CHAPTER FORTY TWO – A SLY GAME

Over the next few weeks, Cassie found herself increasingly involved in managing the delicate balance between Mr. Holloway and Mr. Reeves. She became adept at reading their moods, at anticipating when tensions might flare up. One night, she noticed Mr. Reeves becoming increasingly agitated as the evening wore on. He was drinking more heavily than usual, his voice getting louder with each round. Cassie could see Mr. Holloway watching from across the room, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. She approached Marcus, who was at the bar. "I think we might have a problem," she said quietly. "Reeves is on edge, and Holloway looks like he's enjoying it a little too much." Marcus nodded, his expression grim. "Good catch. We need to defuse this situation before it explodes. Here's what we're going to do..." Following Marcus's instructions, Cassie approached Mr. Reeves with a message that a important business associate was on the phone for him in the private office. As she led him away from th