Chapter Text
December 23rd. Does this count as a night out?
One moment, Chance and I were walking home from work, and the next moment I found myself in the casino in entirely unfamiliar attire and a face full of make up that felt itchy when I moved my skin even slightly.
The transition is more or less a blur, but I do remember being told that they had to return to the casino on account of some ‘official business’. Given the conversation I’d had with Sally only the day before, I asked to come along. It took some convincing, but Chance finally allowed it, only, we had to stop by their house to put me in something that’d fit in ‘better’.
The red dress was tight in some areas, loose in others. It was glaringly loose in my chest area. Something about it belonging to Chance’s mother, who was somehow thinner than I was but bigger in where it counted most it would appear. Putting those facts aside, it was so short I was afraid of some sort of wardrobe malfunction. It was almost embarrassing, but I decided to tough it out. It bared no sleeves, but I was currently wearing white gloves accompanied by the coat that Chance had been wearing, which practically solidified me as some sort of entourage. People looked at me with respectful smiles, at least for the most part.
Our arms were interlocked, and Chance spoke low when they talked to me. Throughout our navigation of the busy interior, with every single table occupied and something entirely different happening in every single corner of the main room, they explained to me certain things I should know and certain ways I should act. They said that, despite knowing the client, it was always best to stay on our toes.
It was a simple set of rules, but all of them felt odd in some way.
For starters, the no speaking rule. They told me it was more of an identity situation. You never know with ‘these types of clients’ what they could be after, so to allow them to do all of the talking necessary.
Secondly, only make eye contact when they have initiated it first. Staring is rude, so don’t be the one to start it. You never know when someone could see it as a threat.
Third, don’t make a face. More or less an extension of the previous rule, any sort of face could make the client think you’re up to something, even if you aren’t. It’s best to avoid it in case of conflict.
Fourth, never, under any circumstances, stray away from them. This rule felt far more personal from Chance, more as a way to keep me safe in case the client got a little aggressive.
And lastly, never allow yourself to be alone with someone. People only attack when nobody is watching, so under no circumstances should you ever be with someone you don’t know, let alone with them only.
Chance assured me that this would not happen, though, I was technically a foreigner in the client’s eyes. While guests of ‘official games’, which is supposedly what this was referred to as, was common, it definitely wasn’t as common for Chance to bring someone, let alone someone who was very clearly involved with them in the way that we were.
I was led to a much smaller room that had a single woman in dark attire standing out in front. Chance made an assured nod that was reciprocated by the woman before we walked inside.
Everything felt so unusual. Not just because I hadn’t ever stepped into the casino before, but I was suddenly being whisked away into a room filled with the people who were so important that they were granted ‘VIP’ status, or so the sign out front said. According to Chance, the status was not something that was bought, but only received once you’d made a name for yourself at their parents’ casino. It was only this select group of people that could request a game with Chance specifically. A scam, if you asked me.
I wasn’t doubting Chance’s ability, but it made it appear as if they were a prize. In my eyes, there’s no way that could be fair.
“Well, look who finally decided to show up.”
Before me stood a woman who practically towered over us. She wore entirely black, as if a shadow rather than her own person. Her hat, large, appearing very similar to Chance’s own, hid her face almost entirely. It was only when she glanced towards the single table in the middle of the room, illuminated by the only light that seemed to be on, did I catch the slightest glimpse of her eyes.
Red, wholly red.
Like her lipstick, like blood.
Chance smiled at the lady before speaking.
“Good to see you again, Don.”
It was a name I did not recognize as being particularly bad. But somehow, it made me all the more on edge.
I minded what Chance had told me before stepping aside, within the light crowd of other individuals, making sure to keep quiet and in the background. I watched as the dealer, a slender man who I also did not recognize, opened up a new deck of cards adorned in floral packaging, distinctly the ones that belonged to the casino, and set them out in front of Chance and the woman.
“I see you’ve brought someone along with you. Might I ask what she is to you?”
