Side-B: Chapter 1:
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Kyaaa~!"
A loud boisterous man laughed loudly and wildly. His voice reaching the ends of the casino as a few eyes turn towards the source of the noise. Athin man across the table shuddered uncontrollably. His mouth is agape, unable to process the events that had just transpired.
"I… what… I lost… no, but… I counted… it was… Unless—!" The man looks up at the dealer who's taking away the cards on the table.
"It's you!" The thin man screamed. "You swapped the cards somehow!"
"What!? Are accusing me of cheating!? Where's your proof!? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"There's no…!" He stopped himself.
In Black Jack, card counting is completely legal. Almost everyone does it; either to get an advantage or cut their losses. However, it is frowned upon in casinos, maybe even illegal in some. Of course, this is all for the sake of the house getting the most money out of the player. So Black Jack players resorted to occasionally losing, to mask their advantage. Losing despite having a better position.
But for the skinny man, this lost wasn't a result of the count, nor was it an intentional mask. He was tricked into going all in. Baited to close out his night. But in doing so, the cards changed in the middle of the game. The count didn't add up.
"—!" He looked at the dealer, realized something was amiss about him. The dealer caught his gaze and quickly looked away.
"Did you—!?" He looked at the boisterous man, as he finally pieced together the simple trick. But the man smiled at him knowingly in return.
"See girls? That's the problem with these service businessmen. They only just know how to hire people to do their job for them. If only they hired people that'd make them a bit smarter, y'know? Imagine going all in on that last hand?"
"I know right~! Even I wouldn't make a call like that! Honestly, it's so stupid!"
"Tch!" The skinny man clicked his tongue.
"Didn't I hear there's a lot of mistreatment in his company? Oh, I hope those poor poor girls are okay." The showgirl beside him said, her voice sounding concerned.
"Oh don't they just hire abandoned girls from wherever? Oh my, oh my, oh my, that's why we keep getting new recruits!" The other showgirl added.
"AHAHAHA! I heard some pretty nasty things happening to those poor service girls of his! They have clientsjust fucking them! Apparently they don't give them enough of a salary to make a living!"
"YOU'RE WRONG!" The skinny man shouted. "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GETTING ALL THESE ACCUSATIONS FROM!?"
"From your customers, you dumbass! Not like we can make this shit up right!? And c'mon, don't tell me that crap when you're here gambling your company's money! Who would fucking believe that a rundown company like yours can drop 100 million credits! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
"I'm only here to let off some stea―!"
"LET OFF SOME STEAM! WHAT THE FUCK!? Now that's fucking funny! AHAHAHAHA. Hear that, this guy is here to let off some steam! AHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughs roaringly, his drink and spit flying all over.
"You—!?"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The skinny man seethes in rage. The heartfelt laugh of the boisterous man, along with the whores around him, made his blood boil. His clenched up fist shakes violently, his vision slowly going red.
*CLAP!* *CLAP!* *CLAP!* *CLAP!*
"—!" Suddenly, like a butterfly settling into frame, a man in a suit walks in between them. His clapping hands cuts through the tension. At the same time, the boisterous laugh dies down, as though making way for his graceful comment.
"Now, now, now. Let's not fill the establishment with poison." The man in a suit said as his monocle beams at the two.
"Hey now, Mr. Marques. We're not causing any trouble. We're just having fun with Mr. Chuck over here."
"I can see that you are enjoying yourself, Mr. Anderson, and I most certainly am pleased with that. However, we have other customers that don't share that same enjoyment as of the moment." Marques replied, looking at Anderson with the most calm glare.
"Sure, sure! My bad." Almost immediately, Anderson rescinds and settles his tongue in one of the girl's mouth.
"As for you, Mr. Chuck." Marques turned to Chuck. "It would seem that your night has been a terrible experience."
"N-no, it's no problem at all…" Chuck, losing all tension, replied.
"Oh believe me, it is a problem for me. I simply cannot have my customers leave without joy in their hearts. We are in the business of entertainment after all." Marques said, putting a hand on his chest.
"No, it's really no problem at all. I-If you'd excuse me, " Chuck stepped back as he excused himself.
"Wouldn't you like to play one last game with Mr. Anderson before you go, 'Gambler'"
"⸻!" Chuck stopped in his tracks. His eyes went wide, unable to believe what he had just heard.
"Marques, what are you trying to pull here?" Anderson stopped indulging in his whore.
"Nothing really. I'm merely offering Chuck here an opportunity to regain his reputation. A chance to prove that he is merely here to let off steam and not spending company money for his personal interest." Marques smiled as he answered.
