Nevada. The 36th state is mainly known for desert, Area 51, and Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas, most of the gambling casinos are technically located in the unincorporated community called Paradise, but I digress. "The meadows" officially became a city in 1905, however, their popularity wouldn't boom until the 1930s.

A bunch of events were happening in Las Vegas in the effects of the Great Depression. For one, the Hoover Dam was beginning construction. As such, construction workers and their families relocated to the state, bringing a rise to Nevada's once declining population. In need to boost the economy, the government became more liberal with its laws, reducing its required residency to six months which attracted many people wanting a divorce. Most importantly, it legalized gambling. The city thought taxing the casinos would bring in the moolah, however, the casino owners, being smart-asses, built their casinos outside the city limits.

The Las Vegas Strip (in Paradise) became a central location for casinos and resorts in Las Vegas Valley. One of the first casinos to be built was the Flamingo Hotel & Casino. Like most casinos at the time, organized crime played a hand in its creation. Thanks to Bugsy Siegel, a well-known mobster of Murder Inc., the Flamingo, after going through rough construction and initial loss, became the modern model most casinos looked up to.

☆☆☆☆☆

Since the beginning of the 20th century, I've played all sorts of card games, starting out like any amateur without a clue on what to do. Over the years, I practiced my hand, becoming more experienced as I learned the ropes in every game, leading to my spot at the casino table. Whenever I can, I give a pointer or two to a newcomer who'll be at my table, letting them have an easy win before going hard on them. If they find this unfair, they aren't wrong. If every casino played fair, they would be out of business. No matter which game you choose, there's always a slight house advantage, and blackjack is no exception.

Among the card games I've played, blackjack has to be one of my favorites. Dozens of people always tell me I need to get a high number close to 21 in order to win, but that's absolute nonsense. Sure, having a high number increases your chances in winning. But when it comes down to it, blackjack is not a contest to see who's better. It's a chess game between the player and the dealer. As long as you beat the dealer without going over, you'll win. Guaranteed.

June 1, 1947.

It was 11:00 on a Saturday night. It was a busy night for the valet workers as the entire parking lot was jammed pack with beige, gray, yellow, red, white, and black cars of all similar shapes and sizes. Rarely did any of the cars leave at this late hour. The valet workers were forced to relocate the new guests' cars elsewhere, taking them to the surrounding parking lots around the resort. It didn't help it was the summer time. Although at night, cooler than the rays of the blazing sun, their white tuxedo uniforms looked slightly unkempt with leftover sweat and gasoline fumes. Their ruffled neck collars and unbuttoned cuffs were necessary for proper ventilation from the heat. If Mr. Siegel saw what they were doing, he would've fired them immediately on the spot. Luckily for every worker at the Flamingo, he was nowhere in this high-class resort.

Mr. Siegel, a.k.a. Bugsy, was currently staying with his girlfriend, Miss Virginia Hill, at her mansion in Beverley Hills, California. He was...something. I mean, he was a mobster for Murder Inc. MURDER INCORPORATED. How did I happen to find myself working in a white tux at a blackjack table in a casino owned by the leader of a murderous gang, one might say? Funny story, I'll add.

About two years ago, I had come out from working on military bases. World War II had ended, and I wanted to do something outside the military. My boss told me I could either go back to mining, or work on constructing some buildings around the Las Vegas Valley area. Having already worked in the mines, knowing how bad the conditions can be, I chose to do construction. And my first construction project in hand was a resort and casino, originally funded by Mr. Wilkerson, on the outskirts of Las Vegas. By the time I arrived to do some work, Mr. Siegel had come to "help" with the construction with his investments.

Sometime during construction, Mr. Wilkerson disappeared. I was late to hear the news. It wasn't until I mentioned Mr. Wilkerson's name to Mr. Siegel, a year into the construction, did I get the gist on what happened. With Mr. Siegel in charge, the original plans for the resort were scrapped and changed significantly. Over $6 million dollars of construction and a failed opening later, the Flamingo was finally open to the public two years later.

I could've left, and not have to deal with anymore verbal abuse and unsettling threats. Despite his vulgar comments, he had this aura that made him somewhat likable. After working with him for years, I grew adjusted to his personality which somehow got his attention. By the end of the construction project, Mr. Siegel offered me a position at his casino as a dealer upon seeing me deal with other construction workers. I'll admit, I was slightly afraid to turn him down. He's a mobster after all, the kind of person one can't normally say no to. Of couse, I accept his offer and have stayed at the casino as one of his most trusted workers. So far, the pay is generous. In fact, the job can be fun at times. Better than constructing military aircraft in my opinion.

