VALENTINE

by

SANDEFUR

Disclaimer: This is fanfiction just for fun. I have no claims.

2-13-08/Wednesday, late morning.

"Welcome to New York City, sir." says the Doorman as he opens the limousine door.

Dylan Hunter, as part of his charism, recognizes God in any form He/She takes – Doorman God.

"Good morning, "Dylan replies, aware that others are listening. "Nice uniform."

"Thank you, sir. This gentleman is pre-registered to suite 2075, take his luggage directly there."

As the bellman walks ahead with Dylan's bags, Doorman God escorts Dylan toward the main entrance of the luxurious Hotel Zimmer…

Dylan whispers, "Okay, my application to appear on 'Rapid Dough' was accepted and I'm here. So what is my assignment?"

"I just want you here Dylan as a part of your training. Observe and practice with your fellow contestants the new skills your tutor is teaching you. As for anything else, you have free will."

"I'll gladly do as you ask, but I don't know how much use I'll be. My tutor says it normally takes months for a student to rise to the level where he can accurately read people."

"True, but you are an unusually adept student Dylan, and practical field experience will help hone your skills. I am not expecting spectacular results – just your best effort. And try to have fun. It is after all a game show."

Dylan nods, taking in his vague instructions. Doorman God opens the front door of the hotel and Dylan enters. At that same moment, Joan Girardi is exiting the Hotel Zimmer by the side entrance where a long black government limousine is waiting for her. The back door to the limo is being held open by Agent Melvin Brown, and Joan gives him a friendly nod before entering the car. Moments later they are speeding away and Joan finds herself with I.B. Dunn, Director of Covert Operations for Homeland Security.

"So what's the deal, I.B.? You set up this cover story of me being on the game show 'Rapid Dough' to explain my presence in New York, and I barely get to my room before you send me a text message to rush back downstairs. And where are we going?"

"To the riverfront to catch a helicopter that will take us to Atlantic City."

"Is this a joke? I'm suppose to be meeting the people from Rapid Dough in twenty minutes. Remember I.B., you were the one who got me on the show."

"The show's executive producer, Hi Greyson, has been fully cooperative in our request for help with your background story, and he will make the necessary adjustments to cover your absence should we need to maintain that story."

"Good to know. I actually met 'Hi' last year at a party in Los Angeles. His daughter is my brother's girlfriend."

I.B. tsks. "I know that, Joan. There is very little about you and your family that I do not know. I am even aware that your brother Kevin and Barbara Greyson are expecting a child."

Joan does her best to hide her annoyance at the constant intrusion of her 'boss' into her life and that of her family's. She wonders if I.B. also knows that the baby Barbara is carrying almost cost Kevin and his girlfriend's relationship when she was contemplating an abortion. It had been touch and go, but Barbara finally agreed to go through with the pregnancy despite her misgivings because she feared an abortion would cost her Kevin's love. Joan decides she definitely won't mention this to I.B. as he is already too close to her family's many secrets. This relationship with Homeland Security has proven useful in her role as an instrument of God, but increasingly Joan has begun to regret the bargain she made to serve Director Dunn.

"You didn't say why we are going to Atlantic City."

"A sudden change of plans. Did you read the file I sent you?"

"On Ali Ravi, the Deputy Minister of Censorship for Iran? Yeah, I read it. He's coming into New York Friday for a U.N. conference on Muslim objections to Western cultural influences like music, TV shows and movies. But really he is a foreign spy who is carrying a list of terrorist sleeper cells and their intended targets. Your 'bright' idea is that I get that list from him by…seduction." Joan says with a blush. "I'm still not on board with that idea."

I.B. ignores Joan's protest. "This is Ravi's first trip out of Iran in years. He made a stopover in London and we learned something new about the man – he's a gambling fanatic. He left London two days early because of a scandal at a private gambling club over an unproven charge of cheating at cards. Ravi arrived in New York this morning, and after checking in with the Iranian mission to the U.N., he left immediately for Atlantic City. We have a report that he is entering a private, high stakes poker game this evening."

Joan nods. "And away from the tight security in New York, he will be easier to approach - especialy in a place like a casino. But, wouldn't he have left the list behind at the Iranian mission?"

"Our inside source tells us Ravi carries the list with him at all times - that he is obsessive about it never being out of his touch. Joan, this is a golden opportunity. We will arrange an 'accidental' meeting, and all you have to do..."

"Is drag him into my bed - make him so enamored of me he will be willing to betray his country rather than give up having sex with me." Joan says and then shudders. Joan wonders what are the limits of her sexual charisma ability? Will she really have to have sex with this guy to get him to commit treason? And even if she doesn't have to go that far, every time she uses this ability normally reserved for the other side, it causes her ever greater painful damage to her soul.

I.B. frowns in a rare moment of concern. "Joan...I know I am asking a lot of you, but getting this list could literally save thousands of lives. Still, if this is too hard...I won't hold it against you if you say no."

Joan, deep in her own moment of misery and doubt, is surprised by I.B.'s offer. She knows that to him completing the mission is almost everything, and it is tempered only by his concern for the people who take the risks for the agency.

"So...I could just go back and be on the game show like I told everyone?"

"If that's what you want."

Joan sighs, regretting her rejection of a power God offered her - the ability to see the ripples of her decisions. She knows I.B. is using reverse psychology, but also knows he will follow through on his promise. Thousands of lives...

"Get me into that poker game and we will see what happens."

"There's a million dollar buy-in to that game!"

Joan smiles.

