Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The lights of Vegas were mesmerizing for John as he sat in the back of limo, with Trixie, Isaiah, Kendrick, and Harrison Trent.
Ace was driving, and the glass partition that separated the front seat from the long rest of the vehicle was down, so the conversation could flow freely. No one said much, though, as they crawled along the Strip.
Out the window, John saw throngs of tourists walking along. Some held long, bong-like glasses of some alcoholic concoction or another. Many just walked, as if mindlessly going from one casino to the next. Others stopped to take pictures in front of the famed Bellagio fountains.
“Hey, I know this isn’t a sightseeing trip,” he said after a few moments, “but I want to make sure and see the Treasure Island pirate show before I get out of town.”
“Daddy, that’s been gone a long time,” Trixie replied.
“What? Seriously?”
He looked away from the window and to the beautiful woman who sat beside him. She nodded.
“Since when?” he asked.
“Like over ten years.”
“Oh.” He laughed. “I’m way behind the times when it comes to Vegas.”
They rode in silence for another few minutes, but during that time the limo didn’t cover much ground.
“This might be slower than L.A. traffic,” Ace noted.
“Might be a good time for us to go over the plan again,” Harrison Trent suggested.
He was sitting across from John and Trixie, casually looking out the window.
“Not a bad idea,” Isaiah noted. “We sort of put this thing together fast.”
“Yeah, I definitely need to go over it all again,” Trixie said. “You know how my brain can be.”
“Your brain, little girl, is just fine,” John said, giving her a kiss on the side of her head.
He’d noticed she had a pattern of negative talk. His Little girl needed to understand that she was perfect just the way she was. That would be something they’d work on moving forward.
All in good time.
The most important thing right now was getting a hold of her evidence and getting it to the authorities.
“Here’s the rundown,” Ace called back from behind the wheel. “Big-time movie star Harrison Trent is in town. Not strange. Celebrities come to Vegas all the time.”
“And stay in a penthouse suite just like we’ve rented,” Harrison commented.
“Exactly,” Ace said. “And Miss Trixie is your personal assistant, while Isaiah and John are your security detail. I’m your driver, of course. Just a typical celebrity entourage.”
Harrison chuckled. “Man, I never knew I was supposed to have an entourage. I’ve missed out.”
John chuckled, too. He liked the guy. At first, he hadn’t been sure what he’d think about Harrison Trent. After all, he was one of the biggest movie stars on the planet.
But he seemed genuine and down to earth. And, as a Little, he did a lot for the ageplay community—like forming the Daddy Guard with his best friend, Stryker.
Stryker was a former stuntman turned director. He was involved in this plan, as well, but wasn’t with them in the limo.
They’d meet up with him later.
Trixie asked, “But what if my employers notice me? They’re everywhere in this town. They have a big reach.”
“That’s where I come in,” Harrison said.
“We’ve changed your look just a little. You’re wearing your hair pulled back, you have the glasses, and you’re dressed up.
Obviously, it’s not enough to withhold heavy scrutiny.
But it doesn’t have to be. You’re hiding in plain sight.
They’re watching the storage facility in case you come back.
They don’t expect you to roll up with a movie crew. ”
John had to admit the plan was crazy enough to work. It seemed elaborate, but he’d heard stories from the Guard members. Harrison and Stryker were sort of known for their elaborate schemes.
And they always worked.
He just prayed this one was no exception.
“It’s going to work,” Trixie said.
But John couldn’t tell if she was stating her sincere belief or trying to convince herself.
“You bet it’s going to work,” John said. “You’re going to be free of these people, babydoll. And then we can focus on building our new life together.”
He squeezed her hand.
His confidence was genuine. Because even if the plan fell apart, he’d see to it that Trixie got out from under these evil men who wanted her.
One way or another.
The casino was noisy and colorful, alive with chirps, dings, and dizzying displays on the various machines the group passed.
Someone yelled excitedly, and John assumed someone had struck paydirt on a slot machine. A happy bell seemed to indicate that was the case, too.
Lots of people milled about with drinks. Pit bosses called out orders. The occasional cheer or groan punctuated it all.
This was Vegas, John thought with a smile. A city that never slept and offered excitement at any time of the day.
“Mr. Trent!” a thin, balding man in a nicely tailored suit called out. “So good to have you back, sir.”
The guy wore a brass name badge pinned to his chest that identified him as T. TISDALE, but he introduced himself anyway.
“Tim Tisdale, manager of guest relations.” He extended his hand.
Harrison shook it and then introduced the rest of the group, using the name Ashley Minter for Trixie. “Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice. You know how it is when a studio gets an idea. They don’t drop it!”
Tisdale laughed, but John guessed he actually had no idea how it was.