Now that the Flamingo is running smoothly, finally earning profit in recent months, Mr. Siegel trusted the casino management will do fine during his presence elsewhere. Much to everyone else's surprise, Mr. Siegel assigned me the key to his personal office in the casino. Most of the senior workers had their eyes on me, wondering why Bugsy would trust me, a ordinary teenager, to his high office. Even I wondered that question. Until Mr. Siegel's return, I was the guardian to the silver key to his private room.

A week had passed since Mr. Siegel's departure. The casino has been operating smoothly without his presence.

I'll admit, Mr. Siegel's ambitions paid off. The Flamingo was truly a unique experience even I would be proud to work at. The hotel alone was a retired, rich man's paradise. Anyone with a thick wallet can rent one of the luxurious rooms and come to appreciate the quality of their stay to be worth the high price. Gold painted walls and soft, velvet red carpet. Creamy, silk sheets covered a king-sized bed fit even for royalty. European-style decor from the chairs to the tables and the design itself. Let's not forget the large, luxurious bathroom that looked like it belonged in a Californian mansion. Mr. Siegel was adamant on making every room look like a millionaire's guest room.

After getting yourself adjusted in your lavish room, you have the option on exploring the resort. The spa for anyone wanting a relaxing massage by the emerald green palms and sapphire blue poolside. An upscale restaurant for anyone hungry to dine on the finest steak and lobster from Michelin star chefs. The health club for anyone wishing to shed the weight of their rich meals with a young, attractive trainer. The golf course for the old gentleman wanting to have a good sport with friends and associates. The nightclub for the younger folk wishing to converse and dance to jazz in the dark amid the neon lights. And lastly the showroom where the hotel's lovely showgirls sang and dance alongside famous singers and musicians as guest stars for the evening, ready to entertain a full crowd. All of that is only one half of the Flamingo.

While half the guests enjoy themselves at the resort, the rest were putting money into the casino. Large, decorated, gold glimmering halls full of various games that require luck and a bit of skill. Baccarat for anyone with a great intuition and a lucky draw. Blackjack for anyone excellent in betting and great in decision making. Craps for anyone with a quick and lucky hand at the dice. Poker for anyone good at bluffing and pairing. Roulette for anyone with accurate predictions and confidence. Slot machines for anyone with a good eye and an incredible amount of patience. I could take all night mentioning all the types of games this casino had to offer, not to mention the decor and the atmosphere itself. The place reminded me of the Roaring Twenties, a world of sinful extravagance where the only requirements were your age and some cash.

It was a golden oasis full of fancy flamingos waddling in its prosperous pool of indulgence.

"Hey, is that Neus?" I heard a familiar voice.

Turning my head, I couldn't believe who I saw coming my way.

One young man and three young women. The owner of the familiar voice belonged to a red-headed man who wore a back suit and a red tie to help accent his amber eyes. On his right was his neighbor, a tall woman wearing glasses around his age who wore a navy blue, evening gown with her chocolate hair in an updo bun. On her left was an African American woman whose dark skin stood out among the lighter skinned guests. She had on a silvery white, cocktail dress and her hair was straightened with a silver hair clip on the side. Then on her right, the woman I dread on seeing skipped beside her in a glittery gold, mermaid dress with an ivory, feathered boa wrapped around her waist and arms. Her hair was in a braided updo, making her look more mature than her age which probably helped her pass security.

The four I've described were Jeremy (New Jersey), Penelope (Pennsylvania), Louise (Louisiana), and Aurelia (California). 

Louise squinted her indigo eyes, growing large when she spotted me at one of the blackjack tables. "Oh my God, it's him! Hey, Neus!" She waved.

Cali came running up to my table with a smile on her face. "Hey, Neus! How's it going, dude?" she giggled.

I noticed her face looked slightly flushed than normal. Must be from the alcohol.

"Busy, but manageable," I replied, indifferent to their excitement.

The rest came and stood around the blackjack table.

"I thought you were working for the military," said Penny.

"I was, but I'm taking a break from that for now. I was working for a construction job, but I somehow ended up working as a dealer in this casino," I explained.

"The pay any good?" Jersey asked.

