Death in the Casino: Target Practice Mysteries 5 Read Online Free Page B

question."
    He spun around on her. "But it's not a fair question. If I argue that things are fine the way they are, then it looks like I'm a sexist pig. But it isn't only a matter of equal pay for equal work."
    Unc held up a hand. Gone was the laughing, loud-mouthed guy who had gotten into it with Minx. He had done a one-eighty. Though he was still a jokester, he'd added a professional and steady demeanor to the mix. Judging by the expression on Mary's face as she watched him, she was a fan of the combination. "Here, let me explain something. We would love to be able to pay the women the same amount as the men. Nothing would make us happier, and as soon as purchasing power and entry numbers are the same, the pay-outs will be the same."
    I stepped back and took a deep breath. "So the payout is strictly based on entry numbers? There are twenty times more men than women that enter?"
    "Significantly fewer women in the division, for sure."
    "By significantly fewer, do you mean one-twentieth?"
    "Entrance numbers aren't the only factor we're talking about. There's also buying power. People look to the men when they are picking out equipment."
    I leaped on his words. "Hogwash. That's a circular argument at best. You pay the guys a ton of money, which makes people take notice, then say that because people take notice that the men deserve money." I had seen this reasoning in the tech industry. "So the women's division gets one-twentieth the payout of the men. And how big is each division?"
    He rubbed the back of his neck. "The women's division is one third as big. But don't get all huffy at me. The difference was made up by money contributed by our sponsors, including your company. I didn't hear of them offering any money for the women's division. If they did, we certainly wouldn't turn it down."
    "Westmound donated money just to the men's division?"
    "Someone did. Either Westmound, Andersson Archery, MacSights, I don't know. One of you guys' companies for sure. But come on, let's not fight about it. We would love to give more prize money out in the women's division, especially the pro division."
    I craned my head around to try and pop the tension out of my neck. "Are you on the tournament staff?"
    "I'm the pro chair; I represent the pros, both men and women, during tournament planning." He turned away from me slightly, dismissing me from the rest of the conversation. "Hey, Mary, what are you doing after the opening ceremony? A bunch of us are grabbing dinner on the strip, and you're more than welcome to join us. My treat." He cast a glance back at me. "I'd invite you, too, but the reservation is set, and I'm sure you want to stay with your dog."
    "Of course," I replied, but he had already turned back to Mary.
    I rolled my eyes at Tiger. He snickered then gave me a wave as he headed toward the bar and the women waiting for him to catch up.

CHAPTER THREE
    Mary cast a glance at me. A steady blush rose in her cheeks. "Gee, I don't..."
    Unc grabbed her hand. "Come with me. Don't break my heart. We'll head out as soon as the pro division is called up onstage, so eight to eight thirty."
    Mary's face fell. "Oh, I didn't think it through. We have to go to bed early. Recurves shoot at the first line."
    "Ouch. Rain check?" He gave her hand a squeeze and let it go.
    "Thanks, Unc, that'd be nice." She gave him a wave then watched him as he walked away.
    "Well, well, well, Mary, I do believe he asked you on a date."
    "Yes, I noticed that. I'm rather flattered." She continued to stare after him.
    Minx sashayed up. "I saw you talking to Unc. Be careful around him. Lucky says Unc is a real womanizer."
    Mary rolled her eyes. "Like I'm taking dating advice from Lucky. Isn't he married?"
    Minx looked around then stepped closer. "You can't tell anyone, but he's almost divorced. Like Di. He swore me to secrecy because they haven't told anyone yet. He values his privacy."
    I raised an eyebrow at her. "If no one else knows, then won't they think you're