“Quite nosey, aren’t we? You always were the type to pry into my life.” The game was poker, judging by how the dealer had set things up. “If you must know, she’s my fiancée.”
“Oh? Well, look at you. Mommy and Daddy’s little girl is already planning a future.” I noticed her nails were long, bearing the exact same striking red as her eyes. “I’ve never seen her around. Is she a fan of card games?”
To begin, both Chance and the women pushed out two chips. No rules, nor any sort of value, had been announced, which led me to believe that this was not the first time they’d played poker against each other. That, and of course, some other things.
“Not particularly. Perhaps that’s why I’m so fond of her.”
“My, opposites attract it would seem.” Both participants were handed two cards. “I suppose congratulations are in order, then.”
I stood behind Chance, revealing to me that both cards were particularly high, though not perfect. An ace, and an eight.
“Hm. While I’m thankful for the gesture, why don’t we get back to the task at hand.”
“You’re right, you’re right. I’d like to raise my bet by ten chips.”
I’d always known Chance to be particularly competitive in our games throughout high school. The thing about that though, is that I was aware of just how much they would hold back when it was against me. Rumors around school would build up quickly, saying that not only did they have a habit of shit talking, but an almost cocky demeanor that never seemed to fade, even in the unlikely chance that their luck would run out. Which, if I’m remembering correctly, only ever happened once.
“20 chips.” Chance said right after.
She made no comment, only holding a smile that was rid of genuine emotion.
The flop was then revealed, showing a single face, an eight, and a five. Chance’s ace held the same suit as the face, both hearts. However, the other two cards were both diamonds, in comparison to Chance’s spade. If 'Don' didn't also hold a pair, then Chance would win from their own.
“Give me 15 more chips, for the fun of it.” The lady said after examining the cards.
“In that case, I’ll raise six.” Chance responded.
“Must you always put in more than me?”
“It’s more fun that way.”
The dealer then laid out the turn, revealing it to be a seven spade.
“I’ll raise one.”
“So will I.”
And finally, the river, the queen of clubs.
“Hm…raise me five more chips.”
“I’ll do the same.”
Finally, it was time to set the cards down.
When she placed her cards down it revealed a three of hearts and a ten of diamonds.
And so concluded the first round, with Chance winning due to the pair of eights like I’d anticipated.
It was a shaky start, but the next several rounds seemed to be just as shaky. One thing I would notice however, was the dwindle in Chance’s height as an indicator that their luck was being lost as the game continued.
A total of ten rounds were played, which, by the tenth, had consisted of five wins on Chance’s part, and four on their opponent’s.
“If we tie, who wins then?” She asked.
“As per tradition, you win. Losing your memory now, Don? You should know this.” Chance leaned backwards, with their head just barely touching the side of my arm when they did so. They peered their head back just slightly, giving me a warm and familiar smile that contrasted just about everything this afternoon.
She snapped her fingers.
“I thought you said focus?” She smiled. “Is she making you go soft or something?”
“Hardly. Ever consider that she’s my good luck charm?”
They rested a single arm against the top of the chair, leaning their body lightly to the side in a slouched demeanor that felt insensitive and almost disrespectful. It was clear they were leaning that way in order to make this ‘Don’ woman a little on edge, but from the way she kept her composure, it bothered her very little. It was then I started to realize that there were four people that had been practically hovering this entire time.
Most people had not stayed the whole game. Many had navigated around the place, some leaving momentarily before returning back with a drink or two, or just disappearing entirely. In fact, for most of the game, I had only recognized Chance, Don, and I being the only people who had stayed in place.
But I suppose it was because I had not been paying enough attention.
There were four, all of which shared the same yellow skin that Don and I had. Three of them wore hats, while the remaining fourth only had sunglasses, but it was still notable to group her in with the others. A top hat, a conductor’s hat, and an ushanka. All of which had matching attire of a black suit vest over a white button up and black slacks. They had gotten increasingly closer to Chance’s opponent as the night continued, watching every single card, making a round trip from one side to the other, all before returning back to Don.