X X X X X

Natalie Gerling is an ambitious, 26 year old woman who is currently serving as a contestant coordinator for Rapid Dough, but she plans to go higher - much higher. However, at this moment, Natalie's career is the last thing on her mind. She is escorting one of the contestants for tomorrow's show, and he is drop dead gorgeous. It is strictly against the rules to fraternize with the contestants, but Natalie is already planning how she will go about seducing this young man, Dylan Hunter. They enter a small reception room that has been set up for a meet and greet with a lunch buffet. A camera crew discreetly films everything. Natalie notices that several of the production company's bigwigs are in a corner holding a whispered conference with the show's creator and executive producer, Hi Greyson.

Dylan sees Hi and normally he would first go to greet his sister's father, but another person catches his eye and he smiles hugely. He and Karen Casper rush into each other's arms and share a long, tender kiss...

"Karen, it is so good to see you again. You have no idea how many times I've wanted to call you since...ya know."

Karen smiles, remembering the one night of passsion she and Dylan shared back in late December. "Oh, I know what you mean. I realize it was my idea that we limit ourselves to just that one night, but it was a struggle for me not to see you once more."

They are about to share another kiss when Natalie Gerling hastily steps between them... "If I may have everyone's attention, I would like to introduce our last arrival, Dylan Hunter. Dylan is a pre-med student at U.C.L.A. Dylan, you are seated over here, next to me." (As Dylan and Karen take their respective seats, Natalie hopes her jealousy isn't showing.) "Dylan, allow me to introduce your fellow contestants for the college edition of Rapid Dough. Obviously you already know Karen Casper, a fellow U.C.L.A. student who is studying accounting. Next we have Walter Hollis from Harvard..."

"You seem a little young to be in this group, Walter." Dylan remarks as he smiles at the short, skinny teenager seated across from him.

Walter responds, "I just turned 17, and I am a senior who is taking three majors at the same time."

The last contestant speaks, "And I guess I'm the oldest one of the group at 24. I'm Hester Rodney, an art major from the University of Hawaii."

"Nice to meet you, Hester." Dylan says as he openly stares at the unusual woman to his right. Hester Rodney is nearly as tall as he is, dressed all in black, and...she is an albino.

At that moment Hi Greyson, followed by his posse of flunkies, approaches the group. He goes at once to Dylan and shakes his hand...

"Good to see you again, Dylan."

"You too, Hi."

Walter calls out, "What's this? What's this? One of the contestants is friends with the executive producer?"

Hi Greyson, known for his charm on the Hollywood social scene, smiles broadly at the group. "Far more than friends, Mr. Hollis. I have known Dylan Hunter for most of his life, and in full disclosure, I admit he is the half brother of my daughter. However, he and I are not related, and technically no rules are being broken by his appearance on the show."

"I protest!" Walter shouts. "First one of the contestants is a no-show, and now obvious favortism!"

The smile still present, Hi turns to Walter and stares. Hi Greyson is a man use to dealing with demanding studio executives, panicking movie producers and emotional actors. Beneath the jovial exterior there is a will of iron. "You have every right to be upset, Mr. Hollis. These are unusual circumstances, but then that's a major part of the show - the ability to adapt to the unexpected. If this is more than you can handle, you may withdraw. We have an alternate standing by who would be glad to take your place."

"Th-that's unfair!"

"It is completely fair, Mr. Hollis. However, after your graduation, you may have a spot on one of our second season shows - assuming we have one. Ratings are good at the moment, but you never know. The networks are notoriously fickle."

Walter glares with hostility but quickly realizes he can't get his way. "I'll stay, because it doesn't matter how you stack the deck. I'm smarter than all of these others combined. Even if they all team up against me, I'll still win."

Hi chuckles. "I'm so glad you decided to stay, Mr. Hollis. We only have the one alternate picked out, and we may need her if our last contestant remains indisposed."

Hester asks, "Who is the missing contestant?"

"She is a 20 year old pre-law major who has unfortunately come down with one of those 24 hour stomach viruses. I am assured she will be able to join us tomorrow, but in the meantime she needs her peace and quiet to recover." (Hi turns toward Dylan and smiles.) "The name of our missing contestant is...Joan Girardi."

To Hi's surprise, it is Karen who reacts first... "Snow White?"

X X X X X

The helicopter ride from New York to Atlantic City was brief, but it was all the time I.B. needed to get Joan into the private poker game and to arrange her funding. Upon arrival, I.B., Agent Brown and Joan were rushed up to an ultra luxurious hotel suite so large, the entire square footage of the Girardi house could fit inside with room to spare. Their host turns out to be a quite handsome thirtysomething C.E.O. named Tyler Christian. Joan is easily able to read that this man, despite his elevated status of wealth and power, retains his middle class roots and values.

I.B. makes the introductions. "Joan, this is Mr. Tyler Christian who has been persuaded to allow you to take his place at tonight's poker game. You are to act as his substitute in the game, which is allowed under the rules."

Joan and Tyler shake hands in a casual, friendly way but Joan can feel a definite hormonal spark between them. By the smile on his face and the twinkle in Tyler's eyes, Joan knows the feeling is mutual.

"Um...persuaded?" Joan asks with a quick glance at I.B.

Tyler nods. "Director Dunn is very good at...persuasion. My electronics firm does a lot of business with the government, and it was pointed out that it would be my 'patriotic duty' to cooperate."

I.B. adds, "Mr. Christian is also providing your buy-in to the game."

Tyler opens a briefcase and shows Joan the contents. "One million dollars cash, of my own money. Hopefully I'll be getting some of this back. You are an experienced card player?"

"I played in a few penny ante games in high school."

Tyler does his best to hide his groan. "I can afford to lose the money - I wouldn't be playing otherwise, but that doesn't mean I want to throw it away. Director Dunn..."