I shrugged. "It's alright. Not as much as government funds, but better than mining in caverns."

"You don't look too busy," Louise commented.

"That's because I just finished serving a full house. I'm pretty much waiting for new players." I look to the deck of 52 cards I have in my hands.

Cali looked to one of the passing waiters and got herself a glass of champagne off one of their trays. "Mind if I play?" She took a swig from the glass.

The others joined in. "I'm currently on a lucky spree just so you know." Penny adjusted her glasses, looking pretty smug.

Jersey sighed. "I kinda blew my load at roulette. Might have to pass on this one."

"I told you to bet on black, but no. You just had to go for red," Cali snickered.

He gave her the stink eye. "Says the one who blew $500 on number 31."

"It's my lucky number! Okay!"

"Tell you what," Louise interrupt, "I'll lend you $1,000 just so you can play along with us."

His face brighten. "Really? Thanks!"

"But you have to mow my yard for a year."

"Of course..."

"So everyone's playing then?" I interrupt. Everyone nodded with determined looks on their faces. "Okay, folks. Place your bets."

From left to right, Penny, Jersey, Louise, and Cali sat on stools around the table. Penny placed down 2 white ($1) and 2 red ($5) chips. Jersey placed down 2 blue ($20) chips. Louise placed 1 green ($25) chip. And Cali, being the big spender she was, placed 1 black ($100) chip. On the exception of Cali, everyone looked like they knew what they were doing.

"Alright. I'll now pass out the cards," I announced, grabbing a deck in hand.

Within three seconds, I dealt every player their first card face-up, including myself, in a clockwise direction. On the second arc, I repeated the same process with their second card except mine was face-down. I checked my hole card before looking at the players' cards. Penny had a 3 of Cloves and a 9 of Spades. Jersey had a 2 of Hearts and a 10 of Diamonds. Louise had a King of Diamonds and a 10 of Spades. Cali had a Queen of Hearts and a 6 of Diamonds. Respectively in order, they have an initial total of 12, 12, 20, and 16.

Penny "hit" her card, thus I gave her a card. She got a Jack of Hearts, giving her a total of 22. She was busted, much to her disappointed groans. Jersey made a hit, scratching the table with his index finger, and I gave him a card. He got a 7 of Cloves, bringing him to a total of 19. Seeing he was in a good spot, Jersey "stand" by his cards. Louise also stood by her cards, looking rather confident with her high number. When it was Cali's turn, she made a hit. The third card I gave her was a 4 of Spades. She stayed with 20, comfortable with that number.

With everyone's cards set in stone, it was my turn to show my cards. I flipped my hole card, revealing an Ace of Cloves, pairing with my 5 of Spades to equal either 6 or 16. I drew another card and got a 5 of Diamonds. Pairing with my second option, it gave me a total of 21. Thus, all the chips placed in their betting boxes were now mine for the taking.

Everyone, especially Cali, shot off groans of displeasure.

"Lucky draw!" Cali huffed upset, chugging down the rest of her champagne.

I cleared the table. "Okay. Place your bets."

Once again, everyone placed down the same amount of chips in their betting boxes. Once that was done, I passed out the cards as usual. Checking my hidden card, it was a 3. Paired with my faced-up Jack made a total of 13.

I looked at everyone else's cards, and noticed Penny's were two Queens, so she stayed. Jersey had an 8 and a 4. He made a hit and I gave him a card. The 2 brought him up to a 16, but he wasn't done. He hit again, and I passed him another card. It was a 3, placing him with 19 in total, thus he stayed.  Louise's cards were a 9 and a 2. Taking a risk, she placed another green chip in her betting box, doubling her bet on the chance of her next and last card giving her a good spot. I passed a card to her, giving her a Jack which altogether gave her a total of 21. Louise cheered, rubbing her hands in glee.

Lastly, I turned to Cali whose cards were a 3 and a 5. I cringed seeing her add another black chip to her hefty bet. Thinking she could pull a Louise, she proudly smiled without a clue on what she's doing. Breathing out a sigh, I forced myself not to roll my eyes when I gave her final card. It was a 4. Not surprised...

After everyone stood by their bets, I can finally show my hole card. I flipped it over and showed them my initial total of 13. I drew another card, seeing it was a 5, bringing my total to 18. According to the rules of blackjack, I cannot draw after getting a number over 17, thus players with a higher number than the number in my hand won their bet. Tying with Jersey, we push the bet, so he doesn't gain or lose chips. As for Penny and Louise, they won and I gave them the amount they placed. As for Cali, she lost more money. Again.