“Of course, of course. Please, make yourself and your friends at home here. And if you need anything at all, this is my personal number.” He distributed business cards to the entire group. “Call anytime. Day or night.” He smiled and looked at John. “I see you’re eyeing the roulette wheel.”
John shrugged. “It’s been a while since I was in town. I’ve always liked it here. Maybe I’ll try my hand at a game or two before we leave.”
The manager seemed pleased with this. “Well you all have a line of credit, so enjoy and may fortune be with you.”
Trent thanked him and the entourage moved on. As they went, John kept an eye out for any threats to Trixie and just on the proceedings.
If it weren’t for the danger, that would be so much fun! So exciting.
He’d forgotten how much he enjoyed that town.
Don’t get too caught up in it, John. Save Trixie. Then play and have fun.
That didn’t sound like a bad idea, he decided.
Not bad at all.
“Whoa! Look at this place!” Trixie said as the gang walked into the penthouse suite. “It’s massive!”
She ran toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that made up one wall, and John almost told her to slow down and walk but decided to let her go for now. She was just excited. And he didn’t see much in the path that she could trip over.
He still gave her a token, “Be careful, honey.”
“Yes, Daddy. Sorry. I just have never been in a place like this. One time I got to tour some of the properties that the company managed, so I saw some pretty nice rooms. But I’ve never actually stayed in one! Or been in one at night. Look at the city!”
John came behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck as they looked out over the shimmering Vegas lights.
“It is something.”
Man, it felt wonderful when she put her hands on his and leaned back against him.
“I love this city,” she noted. “Los Angeles is cool. But Las Vegas is home.”
Reflecting on her words, John wondered what their future would hold. If she truly loved Las Vegas, he couldn’t ask her to leave. Yet he had a job back in L.A. Her job was gone here.
What would they do?
He couldn’t worry about all that at the moment. It was imperative that he keep a clear head. Just keep Trixie safe for now, get her out from under these assholes, and then they could figure the rest out.
“Hey, guys! I’ve got some news.”
He and Trixie turned around to see a tall man with dark blond hair stroll into the main room of the giant suite.
“Stryker!” Harrison said.
The two guys hugged and it was obvious they were close. In fact, the way John had heard it told, they were more like brothers than friends.
“Most of you know Stryker,” Harrison said.
“Of course,” Ace said. “He’s our boss. Along with you.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think John or Trixie have ever met him,” Harrison said.
“Good meeting you both,” Stryker told the couple.
Trixie ran again, this time going to him.
“I’ve seen all the movies you’ve directed!
You’re my favorite. Do you remember Loose Cannons?
That’s the best! That car chase at the end was magnificent!
” She gave a chef’s kiss. “A lot of people think only men like car chases. But that’s not true!
And some people say the best car chase is in The French Connection, but I always thought it was a little boring.
I mean, he’s chasing an elevated train! Come on.
Now, some people cite Bullitt, but…” She groaned.
“I’m sorry. I have this thing where I just word vomit whenever I get excited. And I’m so excited to meet you, Sir!”
Stryker beamed with pride. “Hey, no need to apologize! I can talk movie car chases all day. And no need to call me Sir, either. I’m a Little. Like you.”
“You know I’m a Little?” she asked.
“Yeah. I talked with Iris and them,” Stryker said. “They said you’re awesome but that you’re in some trouble. That’s why we’re here. We’re going to get you out of it.”
“Yeah,” Harrison said, “then we can have some fun time playing and stuff.”
“That sounds good to me,” John chimed in. “I think you all will have a blast. But honey, let’s focus right now on getting you out of this mess. Sound good?”
He hoped the redirection would help her focus. They all needed to keep their heads clear.
“Sounds great!” Trixie said.
“Good. Now, it seems like Stryker might have been about to tell us something when he walked in.”
“That’s right. So, check this out.” He walked to a large TV that was mounted on one of the walls, turned it on, then pulled his phone from his jeans and began tapping and swiping.
A few seconds later, an image appeared on the television screen.
“This is drone footage I captured earlier when I did a flyover. Doesn’t seem like anyone noticed me.
But I sure noticed them. Look right there. ” He pointed at a car.
Isaiah stepped closer. “Two guys.”
“Yep,” Stryker said. “Sitting right outside the storage place. I’m willing to bet they’re waiting for my new friend Trixie.”
John’s blood ran cold. “So that confirms it. We’ve got to go ahead with the plan you came up with.”
“Yep,” Stryker said with a grin. “Tomorrow morning, we cause one heck of a distraction.”
Harrison nodded. “Don’t worry, John and Trixie. You’re in good hands. As it turns out, creating distractions—and getting into a little bit of trouble—is what Stryker and I do best!”