Were they cheating? Surely, Chance would have noticed. But even then, would they have said anything about it?
I wanted to say something, but ultimately decided to stick to the rules. Even still, I laid a gloved hand on their upper arm. They acknowledged it with a nod that was not enough to tell me directly, but enough to imply it.
“Nice ring you got there, Missus.”
She made direct eye contact with me, which I could do nothing but slightly glance back.
“She’s not much for talking.” Chance interjected, only to be met with a stern frown from their opponent.
“Is she now? You and her seemed to be talking rather okay on your way in here.”
“Then allow me to correct myself. She’s not much for talking to other people.”
“Sounds rather controlling. You aren’t abusing her, are you?”
Chance gritted their teeth. I noticed a tensing in their shoulder that urged me to move my hand further up in attempts to console it. It seemed to work, as their posture relaxed once again as I held their shoulder gently.
I shifted, leaning down directly behind them as I wrapped my arms around their neck.
The initial bet was identical to the first round, which I could’ve said was intentional. Only, when Chance received a jack and queen of spades, I could tell that there was a big difference. This could either go incredibly well, or incredibly horrible. The spades limit the chances of getting something you can match with, additionally, such high cards hinder the chances you’ll get a match of something equally as high. The safest thing was to expect other spades within the set, only, the chances of Don pulling the spades we needed are relatively the same. A royale flush is practically impossible, but a straight might be a little more manageable.
The second raise was not different either. While the past raises had been inconsistently high and low, this one seemed to mirror the very beginning. I could only hope it would also mirror Chance’s winnings, because the two were very equally tied in chips. A loss would not only damage Chance’s supposed reputation, but also cost quite the amount.
The flop revealed a diamond, a king to be exact, a spade of ten, and a diamond of ten.
“100 chips, please.” She said, which caught both of us off guard.
What were the chances that both cards she pulled were diamonds? She’d need the ace and two faces to complete the set. But also, she could be trying for four of a kind. I mean, two tens wasn’t as impossible.
“You must have incredible cards.” Chance laughed.
“Maybe I do.”
“Well, in that case, allow me to put in 200 chips.”
The little audience left began whispering amongst each other, and I could not help but bite my lip out of anxiousness. For that to work out, the next two cards had to be an ace of spades and a face, assuming that what she held were both faces. I could only hope that the next two were at least not diamonds.
“Oh, wow. Better hope the next cards are in your favor, huh?” She leaned forward against the table. “How much money even is that?”
Nobody answered. Everybody knew.
There’s no way the bet had not exceeded one million by now, and had this been any other group of players, someone would’ve folded long before it got to this.
I would almost sigh of relief when the next card revealed itself to be a king of spades. However, I knew better than that. If they had any chance of winning against a potential royal flush of the opponent, the last card had to be an ace of spades.
“Well, in that case, I’ll put in 50 more chips," she said.
“Losing hope?”
“Not particularly.”
“Alright. 100 chips it is then.”
The whispers felt more like yelling at this point, but only because I had begun focusing on them way too much. Nothing was coherent, but every now and again I’d hear a suit be said, a value be yelled. a hand be predicted. I was not paying attention when the final card was placed down.
“All in.”
“All in.”
The two spoke in unison.
“How’s a four of a kind gonna do?”
I looked back towards Chance’s opponent, seeing that just as I’d mentioned, all they got were two tens. It was a relatively good hand, and would win if what was placed was anything but an ace of spades. Speaking of which, I should check.
But Chance placed their cards down before I could.
“Well, see for yourself.”
The jack and queen shined almost like diamonds under the lighting. Quickly, the crowd erupted in talk much louder. I’d even heard ‘How was that even possible?’
I finally looked at the river, and to my surprise and relief, the final card was in fact, the ace of spades we needed.
Chance had done it, somehow.
“But I think you knew that.” Chance continued.