"That's some fancy way to say, 'I want to see these 2 fight', you deranged butler" Anderson answers back..
"And if I lose?" Chuck asked, now facing Anderson directly.
"You will sell your company." Marques answered as though it is a matter of fact.
"Deal."
"Woah, woah, woah. Kid, you're not actually dumb enough to accept those terms are you?"
"Yeah? Well, let's make it even then. Why not sell your exportation company? Pretty sure you won't lose a lot from selling that, right, Mr. Glutton?".
"Deal then, kid. Marques, what's the game?"
"Why, a classic game of Poker, of course. And I'll be the dealer, removing all bias from the game, would that be acceptable to you two?"
Neither rejected.
"Then, please, take your seats gentlemen and let the game begin."
"Haa… So much paperwork." Chuck complained as he signed off another paper.
"Y'know, you should learn to delegate." His assistant said from behind the computer.
"Clara, look around you. We're the only ones in the office."
"If you didn't book all our girls, then we'd have somebody to finish these for us. Not my fault you suck at managing." Clara retorted, clearly annoyed that their work could've finished earlier with the manpower that they had.
"Can't help it. We're barely growing at our pace, so we need take on more jobs." Chuck answered, maintaining the rhythm of his writing hand.
"Sounds like an excuse to me. And how is our 'growth' going?"
"Barely 3% since last year"
"So much for our growth."
The office room went quiet, only the typing sounds of the keyboard and scratching of pen on paper remained. The ceiling fan groans as it tries to give a breeze. The silence was awkward but not uncommon. Both continued their work uninterrupted, as though each other's silence pushes them to do so.
"Hm?"
Clara noticed an email notification. She clicked on it and a new window popped up, revealing its contents.
"Hey, we have an order" she called out to her boss.
"From?"
"Another family restaurant. Says here, quite close to the Hei-lo district."
"Ah that. I got a sale last night."
"Right. And you didn't think to tell them that we're fully booked?"
"No, because I'm the one going." Chuck stood up as soon as he said it. After wearing his coat, he made his way towards the door.
"Haa? Wait, wait, wait, wait! You can't just leave! We've got to submit our tax papers today and have our business license renewed! Hey wa―!"
*SLAM!*
Chuck shut the door behind him, ignoring Clara's pleas.
He made his way down to ground level, slowly feeling the heat of the afternoon. The sounds of cars outside whizzed and buzzed as they pass by. Upon landing on the ground floor, he walked through a small corridor, passing by plenty of other shops and businesses. Their usual noise brought a slight joy to his ears.
With the sun glaring down on him, he hailed a taxi. On the other side of the road, the taxi flashed its signal light before turning to a U-turn spot. As it makes its way towards him, he looked around, not finding anything or anyone that stood out.
The taxi parked before him. He opened the door, and got in. The taxi smoothly drove to its destination.
"I didn't think that you would come, Chuck." Anderson greeted beside him, fully beaming at him.
"What's this weird way of inviting me out on a date? Why did you send an email to my assistant?"
"Now, now. Don't be like that. It's not like I wanted to email her. It was a mishap from the tech guys."
"Right…" he looked away, watching the streets and buildings pass by.
"Oh hey now, don't be glum. We did have a very intense match last week and I fully respect your skills. Don't make me look like the bad guy over here." Anderson pleaded but Chuck didn't respond.
"Look, we're going to my place, okay? Once you get there, water under the bridge, okay?"
"..."
The taxi drove on as Chuck stared out of the window, ignoring his seatmate's excited humming noise. He gave an indifferent look as the city passed by him, as though he was preparing himself for what's to come. The driver turned on the radio, breaking the silence within taxi. His eyes wandered towards the sidewalk.
2 of his girls are walking back to the office.
The taxi drove into the bustling business district. The tall skyscrapers loom over their heads, judging the people below as they go about their day. The men and women of these parts all wore the same type of outfit, dyeing the district with its own colors. A place where gray and black are allowed. A place devoid of any life and color.
The car stopped in front of a building. An unremarkable building that looks exactly the same as the one next to it.
The chauffeur opened the door for Chuck.
"So what do you think?" Anderson asked as he climbed out of the car. "Not as good looking as you imagined right? It looks just like that building over there." Anderson looked at the building at the right.
"But, get this. That's the point. We cheaped out on designing the outside and decorated the inside instead. Plus, our employees and service are paid top credit. My dad taught me that, and wildly enough it worked. You've heard of him, right?"
"As much as the next person." Chuck replied.
"Oh c'mon now. He was all over the news! Killing his own wife then running away with her body. Haaa… man, what a dad. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Can't say I can imagine. All I know is, he once paid for my lunch and we both ate at some restaurant or something."