"The federal government will cover your loses, Mr. Christian." I.B. says through gritted teeth.

Joan remarks, "Gee guys, thanks for the vote of confidence. Just for fun, what happens if I win big?"

Tyler smiles at Joan and replies, "I assume any winnings would be mine to keep?" (I.B. nods.) "And a five percent commission would be acceptable to my substitute?"

Joan nods. "Cha-ching! So how does this little poker game of yours work - winner takes all?"

Tyler shakes his head. "When we began ten years ago, that's how we did it. It sometimes took days to finish. It's ironic - the richer we get, the less time we have to play. Our annual game has been reduced to a strict six hour time limit. At midnight when the timer goes off, all play stops."

Joan asks, "How did a man like Ali Ravi get into an annual private game like this?"

"Like you, he's a substitute. Unlike you, he paid Billy Norris half a million to take his place in the game. Billy is notoriously our worse player and is usually busted before the night is half over. This is the first year he will be leaving with a smile on his face."

Agent Brown asks, "Mr. Christian, do the other members of your poker game also have government contracts?"

Joan smiles. Agent Brown may be the size of a small mountain, but Director Dunn wouldn't keep next to him a man who wasn't sharp.

Tyler replies, "The men in this game run large businesses with many different divisions. I'd be truly surprised if all of us didn't have such contracts - mostly with the defense department."

Instantly I.B. is on the phone ordering in-depth background checks on all of tonight's players. Suddenly Ali Ravi's interest in this game has gone beyond his gambling habit...

X X X X X

Back in New York the luncheon is over, and Hi Greyson is adressing the contestants...

"Alright everyone, this is you opportunity to get to know each other as a group. Soon you will be paired off in order to form secret alliances, which of course under the rules of the game, you don't have to keep. Your success goes beyond the knowledge of the trivia questions you will be asked on the show. It is your ability to know whom you can trust that will determine the eventual winner. Now I know there's a lot of money on the line, but try to have fun. After all, it is a game show."

Dylan asks, "Hi, can we expect Joan to be joining us any time soon?"

"The last doctor's report I had was that Joan will not be able to join us until tomorrow morning. To be fair to the rest of you, if she still is unable to appear by breakfast time, our chomping-at-the-bit substitute will take Joan's place. Now if you will excuse me, I have other duties to attend to."

Hi exits, carefully hiding the concern he has for all the trouble Homeland Security is causing him with their request for 'cooperation'.

As Natalie Gerling the contestant coordinator and her camera crew remain in the background, the four contestants begin sizing each other up. Most are focused on Walter Hollis, the boy genius from Harvard, and wondering if they can form an alliance with him, or if they should combine against him. The problem being, no alliance can be relied on if you can't trust your secret partner for help during the game and for a combined score at the end.

Karen clears her throat and speaks. "Well, I'll break the ice. I'm on this show to make a lot of money because quite frankly, I need it. My family's finances have hit rock bottom, and without a major influx of cash, I won't be able to finish college."

Walter sneers. "How touching. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to throw the game right now."

Dylan reacts, "We don't need your sarcasm."

"Did you really fall for that sob story?"

"I happen to know what Karen says is true. She holds down two part time jobs while going to school and helping to take care of her father."

Walter snorts derisively. "Of course you would back up her story. Not only are the two of you from the same university, but you are obviously lovers. We can see the two of you are already allied and we can't trust a word you say."

Hester Rodney says, "That's a little harsh, Walter. I have no trouble believing Karen's claim to poverty. Going to school in a place as expensive as Hawaii, my own finances could certainly use a boost."

Walter rolls his eyes. "Another 'oh poor is me' claim? Am I suppose to be moved by this? Who couldn't use the potential wealth Rapid Dough offers? My parents may be physicians, but Harvard isn't cheap - especially when you are taking triple majors. Personally, I look forward to relieving Mom and Dad of the costs of post graduate studies. Anyone here who says he doesn't want and need the money is either a liar or a fool."

Dylan, whose share of his family's fortune has made him a millionaire, remarks... "Actually, I intend to donate my winnings to charity."

The other three stare at Dylan.

X X X X X

"How do I look?" Joan ask as she exits one of the bedrooms wearing a modest floor length black dress with sheer black scarves covering her hair and lower face.

I.B. shakes his head. "This is your idea of a seductive outfit?"

"This is my idea of the way to lessen Ali Ravi's negative reaction to western women. If I go in showing cleavage and with a skirt slit half way up to my ass, Ravi won't allow himself eye contact with me. This way, I may intrigue him."

Tyler Christian smiles and nods his approval. "I think you have something there, Joan. Like this, you are mysterious and alluring. That outfit...stimulates the male imagination."

Joan smiles back, acknowledging Tyler's interest in her. They had a private lunch earlier, and Tyler has spent most of the day openly flirting with Joan. He has made it clear, without being crude, what he is interested in. Joan has to admit, she is intrigued. Although a dozen years older than her, Tyler is good looking and Joan finds the young billionaire's confidence sexy. If it weren't for this mission...

I.B. says, "Final briefing. We have arranged with the casino's security office to substitue two of my men for the guards who will be on the door. Also, each player is permitted one armed bodyguard in the room. Agent Brown will have your back."

"I can't think of anyone I'd trust more than Melvin."

"Thank you, Miss Girardi."

I.B. continues, "I will be monitoring the game from the closed circuit camera we have in the card room, but once the game is over, we have no cameras in Ravi's hotel suite. The casino balked at violating his diplomatic immunity. When you are alone with him, you are on your own."

