starts any trouble with her. She doesn’t have many friends, and I think she needs more protection from us."

Dean nodded. "I’ll watch her back."

"Thanks Dean."

"No problem." The big man said as he rose from the chair and headed out the door.

"Oh and Dean."

He turned. "Yes?"

"I wouldn’t get too attached to certain young women who won’t be here for too much longer. I’m thinking we need to get Vanessa back as soon as possible."