SAVANTS
The Chapture 53

I've forgotten how disgusting Sean is. It's no myth that she's overweight that can make her look friendly and jolly - but her moist palms, her sly smile, her dog-looking whiskers make her look like.....!

"Sky Bright's? It's good to see you." He reached out the hand I had to hold but I let go of his hand quickly after shaking.

"Hey. You're Sean, right?"

"Yes. Maria asked me to take care of you."

Yes, that's your plan.

"What do you want to see first? Gambling table?" He led the way to the elevator.

"Am I allowed to gamble? I thought I was a minor."

He gave me a disgusting blink. "Say it's a special arrangement just for you. I'll give you some chips and you can play without losing a dime of your own money. I'm generous, right? I'll let you keep whatever winnings you play."

"You're so nice." Nah! He's just acting.

He took me to the cashier's window and took out a thousand-dollar chip. "That'll help you get started."

"I don't know the rules of any card game."

"Then let's try roulette, it's like a children's game."

It's like a roulette round. Black or red? Will we come out as winners or not? Only luck determines the outcome.

"OKAY. Sounds fun," I said enthusiastically.

I quickly lost half the money through a bad guess, then won a quarter of it back with a lucky kick. I can see how this game can be addictive. There is hope that the next round will benefit you. There is no skill involved, just luck.

"Will we play again?" His word.

"Who's afraid" I put almost all my money on the bet.

"Haaah" I sighed, trying not to be distracted by all this money. It's just a piece of iron covered in a little bit of gold, like in Harry Potter.

'Put everything down at fifteen' Zed said by telepathy.

I hid my smile behind my hands. I know he is unbeatable in gambling. I put my remaining chips in the number fifteen. Sean shook his head.

"Are you sure, Sky? Such a bet is called a risky straight-up move."

"Yes, I like to live with danger." I gave him a rude smile.

The other participants laughed out loud at the enthusiasm of beginners like me.

"Well" grumbled a fine man wearing a Stetson from Texas, "if this beautiful Miss says fifteen must be lucky, I'll put my money where she put her money. Thirty-five to one-big-odds-if you win."

From the gentle orange glow around the man, I knew he was just trying to make me feel better about my haste in the spirit of 'corporate loving misery' when I must have lost it all.

"Trust me" I said to him seriously. "I feel good about this."

Laughing, he put most of his money into the fifteen. Capturing the fun of the moment, several other people risked a chip or two in the same box.

With a confident smile, the croupier turned the big wheel and dropped the ball.

"Just playing for the first time, Miss?" ask the Texan, tucking his thumb into his belt.

"Yes" answered me.

"You have a nice accent."

"I'm an Englishman."

"It's nice to meet you. Now, little lady, don't get mad when you lose all your money. Treat it as a lesson. If only I had studied hard when I was your age. I'm gonna have a nice condo in Florida and I'm not wasting it all on a place like this."

The ball jumps, clangs, then falls into its slot. The croupier looks down and announces. "Black fifteen!"

There were a few people gasping from all at the table, except me. Then ...

"Yee-ha" The Texan threw his hat into the air. Next he lifted me up and twisted my body, giving me kisses on both cheeks. "The luck of a beautiful woman and this is her!"

The win with us was impressive. I left with almost five thousand dollars, a Texan with a few hundred thousand, and that made Sean a little angry.

"Promise to spend it somewhere in Florida?" I asked the Texan, who introduced himself as the Third George Mitchell. I could see he'd give up all his chips for money or put them on his debit card.

"I promise, Miss. And even more, I'll name that place after you. What's yourname?"

"Sky Bright"

"perfect. Sky Bright I'm coming." With a wave of his hat, he headed to the cashier's office, putting his pants on his belt.

Gamblers being a bunch of superstitions, I found myself besieged by a request for tips for the next round. Sean pulled my arm.

"I think we should get out," he said smoothly, his aura flashing red in anger.

"OKAY. Whatever you want," I said, pretending to be sweet, God, this is disgusting.

"I'll make sure your victory gets to you. A check is okay, right?"

"Um .. for my parents, please. I haven't opened my own bank account in the US."

"Good." His grip on my arm was a bit painful indicating that his control was slipping. He tried to make a joke about it. "I have to get you out of here before you break the bank. What if you destroy some of our competitors?"

Does that mean he suspects me of using Savant's powers to beat the roulette wheel?

"I think I've had enough. Beginner's luck and all that."

He regained control of himself again, regained his composure. "Okay, let's eat then. We have an excellent restaurant on the top floor, with views over Red Rock Canyon. I'll give you all your chips in the office." He's headed for the cashier window. I knew from the aura of satisfaction that surrounded him that he had no intention of giving me a dime.

I can't help but check that Zed is still listening even at the risk.

'Maria Kelly must be busy, right?'

'Yes. I'm still laughing at roulette - great, baby. I don't want to give you a tip.'

Hearing her voice in my head lessened the fear. One of my best moments.

There's pause. I gotta hurry. Victor says Daniel Kelly's on top. We think this is possible.

'They'll try and erase my thoughts again?'

'It's very possible - but we're not going to let that happen. Don't forget to keep your shield strong. We moved into position, the team downstairs disguised as a cleaning crew.'

'Where are you?'

'At a safe distance from you. I'd better stop talking to you now if that bastard (Sean) realizes it. '

'I don't think she can, but maybe Maria is somewhere. He's a stronger savant, I think.'

'Then we have to be careful. Stay safe.'

'Yes, you too.'

'I love you Sky and always will'

Telepathic connection disconnected.