Joan gulps, trying to settle her nervous stomach. "That's hours away, and who knows what may happen between now and then. Okay, let's get this show on the road."

Tyler Christian picks up the briefcase full of cash and hands it to Joan, along with a surprising but not resented kiss on the lips. "For luck."

Joan blushes and nods. She exits the suite, followed closely by Agent Brown. It is only a short walk down the hall to the hotel room that has been set aside for tonight's game. The two uniformed guards on the door immediately allow them to enter. Joan sees she is the last player to arrive, and the six men waiting for her size her up just as their bodyguards assess Agent Brown. All are impressed by Brown, and none are impressed by Joan. She sets the briefcase on a table with six other open cases. Joan opens the case and steps back, taking in the sight of seven million dollars in cash. She understands why each player has a personal bodyguard present. Even amongst wealthy, friendly competitors, that is a lot of money.

Joan looks about the room and sees the casino has provided a card dealer and a bartender. Ali Ravi is at the bar getting a cup of hot tea. He is about forty, very fit and is wearing an expensive suit. Hovering nearby is his bodyguard, a bearded man in his twenties and Joan briefly considers a seduction of the guard to be an easier task than tricking his master into cooperation. The guard could just as easily steal the list for them - if he knows where it is. Joan again feels her nervousness and wonders if she can really go through with I.B.'s plan.

"May I get you a drink, Miss?" the bartender asks.

Joan automatically reads the man and hesitates, not liking what she perceives. "Hot tea."

"Nothing stronger?"

Joan shakes her head, even though she wouldn't mind a strong drink to help settle her nerves. Best to keep alert. Joan takes the spot at the table reserved for Tyler Christian and waits for the play to begin. At the moment she is just letting the flow of spiritual information about her fellow players wash over her. Later, she will focus on Ali Ravi to see what makes him tick. Ravi is at that moment whispering to his bodyguard...

"Mr. Ravi expresses his objection to there being a woman in the game."

The oldest player at the table, an oil tycoon named Bixby, laughs. "Well, ain't that too bad. I find it a refreshing change. Besides, this little lady is here under the same rule that got your boss into the game."

There is a pause while the bodyguard translates and waits for his master's response...

"Mr. Ravi says only a whore would play cards with men for money. He also objects to the woman's appearance. Her outift mocks the ways of our people."

The other men at the table bristle at these remarks, but Joan responds, "I dressed this way because I knew Mr. Ravi would be present and I didn't want to offend. However, if Mr. Ravi prefers, I can shed various layers of my garments. I happen to be wearing some very sexy underwear."

The other men at the table laugh and hoot their approval of Joan's bold response, but Ravi glares at Joan. Clearly he speaks more English than he pretends. Joan reads what Ravi is currently fixated on - what he would like to do to such an impertinent woman. It is a brutal and graphic sexual image that causes Joan to shudder in dismay. No way is she going to try to use sexual charisma on this sadist.

X X X X X

Dylan Hunter sits alone in a small room that is set up for the personal meetings between the players. There is a two way mirror on the wall, and behind that a camera records everything for the show. Dylan wonders about this assignment from God. Is it just a training exercise to help hone his skills and maybe help a dear friend win needed money, or is there something else going on? Since learning that Joan is also scheduled to be on the show, Dylan has been able to think of little else. After Joan rejected his proposal last year and her subsequent engagement to Jimmy Tubbs, their frequency of contact reduced down close to zero - just text messages at birthdays and Christmas. The thought of seeing the woman he has never stopped loving has made it difficult for him to focus on the methods taught to him by his tutor-angel. Dylan is at the most basic level of reading people - he is to open himself to one word only from his spiritual perceptions. More than that and his undisciplined mind will interfere with what he is getting. That is if he gets anything at all. So far, in previous practice sessions, Dylan has been unsuccessful with this technique.

Contestant Coordinator, Natalie Gerling, escorts Karen Casper into the room. It is all Natalie can manage not to sigh with pleasure at the sight of Dylan, and her desire for him soars. It has been a frustrating day learning that the young man she wishes to seduce has not one but two ex girlfriends on the show. Natalie doesn't care - she will find a way to achieve what she wants no matter what...

"As the two of you know each other so well, I expect this meeting will not take long. Please remember, even though the camera is not visible, everything is being recorded and can be used on the show."

Natalie exits and Dylan and Karen automatically embrace. Karen tries to kiss Dylan, but he pulls back.

"Dylan, is there a problem?"

Dylan leads her to a chair, sits opposite her and takes Karen's hand. "Karen, in December when you told me of the brief time you were at Arcadia High, you said a friend helped you to register against the rules. You called her by a nickname...?"

"Snow White."

"How I wish you had told me your friend's true name."

"Joan Girardi...you know her?"

"I'm in love with Joan."

"What? You told me before we hooked up that you weren't involved with anyone."

"I was truthful in the physical sense. I said it had been a long time since I was with anyone, but...I didn't go into detail about what was in my heart. Senior year of high school, I fell in love with Joan the first moment I met her, and my feelings have never changed."

"How does Joan feel about you?"

"At one time we were very much in love, but circumstances worked against us. About two years ago we broke up bitterly, but it didn't take me long to realize what a terrible mistake I had made. Eventually we reconciled to the point of having...a loving friendship, but we have never been a couple since that time in school. That is still how things remain with us - me loving her deeply and Joan loving me, but not intensely."

"Oh Dylan, I am so sorry. This must be terribly painful for you, and now I understand your regrets about us. I also wish I had known the truth. I only knew Joan for a short time, but she was a dear friend and I never would want to hurt her. I suppose this means you will be teaming up with Joan for the game?"