"Cali, you suck at this game," Louise snickered.

"No, I'm not! I just need to get better cards." She crossed her arms, insisting it was her hand's fault instead of her decision-making skills.

"Or, you can lower your bet, and not lose by the hundreds," I pointed out.

"Yeah, but what if I win on the next bet? The pay off would be big!"

"You won't win the next bet." Or, the next one after that I would've add.

"Is that a challenge?" she dared.

I rolled my eyes. "Tell you what. How much more are you willing to bet?"

Cali thought about my question with great consideration. "$700. Why you ask?"

This is going to be good.

"In the next seven rounds or less, on the condition you put at least $100 on each bet, you'll become bankrupt. If I'm wrong, I'll give you..." I thought about the amount, "... $3,000. Do you accept?"

Cali stared at me speechless. 

"Neus. I know you're good at blackjack, but I think you're underestimating Cali," said Jersey.

I thought about what he said for a moment. "Yeah, you're right." I nodded. "She'll lose all her money in less than six bets."

"You're taking this, Cali?" Penny looked dubiously at the Californian.

Cali smiled, nodding quickly. "$3,000 bucks! Here I come!" She slapped down a black chip, eager to play again.

I smirked. "Then it's settled."

~ Fifteen Minutes Later ~

"Waiter! Can you get me a glass of sparkling wine? I really need one right now..." Cali moaned, her head faced down on the blackjack table

"Tsk. Tsk." I shake my head with a satisfied smile streaked across my face. "Considering you're an amateur, I'll only ask for $1,000 before the new year."

Cali slammed her forehead once more on the table. More groans followed. "Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater! I demand a rematch!" She grabbed the glass of sparkling wine off the waiter's tray, chugging the entire glass until not a drop was left.

"Do you even have anymore money?"

Cali nodded. She grabbed the silver wallet she carried and got out ten $100 dollar bills. "If I win one game, you owe me $2,000."

I glowered, looking down at the Benjamins she placed down. "As easy as that would be, I'm going to pass on your offer."

"Scared you might lose?" She teased, her face a darker shade of scarlet thanks to the sparkling wine.

"Not at all. It wouldn't ge right taking money from someone unable to win."

"Are you calling me a loser?"

I shook my head. "Not at all. I'm calling you drunk."

"I'm not THAT drunk," she slurred.

"Why are you blushing then?"

She blinked her eyes as though she found my question off-putting. "Why would I be blushing?"

Louise patted Cali's right shoulder. "Maybe it's time for you to get some rest at the hotel."

"NO!" Cali slammed her fists down on the table, startling us and everyone nearby. "I'm fine and I want to play some more!" She pouted.

Penny scowled. "You can play some more tomorrow. It's getting late anyway." She got up from her seat and went over to Cali.

Cali refused to budge. "I'm staying! And I mean it!"

Jersey sighed. He checked the time on his wristwatch. "It's 11:30. Tell you what Cali. We can play for thirty more minutes before heading back to the hotel. That okay with you?" He tried to compromise with her.

Cali placed a finger on her glossy, pink lips, thinking about this question for a considerable amount of time before replying in a high-pitched voice with a raised hand, "Okay!"

Seeing everyone come to an agreement, I went ahead and shuffled the cards. "Alrighty then. Place your bets. And Cali," I turned to her specifically, giving her chips in exchange for her money, "Don't bet with black."

I really meant it this time. I refused to give her any black chips, so hopefully that'll discourages her from betting too high. However, I underestimate the spiteful Valley Girl.

"Fine." She slapped down 4 green chips. "I'll bet green instead." She grinned before making a snort.

I wanted to protest against this tipsy smart-ass, but I decided against it. Let her lose more money. At this point, I hope she gets a painful hangover and learns to play more wisely next time.

Once everyone placed down their bets, I passed out the cards.

I'll cut to the chase. Twelve bets later, Cal nearly went bankrupt with about $200 left. Somehow, she was able to get two pushes, so she was able to keep betting. However, she already lost $800 from making amateur moves like hitting when she couldn't stayed, or doubling her bet she she could've make it with two or more hits. Once I bankrupt her, I hope she can finally give up and go home. Not only concerned she lost so much money, I didn't want her to become an alcoholic after this.