“Come again?”
Don said, getting up.
“You rigged the cards, didn’t you?”
“How could I? I mean, I had not even touched the cards the whole time.”
“Would you mind bringing your lackeys forward? I recognize each of their faces quite well.”
With the snap of her finger, each of the ones I’d noticed walked forward, some looking more stern, others far more laid back.
Chance picked up a single card.
“These aren’t the ones manufactured for this casino. Surely, you’d think I’d notice.”
“Pray tell me, what gave it away?”
“While the material is the exact same quality, the colors are perfect, our cards have one more petal on this flower right here.” They pointed at the largest one in the center of the backing.
“Proof?”
“Mi luz, could you take out the deck in the pocket of my coat, please?”
I pulled away quickly, rummaging for the exact box I’d felt on my leg as we walked. The box was still in its packaging, so very gently I would pull the plastic off and hand it over.
They pulled out a single card, holding them side by side. I could not see the backing from where I stood, but judging by the faces of others in the crowd, it would appear that what they said was true.
“I’m not sure how much you paid our manufacturers, but I have no doubt we pay them more. Clearly, what they gave you was noticeably different.”
Just barely, I noticed Don’s smile got sharper. Each of her sidekicks looked towards her with the same face of not quite worry, not anger or sadness, but a harsh smile.
“It’s just as you said, Boss,” spoke the one with the ushanka.
“Well, would you look at that? The daughter of a rich man really does pay attention to those types of things," said the one with the top hat.
“I’d expect nothing less of you, Chance. But moreover, how does this prove we’re cheating?”
“Mind passing me the rest of the deck there?”
The dealer did as he was asked. Immediately, Chance would begin flipping through them, pulling out a single card that seemed to have no significance. The ace of spades.
Only, that card had already appeared. It was still sitting as the river in the center of the table.
Then they pulled out another.
“Duplicates,” they said. “A rather simple trick, one might even call juvenile. You had to hope that someone would not receive a double, which is why your Caporegime over here kept walking around.”
The one with the sunglasses nodded their head as a proud acknowledgement.
“I’m curious to know what would’ve happened if someone did receive a duplicate, but I have no doubt you would’ve simply blamed the casino for cheating or something of the sort. I guess it was good that it didn't come to that,” Chance had continued.
Don began clapping. Slow, drawn out ones.
“You’ve seen through me, I suppose that means our match is invalid?”
“Correct. Neither of us won today.”
“How unfortunate.”
“You had to have known this was coming.”
“Oh, I did. However, I’ve gained valuable information. So, I would call this a win in my books.”
“Always was the cryptic type, Don. Same time next month, then?”
“Think you’ll trust me by then?”
“I’ve never trusted you. But, sure. We’ll see when we get there.”
And off they went, each disappearing into the crowd like the shadow I’d assumed they were.
“How long did you know?” I finally said once they were gone.
Chance stood up and pushed their chair in. Meanwhile, the dealer was already cleaning up the aftermath.
“I became suspicious when I noticed ‘Sunglasses’ over there making it a point to see both hands each round.” They chuckled. “Judging by lack of reaction, you noticed it too, huh?”
“Well, I didn’t know for sure what they were doing, but I knew something was happening. Who stays to watch an entire poker game?”
“You’d be surprised. But yeah, it does look kind of weird that not one of them left to get a drink or something like most do.”
“Do you really play with her every month?”
“Just about. She usually tells me in advance when she isn’t available, but it would appear she looks forward to our games.”
“I see.”
“She might seem…elusive in a sense, but she’s harmless.”
“You think so?”
Chance nodded as a response, though I wasn't really assured. If they truly thought that she was harmless, Chance wouldn't have made up those stupid rules.
“Are you up for staying a little longer or are you ready to head home?” They asked, grabbing my hand.
“I’d like to see what else you get up to here, if you don’t mind.”
“Sounds good to me. Just remember, stay close, alright?”
“Will do.”