"I'm not sure. I would like to, but Joan is hard to predict. Perhaps the three of us could form a team? It's going to take a lot to stop that Walter kid, and the show allows teams of up to three people."

"I'm not opposed to the idea, but wouldn't that be a little weird - the three of us together? I mean it would be different if Joan was to never learn about our brief relationship, but under the circumstances..." (Karen nods toward the mirror.) "that seems impossible."

Dylan sighs. "I know it's wrong to lie, but if if were possible, this is one thing I would keep from Joan - to spare her feelings."

"And to keep from interferring with the reconciliation you must be hoping for?"

"Yes, I want her back, and...we will tell her the truth. As I said, Joan is hard to predict."

"In that case, shall we agree that if Joan doesn't object, we become a team of three that will beat that annoying little snot, Walter Hollis?"

"Agreed." Dylan says with a smile, but then rather guiltily reminds himself that he is suppose to try to 'read' Karen. Dylan follows his training and opens his spirit to receive just one word. To his surprise, he clearly receives that word...

Deception.

X X X X X

After a couple of hours into the poker game, a brief break is called. The piles of chips on the table tell the story - only Ravi's and Joan's chips have multiplied. All others are losing at a surprisingly quick rate. Joan stands, stretches and returns to the bar, acompanied by Agent Brown. Ravi gets another cup of tea, as does Joan. As Brown gets a drink for himself, Joan sighs wearily...

"This is boring." Joan whispers.

"But you're winning." Brown whispers back.

"Still boring."

"At least Mr. Christian will be pleased. That is if he didn't want you to lose."

"Why would Tyler want me to lose? A million bucks is a lot of money, even to a rich guy like him."

Brown smiles knowingly. "He might think that if you lost his stake, you would feel so guilty..."

"That to make it up to him I would jump his bones in compensation?" Joan chuckles. "I know it's obvious he's interested in me, flattering by the way, but surely his 'interest' wouldn't extend to the level of losing a million dollars?"

"Don't underestimate yourself, Miss Girardi."

"Why Melvin, is that a compliment? Oh, don't drink that lemonade."

"Why?"

"The bartender is working for Ravi. All of the liquor bottles had their seals opened after we arrived, so I figure the ice cubes have been drugged."

"You're sure? Oh...of course you are." Agent Brown says as he sets down his drink untouched.

"I don't figure it's anything too heavy duty. Probably something that releases inhibitions, which would explain why the others are betting heavily on really crappy hands."

"That explains why you've only been drinking hot tea like Ravi, and why you are also winning. But eventually it will come down to you and the Iranian. Can you beat him?"

"Oh yeah. I've been watching, and he has more tells than a Swiss phone book."

At that moment the card dealer calls out, "Miss Girardi, we are ready to begin again."

In a thick accent Ravi adds, "Women...always with the gab-gab-gab."

X X X X X

Walter Hollis stares up at Dylan Hunter, hating that his opponet is so tall, handsome and self-assured. Walter feels a moment of jealousy before reminding himself that this 'prettty boy' is a mental midget compared to him. But, Walter has calculated the odds of his winning solo, and they are insufficent for him to feel comfortable.

"I don't like you." Walter blurts out.

"Thank you for your honesty. I also doubt, were I to get to know you better, that I woluld be in any way fond of you."

Walter nods. "Good - no pretences. I am the most likely winner of this contest, but I recognize there are some gaps in my realm of knowledge, especially in the areas of sports and pop culture. It is remotely possible that such an ill-timed question could cost me the victory that is rightfully mine."

Dylan tries to hide how appalled he is by Walter's arrogance. "So you are proposing a team-up based on your assumption that I am well versed in those topics? I suppose I do know a lot about sports, and scripture by the way, but my knowledge of pop culture is a little weak. Besides, I don't think I would want to team with you as I don't think I could trust you."

"You doubt my honesty?"

"I don't know you well enough to judge your core honesty, but I can see that you are very intelligent - so much so that all other considerations pale in comparison. Your trustworthiness is under too much influence from your constant calculations of how best to win."

Walter chuckles. "Perhaps you are not as stupid as you look."

Although he feels it is a waste of time, Dylan does his best to take a read on Walter's soul. He expects to receive something obvious like 'smug', but to his surprise he clearly gets 'fear'. Even more surprising is a mental flash on an image of a much younger Walter nervously handing his parents a report card that has all "A's" except for one "B". Walter clearly fears disappointing his parents with this minor blemish on his record.

This is a new experience for Dylan and he wonders if this is just a piece of fanciful imagination on his part, or a true spiritual revealation. Either way, Dylan regrets judging Walter so harshly and for not considering how this arrogant young man got to be the way he is.

X X X X X

"I'll call with my last fifty thousand." John Bixby the oil tycoon says, sliding over the last of his chips. "Two pair, Kings and Fives."

Ali Ravi smiles and tosses out his cards. "Three Aces, I win."

"Dadburnit, worse night of poker I've ever had!" Bixby says as he swallows the last of his scotch on the rocks."I'm done for the night. You two newcomers get to split the money between you."

Bixby stands, sways and staggers toward the door - helped by his bodyguard. Only Ravi and Joan remain at the table.

Joan remarks, "That didn't take long. Just over four hours to clean out five experienced poker players. It seems fate is smiling on us tea drinkers."

The Iranian bodyguard whispers a quick translation into his master's ear and waits for the lengthy response. The guard speaks...

"Mr. Ravi says it is immodest for a women to ever appear arrogant - especially when it is so undeserved."

"Undeserved? As I count the chips, it looks like I have four million to the male chauvinist's three."