"Okay. Place your be-"

"Neus, darling!"

My body suddenly became wrapped in crimson vines, followed by the soft thud of two round cushions hitting my upper back. An electric impulse pinched my right side, instinctively moving my arm to slap the invasive hand off my chest. In a brief struggle to get away from any physical contact, I turned around to see who it was who grabbed me. Immediately, I recognized the woman with the pesky, but velvet voice.

At five feet and nine inches in high heels, the gorgeous woman in her mid-twenties was no ordinary woman. Fiery red hair in a chignon with twisting strands along the sides of her strawberry shaped face. Eyelashes, long and thick, full of jet black mascara that accented her amber eyes' dangerous allure. Lips, full and plump like ripe cherries, painted in a tantalizing, glossy red. A voluptuous body the goddess of beauty would be jealous of. Her breasts, double D she bragged to me numerous times, looked like they were ready to explode out of the tight, crimson, evening dress she had on. As impressive as she was, able to walk around with such accessories all day, they weren't the reason why most men flocked to have her for themselves.

A hint of her long, smooth legs in scantily clad fish nets peeked out through the slip of her deep scarlet dress, catching the eye of a few passing waiters and guests to check those legs out. No man could resist her sexy legs for some reason. Even Mr. Siegel, her boss who found her in Chicago, couldn't help but ogle at them whenever she walked around the casino floor. He was always a sucker for long legs. Without a doubt, she was proud of her body, especially her slender legs whom she'll always make sure to show off whenever she's out on the prowl.

Coupled with alluring, red hair and warm, lustful eyes, Miss Flannery Campbell became the one and only Red Flamingo whenever she stepped on stage. Other than to entertain the crowd with her breathtaking looks, she also entertained them with her voice. She sang to the mellow blues, the dazzle jazz, and any tune she wanted to sing to for the night. She also entertained them with her dance; her performances closely resembled strip dancing at times. Of course, there's also her body. For any guy lucky enough to catch the sparkle in her eye, she'll give them an offer they couldn't refuse. Of course, there's always a price to be paid.

As famous as she was on stage and in bed, she's known to get under the skin of people who manage to see through her playful act. She was known to skip out on her performances. She was also known to swindle customer's money. Mr. Siegel always defended her as an asset to the Flamingo's success despite her irresponsible behavior. If only he saw the other side to her, the part that's not a sex object, he might change his mind. Until then, she continues to hang around the casino, her behavior remaining problematic. 

I glanced away from her, turning my attention back to my friends who ogled at Miss Campbell in amazement.

"The Red Flamingo, is it?" Jersey exclaimed. "You were awesome today!"

Miss Campbell graciously smiled. "Why thank you. I'm glad you like my performance."

"You know Neus?" Penny asked as she took a calm sip from her gin & tonic, pique to see the Flamingo's star performer.

"Sure! He always serves me drinks after my performances, so you can say we're good friends."

I blinked my eyes. "Miss Campbell-"

"Flannery," she corrected.

"... Flannery. You should be heading on home now."

Knowing her, she probably has a poor lad by the balls, waiting for her to head back to the hotel and rent out a VIP room.

The red lady mocked a broken heart. "But, darling. You promised to take me home after tonight's performance."

What?

"I didn't-"

I tried to protest, but she pressed a finger to my lips. "You. Promise." She pursed her lips into a cruel smile, popping goosebumps across both of my arms.

"Wow. What a hoe," Cali uttered unimpressed.

Flannery and I looked at the Valley Girl, dumbfounded by her sassy remark. Flannery looked like she was about to murder her.

"What was that?"

Oh shit.

Cali huffed. "I said-"

Louise covered her mouth in time. "S-She said what a whole-some gal! I-I mean, you look so fit and healthy! I bet Cali is jealous of that body of yours. Haha..." She grinned from ear to ear

Cali managed to remove Louise's hand off her mouth. "Pffft!" she made a raspberry, "Hell no! She a tramp-"

"She a trampoline!" Louise talked over Cali, turning the offensive comment into a weird one.

Flannery looked at Louise, unsure whether she should be offended or not. Sweat formed on Louise's brow, forcing her to look away and get a glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray.

"Champagne?" she offered.

She shook her head. "I'm more of a wine person. Thanks for the offer."

She didn't seem to take any offense in the gesture which is good to know. I hate to have a cat fight on my hands.

