Chapter One

“I love Vegas.” Zoe Sullivan stood on the roof of a very large, very rich hotel and casino, a light breeze causing her hair to sway slightly. Her green eyes surveyed the body of an owner of a secret child pornography ring. Of course, the information about the child pornography ring was unknown to the cops, who had yet to arrive. The man had been killed by a bullet, which had hit him right between the eyes as he approached the casino. The bullet had been shot from an unregistered .25 automatic handgun, and the shooter had been Zoe Sullivan.

“You’re a very good shot, Zoe,” squawked the raven who was perched on her shoulder.

“Thank you Rave,” smiled Zoe. “Up for some black jack?”

“Well, I am unable to play for two reasons. The first is that I am almost positive they don’t allow ravens in casinos, and the second being that I have no hands,” responded the raven.

“True on all points, my good fellow,” said Zoe. “But I think I will take a shot. I’m feeling lucky tonight. I don’t suppose you’d mind doing me a favor?” Zoe asked, holding a playing card out to the bird.

Rave squawked, took the card, and flew off of her shoulder. He flew over the dead body and dropped the card, depicting the ace of spades, onto the man’s chest. He then perched himself on a pole near the door to the hotel, while Zoe while took the stairs down to the hotel’s casino. She found her way to the black jack table, took a seat, and joined the game. After quite a few ‘Hit me’s ‘stay’s and ‘damn!’s from the various players around the table, Zoe had made about 90 dollars.

Right before another round was about to start, a man with dark clothing took an empty seat next to Zoe. His jet black hair covered his left eye. “Zoe Sullivan?” he asked, keeping his voice low, as to make sure no one would hear.

“Do I know you?” asked Zoe, eye him cautiously. You can never tell if people in dark clothing are your friend or foe, especially if you also wear dark clothing.

“No,” responded the young man. He glanced at her with piercing blue eyes. “But I have information you need. Information on the whereabouts of your sister.”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” asked Zoe suspiciously.

“You don’t. But you have to trust me,” responded the man.

“Fine then, what do you want for the information?” asked Zoe.

“Nothing,” was the response. “Consider it payment for a service.”

“A service?” Zoe raised an eyebrow

“I saw the card. I know you killed Arthur Bon, and I owe you my thanks. He kidnapped my little sister, once.”

“I see. I’m sorry about your sister.” The man shook his head. “Now, tell me where Samantha is.”

“I can’t tell you her exact location. But I can get you one step closer to finding her. Raymond Montgomery and Arthur Bon were partners. And I’m sure they knew you would come after them sooner or later. I have good reason to believe that they, and many other criminals, all worked together to get you out of the picture; the only person who could catch them.” Explained the man. “Anyway, Montgomery lives in the Fairview apartment building.”

“I know right where it is. But before I leave, how did you know my name?” asked Zoe curiously.

“That is my little secret.” He responded. Nothing else was said between the two.

They both played another round of black jack to avoid suspicion. Zoe soon left and collected her winnings (about 115 dollars) and left the building; the man stayed behind. As soon as she walked out, Rave flew and landed on her shoulder.

“You usually take longer that that when it comes to your black jack,” observed Rave.

“I was given information,” said Zoe.

“Information?” questioned the bird. “What kind?”

“Samantha,” responded Zoe. “Some strange guy came in, and gave me the name of someone who knows something about what happened to my sister.”

“Can his word be trusted?”

“We’re going to find out,” said Zoe. She made her way to a metallic black Mustang convertible, the color matching her hair perfectly, which currently had its top up. She slid into the driver’s seat, and Rave hopped off her shoulder to sit in the passenger’s seat. Zoe grabbed a pair of black sunglasses off the dashboard, and put them on.

“You know it’s nighttime, you don’t need sunglasses,” said Rave.

“I know,” said Zoe, starting the car. “But they make me look cool,” she smiled, putting the vehicle in drive.

“Where exactly are we headed?” asked Rave, as Zoe sped down the interstate.

“Fairview apartments,” said Zoe. “That’s where Raymond Montgomery lives.”