"Mr. Ravi also said that like all women, you are erratic in everything you do. Your odd method of play baffled the drunken American men, but he is a far better player than them. Your dumb luck can not prevail against his skill."

"We have an old saying: 'Better lucky than good'. I happen to be both."

Ravi says, "Then...raise stakes? Double?"

"If you want to lose faster, I have no objection. There's no reason to take up the full six hours in beating such an unchallenging opponet."

Ravi doesn't wait for the translation before growling his response... "Bitch."

X X X X X

Dylan taps once on the door and enters the small interview room with the large wall mirror. The day has been long, he is tired and for some reason Dylan has been regretting this meeting with Hester Rodney. Something about the tall albino woman puts him on edge...

"Hello Dylan, are you as exhausted as me?"

"Yes, it has been an tiring day with all of these meetings and the briefings on the rules of the show, with more to follow tomorrow. Uh Hester, before we begin, I wanted to apologize."

"For what?"

"For staring at you like some yokel when we were introduced. I'm sorry, it was rude of me."

Hester chuckles. "Oh that. Don't worry about it. Most of the time it doesn't bother me. Albinos are rare, and I don't exactly try to tone it down."

"I did take notice of all of the black clothes, fingernail polish, lipstick and contact lenses."

"Part of my teenaged Goth past, except for the contact lenses. I've found that the albino eyes thing is what freaks people out the most, so I've recently started wearing the colored lenses. And as for your staring, I will forgive you if you will also forgive me for staring back. I think you are a stunningly beautiful man, Dylan Hunter and I like your name - it is strong, like you. I have to admit, when I first saw you, I had a fantasy about what it would be like if you were my lover..."

Hester reaches out and touches Dylan's hand. Suddenly, unbidden, Dylan finds himself in an intense sexual fantasy. He and Hester are naked and in her bedroom in Hawaii. Tall, pale, small-breasted and rather bony, Hester is not his type, but nevertheless, Dylan finds himself aroused beyond all measure. The come together rapidly, eagerly in an animialistic lust...

Dylan gasps and pulls away from Hester's touch. Instantly the fantasy disappears only to be replaced with a sense of shame and confusion. What the hell happened? Like all young men Dylan has the occasional sexual thought, but he has disciplined his mind for years to prevent such full blown fantasies. He stares at Hester feeling guilt and...a little fear.

Hester frowns in disappointment and then sighs heavily. "You are very strong-willed Dylan Hunter, and...you have a unique connection to the universe. I apologize if I have offended you with my honest expression of...interest."

Dylan wipes a bead of sweat from his brow and tries to calm down. "No problem...Hester Rodney, whose name is as unusual as she is."

"Rodney? It is not all that unusual, although when my ancestors first came to this country the name ended with a double 'E' instead of a 'Y'. I believe in Europe, there was only a single 'E'."

"I actually meant 'Hester'. You are the first one I have ever met."

"Well, don't judge all Hesters by me. Shall we get down to business? I reject the idea of the two of us being partnered...in the game. I plan to try to get Walter to team with me. It seems my best chance of winning."

Dylan nods. "I can understand that, but I don't know how deeply you can trust Walter. If he calculates it is to his advantage to betray you, I have no doubt he will do so."

Hester smiles. "He might try, but he is not as...incorruptible as you. And Dylan, to balance the accounts, I warn you not to put much faith in the promises of Karen Casper."

"I trust Karen. She and I...uh, have our own special connection."

"Don't let sex confuse logic. Of all of us here, Karen has the greatest self-excusing reason for doing whatever must be done. I dare say she has already promised our genius virgin all sorts of post-victory sexual favors, with just a taste of what is to come."

"She...wouldn't do that. Besides, Walter is a minor."

"The age of consent in New York is seventeen, and Walter would not be the first young man to find that not all of the promises women make are fulfilled."

Dylan hates the fact that the seed of doubt Hester is planting is taking root with him. No doubt it is part of her game strategy, but combined with what he read from Karen earlier...how much can he trust his former lover? Reluctantly, Dylan tries to take a read on Hester's soul. He quickly gets a very clear word, but it is as confusing as the woman herself. 'Grey'.

X X X X X

The ticking clock on the poker table is nearing the end of the time permitted for play. Ravi, in accordance with his boast, has proven a tougher opponet than Joan expected. Luck has definitely sawyed to his side. Nevertheless, with her unique abilities, Joan has been slowly reducing the pile of chips in front of her competitor.

Joan says, "It looks like we have time for just one more hand. I have five million and you have two, so I will clearly be the winner for the night. But...there is a way you could win it all, Mr. Ravi."

"How so?"

"First, we need privacy. The dealer and bartender may leave with our thanks."

The two casino employees hesitate, but when Ravi nods his agreement, they depart.

"What bet?" Ravi asks.

"High card draw. My five million against your two, plus that rather gaudy ring on your hand."

"My ring? It is not...valuable."

"Isn't it? Then why hesitate to add it to the pot if I'm willing to put a three million dollar value on it?"

Ravi plays with the ring for a few moments, seemingly reluctant. Then he slides it off of his finger and adds it to his pile of chips. The bodyguard urgently whispers something in his master's ear, but Ravi harshly rebukes the man and he quickly steps back.

"I am in."

Joan spreads out the deck of cards and offers Ravi first pick. He chooses a card and holds it up with a smile.

Joan comments, "Jack of Clubs? How appropriate. The Jack is also called a Knave, and clubs is perfect for a man who likes to beat women."

Ravi growls, "Choose, you filthy whore."

Joan casually picks a card and holds it up to Ravi without bothering to look at it. His expression tells her she has won. It is the Queen of Hearts. The timer on the clock dings.

