Chapter 1: Just Another Gamble
I walked into the local bar, Mick's Bitch House. He loved the name. It represented the distaste and overall dislike a guy like him had for the government. I don't think it referred to our French government. I think he is still sour over the American system of doing things. I don't think it would be so bad. In fact I've been looking for a new place for me and Maria to live. She wants me to stop what I do. To stop gambling. I'm trying so hard anymore. I think moving to America will help. I can get a new start there, but for now it's time to earn my money the way I always have.
I sit at a large table in a secret room, behind Mick's liqueur rack. In this room is where I learned to gamble. My father would use this room for private games. The bar had always been here, but Mick was the latest owner. The regular dealer, Donald Alvira, passes out the cards. We all put twenty bucks into the middle. That is our buy in price. I feel lucky tonight. Then again I always feel lucky. The game is beginning and things look bright for me.
"So, how are you mate doing tonight."
"Pretty good considering." Alvira said with a dark tone.
"Considering what may I ask."
"last week we invited an American diplomat. A very prestigious man and we won his money. It was your job to cut it into equal shares. How much did you take?"
"I took my fare share and nothing more. I'm appalled you would think so horribly of me."
"Think horribly of you, I know you. Your nothing, but a two bit Gambler. Just like your father, and his father, and his father. In other words, I know you took more than you deserve you little gambit."
"If I took anything more than what I got out of that you know it would be for something important."
"That's what I used to think. Now I know I was wrong to believe it."
"What are you getting at Donny."
"I'm sorry Remy, but you need to be taught a lesson." he said with a certain sadness in his tone. "Boys! Get'em!"
Four guys came at me with baseball bats and billy clubs. I picked up my cards and slid them out of my hands like I was throwing ninja stars. I had to use what was around me. One of the cards cut a guy in the ear a tin bit. After that I was hit repeatedly and knocked unconcious. As my vision blurred I could see Alvira pulling out a gun. I knew it was over for me. I knew this would be the end.