"I call and raise a hundred!" A voice came from the table. The casino was bustling, filled with the stench of cigarettes and the spirits of alcohol.
Fortunes were won and lost in seconds by patrons. They were mainly members of the upper class, and for most, money was no object.
However, the same could not be said for those at the high stakes poker games. All eyes in the vicinity were focused on the well dressed woman in black.
She was a new face, and had shaken up the table by besting much of the older players. Her emotionless face betrayed nothing.
Internally, Wakaba Isshiki was shaking, as she hated social gatherings of any kind with a passion, preferring to work alone in peace.
"Live a little!", "Come on! Get some fresh air!" She tried to ignore her colleagues' words, but eventually, one day, she had to give in. At least it was going very well so far. Her analytical skills allowed her to crush the opposition.
Bar one.
The last of her opponents was also a newcomer, according to the other guests. He was… an enigma to say the least. He wore a white tuxedo and a pair of aviator shades that hid his eyes. He looked like he was in his late forties, his hair was full and combed to the side. It was a shade of silvery grey not unlike someone twice his age. The final detail of note was a scar stretching from the left corner of his mouth to his cheek.
Soon enough, it was time to deal again. Isshiki's eyes darted as the cards came out.
Four aces, four of a kind. The game was hers, no doubt. "Four of a kind, aces." She declared, mustering all of her courage. "You can't beat that." She followed.
"I think my royal flush begs to differ." The man replied. His breath smelled of a cool mint scent.
"WHAT!?" Isshiki screeched internally. It was impossible. The man revealed his hand, a Queen of Spades, a King of Spades, a Jack of Spades, a Ten of Spades, and a Joker.
The wildcard.
Victory was snatched away in an instant. Internally, she bid farewell to a good month's salary. She would never go outside again. Period.
"I admire your skill, Ms.?" The man began in slightly accented Japanese.
"Isshiki, Wakaba Isshiki," She huffed. "I admire your luck, Mister?"
"Kaplan, John Kaplan." The man produced a cigarette, lit it and took a drag. Suddenly, another man approached Kaplan, passing him a note.
"I apologize Ms Isshiki, I must call it a night." Kaplan spoke as he read the note. "I have urgent business elsewhere."
He scooped up his winnings and moved to cash out. Isshiki watched as he left the casino and disappeared out and into the cold.
I've always wanted a more espionage related Persona fic. I could not find any so I decided to make one myself (First fic in a long time)
-Joesephi