"There's the bell and that's all she wrote. I'd like to say it was a pleasure, but six hours with you has made me nauseated. By the way, you can have this back." Joan says as she tosses the ring to Ravi.

"You don't want the ring?" Ravi asks, his English and accent suddenly a lot better.

"I just wanted to be sure you walked away a loser. We never wanted the ring. Did you really think we had fallen for your little con job?"

"What do you mean?"

"You never had us fooled. We know that your bodyguard is a triple agent - working for you but supposedly our spy while he was really slipping us the information you wanted us to know. Did you think we were that stupid? You wanted us to steal that ring and foster an international incident by violating your diplomatic immunity, and this trip to the casino was meant to provide that opportunity. But, if we succeeded, the microdot concealed in the ring has...nine false names of 'sleeper agents' who are actually innocent. You would settle for the propaganda of the American government hounding honest Muslim citizens."

Ravi stands quickly, his body tense and his anger obvious. Joan stands as well and smiles...

"Oh please, I beg you, give me an excuse."

Ravi picks up the ring and exits, shouting angrily at his guard who cowers with fear.

Joan chuckles, "I'm thinking both of their careers are about to take a sharply downward turn."

Agent Brown, listening to his earpiece, says, "The Director wishes to speak with you, Miss Girardi."

"I figured. What about all of this money?"

"Our people and the casino's security staff will make sure it is removed to the hotel's vault."

Joan follows Brown back to Tyler Christian's suite, and as soon as they enter, Tyler sweeps Joan up into his arms...

"Joan, you were amazing! You wiped him out! A six million dollar night!"

As Tyler lowers her to the ground, Joan asks, "You saw it all?"

"On the monitor, but Mr. Dunn hogged the earbuds, so I didn't get to hear what was said. You, lovely lady, have nerves of steel."

Joan smiles, reading Tyler's excitement and even greater attraction to her. Considering her recent miserable dating history, she finds this a pleasant ego boost. He really is quite handsome...

"Joan!"

Joan turns, realizing I.B. has been talking to her and she missed it. "Sorry I.B., you were saying?"

"You didn't follow the plan."

"The plan sucked. Besides, are you really disappointed with these results?"

I.B. gives the briefest of small smiles. "No, that is if you are certain about what you said?"

"I.B., I may kid around a lot, and I might dislike you about ninety percent of the time, but I take the job seriously."

"Why didn't you keep the ring?"

"Because I know how you think. You wouldn't have been able to resist probing into those people's lives and that would have given Ravi at least a partial victory. By the way, that guy is super creepy. Don't ever ask me to do something like that again."

I.B. gives a noncommital shrug. "Time to get you back to New York."

Tyler says, "At this hour? Joan, you must be exhausted, not to mention hungry. I've had a late supper sent up, and you are welcome to use one of the guest rooms. I can make certain you get back to New York in time for your meeting tomorrow morning."

Joan hesitates, knowing what Tyler has in mind. She can easily read he is a nice guy, and that he is looking for something casual - which is not to say that he isn't genuinely interested in her. Joan isn't sure, but she does know she has given up on the idea of any real relationships in her immediate future. Maybe...after all, he is the kind of guy who can take 'no' for an answer. If she decides to say no...

"Well Joan?" I.B. asks.

"I'm off the clock. Be sure to watch me on the show tomorrow."

Dunn, with Agent Brown in tow, exits without another word. Tyler smiles at Joan.

"I have champagne."

Joan smiles back. "One glass only..."

X X X X X

Dylan Hunter stares out at the lights of the city unwilling to try to sleep again. Twice he has dozed off and each time he immediately began dreaming about Hester Rodney - the same vivid sexual fantasy as before. Both times Dylan forced himself to awaken from the dreams only to find himself sweating profusely and...aroused. The first time he awoke he felt an incredibly strong but utterly insane urge to rush to Hester's room, knock on the door and then... The second time was worse. Dylan didn't wake up until he was opening his own door to go to Hester...

Dylan paces, wondering what unnatural thing is occuring. Without any natural reason for such an intense attraction Dylan would suspect a lust demon, but even at his level he can tell there is no demonic force at work. This is something diffferent, something he has yet to be trained how to handle, but that knowledge does not end the maddening distraction. He should be focused on his impending reunion with Joan, or even on tomorrow night's game show, but every few minutes the disturbing image of a tall, pale, naked body flashes in his mind. Instinctively Dylan knows the solution to his problem - sex. If he went to Hester's room, did the deed and got this out of his system, he would be free. But Dylan's soul rebels against this idea of surrendering to the strangely alluring Hester Rodney.

Of course if sex is the answer...Karen's room is also just down the hall. Would his 'special friend' be open to a renewal of their intimate relationship? Normally Dylan would be repulsed by a plan for a casual booty call, but he is desperate. How would Karen react? Certainly their previous time together was wonderful, but what if Karen saw this as an attempted game strategy on Dylan's part? Even worse, what if he went to Karen's room and found Walter Hollis in her bed?

A knock on Dylan's door. Nervously he answers...

"Miss Gerling?" Dylan says, surprised to see Rapid Dough's contestant coordinator.

"Dylan, please call me Natalie. I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but there was something I wanted to discuss in private. May I come in?"

"Certainly. I was up anyway." Dylan says, grateful for any distraction.

Natalie enters and as Dylan closes the door he notices for the first time what an attractive woman she is: medium height, slender, curvy, with red hair and green eyes and a cute pattern of freckles. Natalie is wearing a little black dress and Dylan catches a whiff of an expensive perfume.

"Are you working this late?"

