Snake Eyes

“Snake eyes!” the croupier called out in a redundant reminder.

A roll of two one’s on a pair of these cruel six-sided dice is one in 36. That’s a mere 2.77%, yet here I was rolling snake eyes at the Craps table as if it were the only numbers printed on the dice.

As if rehearsed, all of us gamblers around the table groaned in unison with disappointment.

Pale faced, I stared at the two eyes on the dice. I wanted each die melted down into a puddle of liquid. My glare was interrupted when the dealer, or thief as I called him, swiftly scooped up the dice using his mop stick.

My chest was pounding and I could feel a burning climb up my throat. It felt like lava flowing upward. Starting to sweat, I rubbed my red eyes and tried not to throw up all over the green felt table. When I looked at my lonely glass of Scotch there were none of my casino chips to keep it company. They were all gone.

So many emotions struggled to be first in line.

Despair.

Anger.

Hate.

I gulped the last of my drink and grimaced as it was more water than liquor. Served me right for ignoring it that long letting the ice melt. I figured now was the perfect time to smoke the cheap cigar in my blazer pocket and collect myself.

“Shall I reserve your special spot sir?” The dealer hissed at me.

Pointing my cigar at him I replied, “captain snake eyes. You’re a snake charmer with that stick, buddy.”

He nodded politely and smiled.

“Have a good smoke, sir. We have a great smoke lounge frequented by very interesting people. No snake charmers there.”

So, I trudged my way to this smoking lounge of interesting people. As I plodded my way, I looked up and noticed one of the Casino’s many “eye in the sky” cameras. The black oval pupils that never blinked yet spied on everyone. Was God watching?

I stared at it and prayed, “Come on, man! Just gimme a break here! I swear. Just let me win my money back. I’m done. Please!”

I continued past some noisy slot machines and the sounds of an old lady squealing in delight as she won the Slot Machine Jackpot. Bells rang and the red lights flashed like a police car in pursuit. She cried with joy and kissed what looked like a black bible. Seriously?

My head dropped down and I gazed at the patterned carpet. “And just in case you are listening down there too. Same thing. I just want my money back. PLEASE!”

As I approached the lounge the lights in the casino flickered. Maybe God was going to crash the casino. Wouldn’t help my pocket book but at least I might feel better! I had no luck there either as the lights continued to light the casino.

I entered the smoking lounge and made my way through the fumes. There was a definite lack of oxygen in this part of the casino and the smell of cigarettes with cigars were definitely not mixing well. It looked like a lot of depressed gamblers were taking a breather. Most of the spots were taken and I was lead to an area of five couch seats with one peculiar looking man smoking a Tony Montana type cigar. I motioned to the chair next to him and he opened his hand in acceptance.

“All alone?” I asked as I sank into a leather lazy boy type chair.

“Sadly.” He had the hint of an English Accent that was hiding some kind of European mother tongue. “Most nights, it seems people would rather pretend I do not exist. Light?”

The gentleman extended his lit lighter.

He was a real handsome guy and dressed in a killer-looking dark suit. I guessed he was in his 30’s. He was clean shaven with slicked back black hair that matched his dark black eyes. He was obviously a “hot shot” and people must have left him alone out of jealousy or intimidation.

Puffing on my cigar over his lighter, I noticed he had sharp looking cufflinks. Were the buttons on his suit diamonds?!?! Jesus.

“Buddy, I know we just met but damn you look like a million bucks in that suit.”

The man replied motioning to the waitress “Thank you. When people do decide to talk to me, I am always complimented on my appearance. It is a Vanquish Bespoke Suit by Alexander Amosu. I believe in good public perception. My name is Luc.”

I puffed on my stogie. Luc? Was that short for Luciano? He was far too pale to be Italian.

“Luc, I have no idea what Brand that even is. But it looks slick and I’m sure expensive. My name is Frank.”

Luc made perfect circles with the cigar smoke from his mouth “A drink Mr. Frank? Allow me please.”

I nodded breathing out cigar smoke that looked like burnt toast fumes.

“Does my pathetic-ness show that bad?

“You have come here for a break, yes? By the look on your face, it looks like you need a good one. You are almost as white as I am, but I have a cure for that.” He smiled warmly at the pretty waitress who blushed and returned the smile coyly. “Salvatore’s Legacy for us, please.”

I had no idea what he just ordered and must be like his suit and cost a bundle.

We sipped our amazing drinks and smoked our cigars. His cigar smoke over powered my cheap cigar and smelled divine. After a few mouthfuls of Salvatore’s Legacy I started to feel a lot better.

“I’m getting destroyed out there Luc. I have the worst luck.”