*THUMP!* *THUMP!* *THUMP!* *THUMP!*
"AHAHAHAHAHA! That's my dear old dad! Always the benevolent man! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" he loudly laughed as he patted Chuck's back.
After passing through several stares and whispers, they made their way into the building.
Anderson was right, if the outside looked ordinary, then the inside of the hotel was as luxurious as its rating or maybe even beyond so. From the bottom to top, the reception is filled with gold marbling that could blind your eyes. A chandelier above sparkles its jewelry like the stars at night. Surrounding the reception hall were white pillars with gold linings.
The guests of the reception all wore lavish clothes, dresses, suits, and clothes only seen on magazines. Purses that looked simple but costs a fortune. Refreshing smiles that are worth more than Chuck's net worth. Handshakes that represent a business deal done, Chuck can only imagine the amount of money being passed around.
"Good day, Sir Anderson. Your room is ready." A bell boy said as he pressed the elevator button.
"Good day, prepare my friend here our specialty. "
"Right away, sir."
The bell boy left just as the elevator door opened.
"Sir Anderson, welcome back." the elevator girl greeted as they walked in.
"Good morning, Akemi. How was our guests, I hope they didn't bother you like last time?" Anderson asked as the elevator girl pressed the S button.
"No, sir. Our guests have been respectful."
"That's good to hear." He then turned to Chuck. "What do you think so far? I'm sure it's not your first time, right?"
"So far, the fanciest I've seen."
"You should try the food here. Practically a steal with how we priced it."
Chuck merely smiled as a response.
They arrived at the top most floor. The unceremonious chime of the elevator signaled the doors to open. They are only greeted by a single door surrounded by red carpet and orange lit walls.
"Thank you, Akemi."
They stepped out of the elevator and as soon as the doors closed behind them, silence once again filled the air them. A deafening silence that that you can almost touch. The door before them suddenly became menacing. With each step they make, the red-carpet floor dies out their footsteps, as though welcoming them with a devilish smile.
Anderson pulled out a card from his jacket, and slid it into the card slot. The door rumbled before a familiar mechanical click reverberates from it. He opened the door.
The room was quite spacious. Glass planes surrounded the living room overlooking the city. The area only has a tv, sofa and a countertop separating the kitchen and the living area. The light from the sun pours in, as though the room is blessed by it.
"What a view, right Chuck?" Anderson said, taking it all in. "If only I could live forever just for this view. Man this is the life."
"I'm surprised. Last week, you were laughing harder than a hippo. I wonder how long you're going to wear that mask of yours." Chuck stated with all the poison in his voice that he can muster. The painful show that Anderson has put up was getting to him since the taxi ride.
Anderson merely turned towards him, his friendly smile now turned to a sneer. His eyes are as cold as the day he fought him on the table. His tone is pitched high, as if barely holding in a wild burst of laughter. The air around him looks twisted and distorted. And with his back turned against the window, the shadow casted over his face adds to the effect.
"Speak for yourself, we're both putting up airs, right 'Gambler'?" Anderson said, putting daggers in each and every syllable.
"So what do you want from me, Mister Anderson? A coded message about meeting with me is a roundabout way of eloping with me."
"C'mon, why are you in a rush? It's not like I stole your company right? Oh wait, I did! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" he laughs from the bottom of his belly.
"My god the look on your face when you lost was picture perfect! If there's a talent show for a shock face, you'd definitely win! AHAHAHAAHA!" he laughs again. "If anything, I can't believe you made such a bad call! What were you thinking!? I guess you really do 'gamble'! Honestly, going all in again! Didn't you fucking lose to me because of that! AHAHAHAHAHAHA"
"So what do you really want? You won. The paper work has already been filed to the LEC. I should be out by next week and you will have the company all to yourself." the Gambler stated the facts as coldly as he can. Cutting through the boisterous laugh.
"Hahahaha~Haaa…" Anderson calmed himself, wiping the tears in his eyes. "Well now, we're here to celebrate getting a new business. I'm not so heartless as to drag the old boss' face through the dirt. Why don't we just sit down and relax"
The Gambler glared at him, but Anderson merely replied with a smirk and a smile.
*DING!* *DONG!*
"Mr. Anderson, the specialty is here." the familiar voice of the bell boy spoke through the door.
"Oh, refreshments. You want some? I know you'll recognize the variety of drinks that we have." Anderson excitedly said as he moved towards the door with hop in his step.
"I⸻!"