Cali took the glass out of Louise's hands and guzzled the drink down her throat. "You know he not into you," she blurted before burping into her fist.

"Really?" Flannery cocked her head. "What makes you say that?" She made her way to sit down next to Cali.

She blankly stared at her for what seemed like a minute before answering, "You good at poker?"

Her unrelated answer got a chuckle out of Flannery. "I think you mean blackjack, darling. But, yes. I'm good at both."

The tip of Cali's nose twitched at the answer. "Then, can you help me? I want to prove I can win with a $100 bet on the table."

"What's in it for me?"

Cali thought on the question with a long pause. "... I'll pay you a hundred bucks."

The red woman's once neutral expression perked up to some free money. "Okay then." The two shake on the unfair deal.

"Wait a minute-"

"By the way, Neus," she stopped me, "If I win on the first bet, you'll have to take me home for tonight."

I glared. "Even if that were possible, I have two more hours of work to finish."

She scoffed, "You work too much, darling. Heading home two hours early isn't going to be a big loss for the casino. Now, are you going to hand out the cards or not?" She placed four green chips down on the table.

If I could, I would've denied playing with her. But with my friends watching, especially Cali, I gave in for the sake on getting this over with.

Coolly and collectively, I picked up a deck of cards and shuffled them in my hands. "Anyone else joining?" I turned to everyone else.

Penny shook her head. "I'm good. I'm going to let this play out." She sipped down the rest of her gin & tonic.

"I'll pass. A $300 gain is good enough for me." Jersey passed.

"Me too," Louise added.

Looking at Cali and Flannery, I asked, "Is that your initial bet?" I looked down on the green chips.

Cali turned to Flannery, seeing her give a nod of approval. "Yeah!" she squeaked a little too loudly.

Hearing her final answer, I passed out the cards. Everyone else looked at Cali and I and the cards that were drawn. Looking at Cali's cards, they are a Queen of Hearts and a 6 of Cloves, giving her a total of 16. Looking at my cards, the hole card is an Ace of Spades, paired with a 4 of Spades. Cali was about to hit when Flannery tapped her wrist. 

"Hey!"

"Stand," she advised.

Cali looked at the cards then looked at her. "I don't know."

"Do you want to win or lose?" Her eyes were deadly serious.

Cali frowned. Knowing her, she would've hit and attempt to get another card to increase her chances on getting 21. More than half the time, she would bust. She would then whine about me cheating and yada yada. With Flannery's advice, Cali done the exact opposite. She stood by 16 and ended her turn there.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

Cali slowly nodded, looking sober in that moment. "Sí (Yes)," she uttered/

Turning to Flannery, she hid whatever emotion or thought going through her mind at that moment. The many card games I've played with her had resulted in us being on even ground, both having our fair share of wins and losses. Her suggestion for Cali to stand was risky. Sixteen was a low number. Cali can hit and her chances of getting a number like an Ace to a 5 can boost her chances. Then again, if she were to get a higher number than 5, she could get busted. Maybe that's why she chose to stand. Only one way to find out if her intuition was right or not.

With that said, I flipped over my hole card, revealing my Ace and a 4. Both cards will either add up to 5 or 15 depending on the Ace's value. Less than Cali's total, I was forced to draw another card. I flipped the card over and revealed a Jack of Cloves. Going bust with 25 wasn't an option, so I stuck by 15. Behind Cali by one point, I needed to draw a card less than or equal to 6 or I'll go bust. Staring down at the deck, the chances of getting a low number are in my favor. Yet, this gut feeling of mine tells me it'll be a high number. Taking a deep breath, I drew my next card.

Without looking, I flipped the card over.

It was a 7 of Hearts.

I went over.

"I WON!" I grew startled by Cali's obnoxious cheers. "Durufufufu! Fuck yeah! In your face, Neus! Woohoo!"

The crazy Valley Girl jumped off the stool and hopped around the casino floor. She ran around in circles, laughing maniacally like a madman. Everyone, including nearby visitors, watched Cali dance around in a mix of swing, high kicks, ballet twirls, and tipsy moves I never seen before. Being the responsible grandma she was, Penny went to grab Cali from making more out of a fool of herself, taking her by the arm and forcing her to stand still.

"I think it's about time we head back to the hotel," Penny muttered.