“Another drink please.” Luc asked the waitress. He turned to me, “Mark Twain once said that when ill luck begins, it does not come in sprinkles, but in showers.”

I sipped my beverage “Mark Twain is a bloody genius! I am racking my brain on how I can change it. I’m at a loss…”

“Have you prayed?”

I looked at him with a furrowed brow.

“Yes. Prayed. Maybe it is time for some help of a different kind.”

I chuckled “Actually, just before I came in here I did just that. All I asked for was my money back too. I’m such an idiot!”

“How much have you contributed to this establishment? And why are you an ‘idiot?’ “

“Ten grand.” I gulped the last of my drink. “I’m in big trouble. I’m a damn fool because if that miracle comes true, I should’ve asked for a ton more.”

“No. No. Trust your fist thought.” Luc advised.

He reached for and opened a black brief case that was sitting by his chair. He took out a small black notebook and one Casino chip. He flicked the Casino chip at me which I caught it with one hand. It was red with a flying Red Dragon in the centre.

I was confused.

“I thought you were a professional…and very successful gambler hot shot. You work here?”

“Not officially. I do a lot of work here.” Luc replied, “Mr. Frank, you have asked for help. I can help you. Take this chip and this small black notebook. Forget the dice. Play Roulette…Table number 12, specifically. When you arrive there, discretely open the notebook to page one. There will be a number or colour written. Play what is penned there. Keep flipping the pages and play the instructions until you’ve reached the $10,000 goal.”

“What? You’re nuts?” I scoffed at Luc

“I am many things, Mr. Frank. But insane is not one of them.” He tapped out his cigar. “I have heard you and I am impressed by your dilemma and sincerity. Frankly, you are a terrible gambler, yet your first thought was only to ask for what you’ve lost. Most would have been greedy and asked for more from the start.”

I was silent with awe. Who is this guy?

“There is a price though, my new friend. Once you’ve won the $10,000. You must leave and never come back. In fact, never gamble again. If you do, fortune will not smile on you.”

I chuckled, “fortune never has.”

“I am being serious,” Luc explained. “If you gamble beyond the $10,000, and the notebook gives you the ability to do so, the prayers you just made will backfire on you harshly.”

His smile scared me and Luc gave me the creeps. But what did I have to lose? I was broke, in deep and if this stupid thing worked, it would save my backside from a lot of hurt.

“That is it” he handed me the black notebook.

I tapped out my cigar and accepted it.

He outstretched his hand “Thank you for keeping me company. It has been a pleasure Mr. Frank.”

“Yeah. It was." I shook his hand nervously "Thank you for the drinks Luc.”

As I shook his hand it was easy to notice a large ring on his finger. It reminded me of an NFL championship ring. Imprinted on the head was an angel with a sword in an attack position.

“Nice ring.”

“Thank you. It’s a family heirloom.” He added, “I almost forgot. Please hand in the notebook to the Pit boss on your way out.”

With my one Casino chip and black notebook I headed for the Roulette table number 12. I opened the book and placed the chip down on the first number.

A winner!

I nodded with approval. OK. Maybe this thing is real?

It was quick and took 9 bets in all to win back my money. The amazing rush I felt with each win filled was better than anything ‘Mr. Salvatore’ could get me. I could feel my heart pumping through my chest but this time I was smiling. I was an energetic dog with A.D.D. and paced up, down and around the table.

“Place your bets!” commanded the dealer.

I immediately stopped pacing.

I gulped down the last of my drink. It burned my throat and I felt the entire journey to my stomach. It did nothing to help me make my next decision.

The dealer spun the roulette ball. I still had time to place my bet.

“Last call!”

The hell with it! What could possibly happen? I opened the black notebook, turned to the next page and placed my chips on the table.

“WINNER!”

I pumped my fist as if I just scored a touchdown and the people around the table applauded.

OK OK. I had to keep calm. Only one more bet, I thought as I was drawing too much attention. I looked around and Luc was nowhere to be seen.

“Winner!”

Reluctantly, I asked the pit boss for help to cash me out and I handed him the black notebook.

The pit boss casually took the notebook and added it to a pile of similar books on table I hadn’t notice before.

“"That would be a $20,000 cash out, sir. Please go to register R20. It will take about 15 minutes.”

I nervously made my way to the cashier constantly looking for Luc and thankfully I could not see him. I approached the desk where the cashier’s back was turned to me.

“Excuse me. It’s been 15 minutes. Can we get the show on the road?”

I froze fast on my feet as my heart sank. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe. I could only gulp my fear.

Luc turned to face me and smiled.

“We certainly can Mr. Frank. We certainly can.”