As the the Gambler was about to answer. Anderson let in the 'specialty', no, rather, 'specialties'. Guided by a large dark man in a suit, holding a chain chained to the 'specialties'' collars, 'they' walked into the room with 'their' hands tied behind 'their' back, wearing nothing but a leather belts that fully emphasizes their boobs and vagina.
"Wait a minute, they're―!?" As they come into full view right in front of him, Chuck recognized who the girls were.
"AHAHAHAHAHA! There it is! THERE IT IS! HOOO~ MAN! WHAT A FACE!" Anderson's laugh in delight; tears forming at the corners of his eyes.
"ANDERSOOON!? WHAT THE FU―!?"
Suddenly, pain shot through from his stomach. For a brief moment, he felt as though he was lifted off the ground, before kissing it face first.
He tried to get up, he tried to breathe, but his body refuses to listen to him.
"Ha man, let's get this over with." Anderson walked up to the reeling Chuck. His sadistic heart leaped for joy, as he lifted his foot and smashes it onto Chuck's head.
*BAM!*
"GH—!?" Chuck's head smashed onto the marble floor, tearing the skin off his forehead, causing it to bleed.
"Your little company of yours, means shit to me, okay? You mean shit to me. But I have to give you some credit, the women you hired, top class fuck toys am I right? Look at those boobs and untouched pussy. I'd pay top dollar to fuck these girls. I wonder how long they'll last once I 'shared' them with the rest."
"ANDERSOOONN! FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU! DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE LAY A FINGER ON THEM!" Chuck roared.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I wonder how much money am I going to make selling these fuck hol⸻!?"
*BAM!* *THUD!*
The weight on his head suddenly went away. Chuck looked up, mustering all of his strength to do so.
"—!?"
Anderson's face was right in front of him. His eyes wide open, and his mouth open and misaligned.
He's laying faceup, not breathing and not moving.
"E-1 to D-2, we've secured Anderson and recorded verbal evidence as well. Get us a medivac."
"Roger, medivac incoming. Good job, E-1."
"Hey! Get the girls out and clothed!"
"You got it, TL."
"You alright there, buddy?" an unfamiliar voice suddenly said. Their hands suddenly hold his sides as he is turned face up on the floor. On top of him, was the dark man from earlier.
"Sorry about that. I hope you didn't vomit your brains out. Had to let his mouth run before we knock him out. Can you stand?"
Chuck shaked his head.
"Who… the… fuck… are you?"
"Berueu of Investigation. We're here to secure Anderson for human trafficking and drugs. Honestly, a tough fish to catch."
"And the girls? Haruka? Emi? Eri?" Chuck looked around but couldn't find any of the girls. Instead, the room is now occupied by 2 more men, wearing the same outfit as the dark man, tying up Anderson's unconscious body. The dark man is sitting beside him.
"They're fine. There's a team outside of the hall putting them together."
"Haaa… Goddammit…" Chuck rested his head back onto the floor. The tension of his body disappeared and melted onto the floor.
"Oh, right. Here, someone wants to talk to you." the dark man, puts a phone on Chuck's chest. Before giving him some privacy.
"Good afternoon, Chuck." a voice. A girl's voice. A young girl's voice spoke through the speakers.
"You…—!?" Chuck gets up with all the strength he can muster.
"Sorry for the rough time. I'll be sure to reimburse your hospital bill" she said calmly.
"Reimburse my fucking ass. This wasn't part of the deal!"
"I apologize for upsetting you. But this was the only way to get Anderson."
"YEAH, SCREW THAT! YOU FUCKING USED ME TO PLAY ANDERSON'S HAND! Our deal was to get him to buy the company. You didn't tell me that he'd fucking kidnap my girls to use as sex slaves!"
"We had no evidence against Anderson. Despite firsthand testimonies, he bribed the court to get it to his side. Hence, we needed damning evidence. I had to pull a few strings to get the LBI to act. It wasn't easy convincing these old people. You know how these people operate."
"Shit…" the Gambler grumbled.
"However, I promise that those girls won't get into anything traumatic again."
"You fucking better!" the Gambler answered back. "I'd rather you don't sacrifice your pawns just to get a good position."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Don't play with me. You didn't do all this just to be a hero of justice against human traffickers. If it was, then Anderson didn't have to be a character in your script."
"...Impressive. I didn't let you on one bit and you already have a clue." The girl didn't hide her admiration. "Is as you said, I wanted to get something from Anderson, but to do that, he needed to be removed from the picture."
"And that would be?"
"...That's a secret~"
"..." the Gambler didn't retort. "So? What's the next move, boss?"
"Next is when the game really starts. I hope your girls are up for a long battle, Mr. Gambler."