Cali giggled, pointing her finger at me. "In your face, Neus! I'm forever the Blackjack Queen! You shall only bow down to me! Wahahaha!" Cali drunk, happy face turned a pale shade of green. "You guys... I don't feel so good. I think I'm going to throw up..."

Penny's annoyed face turned into one of panic. "Jeremy! Louise! Help me get her to a restroom! Stat!"

Jersey and Louise hopped out of their seats, hurrying over to support Cali. "H-Hang on, girl. The nearest restroom is somewhere." Louise rubbed Cali's back.

"I'm going to be si- Blurp!" Cali covered her mouth.

"Dang it, Cal! I told you not to drink too much," Penny scolded her as the three urgently carried her out of the casino floor.

Jersey looked my way, waving at me frantically. "Uh, see ya tomorrow, Neus!"

"Yeah! See ya later!" Louise helped Jersey in their team effort on getting Cali out of here.

Watching the four head elsewhere, I wanted to go with them, too. Still sitting at the blackjack table, Flannery's smirk was more prominent now. She picked up the money Cali left behind, slipping the hundred dollar bill inside her cleavage. I looked away, hearing a chuckle come out of her.

"She's pretty lucky," she commented.

I relaxed my breath, slumping over into the chair behind me. "Lucky? She nearly lost $2,000 before winning this one." I got a cigarette packet out of the pockets of my trousers.

She shrugged. "Anyway, you coming with me?"

I scoffed at the question. "I'm not going to drive you home."

I dug around my pockets for a lighter. Wallet, keys, a notepad... No lighter? I thought I had my lighter on me. God, I need a smoke.

"Looking for a light?"

I peered up to see my neon pink lighter in Flannery's right hand. She dangled the lighter between her thumb and index finger, waving it like a dog biscuit. To my chagrin, she had a cigarette sticking out between her red, glossy lips, already lit. This woman...

I held my palm up. "That belongs to me."

"You forgot to say the magic word," she giggled.

I sighed. "Please," I reluctantly muttered.

She shook her head. "I'll give you a hint. It's somewhere along the lines of you taking me home," she clarified. I scowled. "Why so grumpy? Do you want your lighter back or not?" she teased.

I eyed her suspiciously. I could easily yank the lighter out of her hands, but Mr. Siegel will no doubt believe the lying crap of an excuse she'll say about me. Not wanting to bother with a bad night, I reluctantly went along with her little demands.

"Let me get my things before I take you home. Now, will you please give me back my lighter?"

She smirked, tossing my lighter back to me. "I could see why Bugsy took a liking to you. Pretty easy to order around," she snickered.

I lit my cigarette, taking a good breath of the nicotine before blowing out a cloud of smoke. I placed my lighter in my shirt pocket, a more secure place I hope Flannery won't get to the next time she pulls the same stunt on me. Looking back at Flannery, the smug look she had was still there.

"What's your end game?" I questioned skeptically.

She tilted her head, trying to appear clueless to the question. "What do you mean?"

I sighed. "Never mind. Let's just go."

I walked away from the blackjack table, heading to the employee locker room. Flannery got up from the stool, joining my side as we left the casino.

The seductress in scarlet and the silver-eyed statue. The player and the dealer. Who is to win this game? We're currently tied at this point. The next battle we'll have will most likely take place tomorrow. For sure, I won't underestimate her. When this is all over, I hope to learn her secret, her true purpose for coming here. Then, can I finally leave this place for good.

☆☆☆☆☆

+ The Flamingo Hotel & Casino was the third casino to be built along the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, and it was currently one of the oldest casinos still in operation as of 2019. It was first developed in 1945 with the aid of Bugsy Siegel, an American mobster of Murder Inc. Despite the casino's initial troubles when it opened, it later became successful as more people began to recognize its luxurious rooms, upscale treatment, and top-class entertainment. Such luxury influenced later casinos and hotels in Las Vegas.

+ To those who might be wondering, most of the research done for this chapter involved the history of the Flamingo Hotel & Casino and the rules to blackjack. I knew how to play some of the basics of blackjack, however, I wasn't familiar with betting and the game's special rules. I read some articles and played an online game just to get an idea on how that worked. So, hopefully the tedious explanation I included in the story helped readers who weren't familiar with the game.

+ On a final note, Flannery is a made-up character I created. I made her to represent the noir, showgirl-esque type in respect to the era. Without a doubt, she'll have more appearances in some of Nevada's chapters to come.

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