"Oh no, the show's staff went home hours ago. I was downstairs having a nightcap and thinking about the events of the day when I decided I couldn't take the mystery any longer. There's something very odd about this week's show."

"What do you mean?"

"It's about your friend Joan. These meetings the day prior to airing are an integral part of the program, and always before when a contestant was too ill to participate, the substitue was immediately called in."

"But not with Joan."

"No, and it has been driving me crazy as to why the change. I asked Mr. Greyson, but he refused to discuss it. The show does a lot of business with the hotel, and they bend over backwards to accomodate us. I had the night manager let me into Joan's room despite the 'Do Not Disturb' sign. She's not there. Joan has been gone all day!"

"How do you know that?"

The same night manager reviewed the security tapes for the day and they show Joan leaving by the side entrance about twenty minutes after she arrived."

Dylan shakes his head. "I don't understand. Where could she be? Why would she leave?"

"Exactly. Why would anyone walk away from a game show where they could potentially win millions? What would be more important than that? And why is Mr. Greyson covering for her? The whole thing began to obsess me and I... Look, I could lose my job for this so I'm trusting your discretion." (Dylan nods.) "We maintain offices here at the hotel, and I went to Mr. Greyson's office to snoop around. His phone records show several calls to and from a casino in Atlantic City, which I thought odd. On a hunch I called the casino, told them I was from Rapid Dough and asked if they could help me find a missing contestant. These casinos are use to dealing with celebreties and show biz companies, and they cooperated."

"Joan is there?"

"Yes. All day she has been with a V.I.P. guest who is renting one of their luxury suites. The guy's name is Tyler Christian."

"Who?"

"I googled and printed out a photo. He's one of those software/internet/computer billionaires who spring up out of nowhere. The casino confirmed your Joan is a guest in his suite tonight."

Dylan sags onto the bed staring at the picture of Tyler, and feeling his dream of a reconciliation crumbling. He crumples the photo and tosses it in the wastebasket. Dylan wipes a tear from his eye. Natalie sits beside Dylan and puts a hand on his shoulder...

"I see that I've hurt you with this news. I'm so sorry. I should have minded my own business, but I thought you had a right to know, Dylan."

Dylan sighs. "No, I appreciate your honesty, Natalie. After the day I've had, it's a refreshing change. I know I have no right to be jealous or upset. Joan and I haven't been together for a long time..."

"Hey, I get it. We all have our first loves, and they occupy a special place in our hearts. Getting over them is difficult, and it often takes years for those feelings to fade away."

Natalie begins massaging Dylan's shoulders, and he feels some of the stress easing...

"That feels good."

"I'm glad. Dylan, I know I can't fix what's wrong, but I would like the chance to spend tonight doing whatever I can to ease your pain."

Natalie leans in and kisses Dylan hard...

X X X X X

2-14-08/Thursday morning. Valentine's Day.

Shortly after dawn Dylan is in the park across the street from the Hotel Zimmer. He is doing stretching exercises before begining his morning workout. Towering above him is his tutor-angel, and Dylan has been trying to get use to dealing with a 25 foot tall jet black angel with six wings and glowing eyes. They are still adjusting to each other, but so far Dylan has found his tutor to be demanding but not harsh. As Dylan stretches, he yawns.

"Did you not get enough sleep, student?"

"No, I had a restless night - mostly due to the strange events of the day. As I was instructed, I attempted to read my fellow contestants. The results were odd." Dylan replies as he looks up at his tutor. (So far Dylan hasn't figured out a way to converse with the huge angel without it looking like he is talking to the tree tops.)

"What do you mean by 'odd'?"

"I read my friend Karen and got the word 'deception'. That has to be wrong, because Karen isn't like that. Part of this stupid game show I'm on involves being able to deceive others. Maybe she was thinking about that?"

"You do not read minds, Dylan. You read souls. All humans have a degree of deception within them. In that moment, that part of her nature was dominant."

Dylan sighs, disappointed with the answer. "With Walter Hollis I sure didn't get what I was expecting..."

"We have been over this. Do not try to anticipate because...?"

"Pre-judgement affects the accuracy of the results. What I read was 'fear' and there was a brief flash from Walter's childhood that seemed to confirm that."

"An encouraging sign of progress - well ahead of schedule."

"Thanks, but I think I blew it with the last one, Hester Rodney. For some strange reason I was distracted by...lust."

"Student, discipline yourself. You weaken your connection to the spiritual when you let the physical dominate. Female beauty..."

"But she isn't beautiful. I don't find her the least bit attractive, but I couldn't get her out of my mind and I don't know why! Even the word I got makes no sense: 'Grey'."

"Grey? You are sure?"

"Yes, I got it very strongly. Is it significant?"

The tutor-angel frowns, he is good at that. Out of the corner of his eye Dylan sees a limousine stopping in front of the hotel - not an unusual occurence, but it is Doorman God who steps forward to open the limo's door. Dylan barely hears his tutor's response...

"Most humans live a life that is a mix of the light and the dark. Some consistently choose to live in one or the other. But, there are a handful who live in 'the grey'. It is a narrow place that requires a precarious life of balancing between the spiritual energy of the light and dark sides."

"Why would they..."

Dylan pauses as a man exits the limo - a man he recognizes from his photo. Tyler Christian.

"These grey peole are able to tap into the spiritual energy of both sides in order to manipulate the physical world. Your Hester Rodney would be such a person."

Joan exits the limo and Dylan's heart automatically leaps for joy at the sight of the woman he loves. That joy dies when Tyler and Joan share an embrace...

"In other words, Hester Rodney is a witch."

To Be Continued. Please Review.