Mama Ethel’s new casino was a sight for sore eyes for sure. But the real games weren’t played for glitz and glam, the real games were played for favours, information, and sometimes… lives.

The dealer, Grace, took measure of us all, placing the money from the pot under a heavy weight at her elbow.

She leaned in on the table, ample bust squeezing out the top of her bustier, smiling seeing me eyeing her up.

I gave her a wink back.

The dame may’ve worked for a crook, but she could make you forget your mother with that set of~ pearly whites, yeah, it was her smile that drew me in.

“Bets are closed my loves,” she said, then picked up and loaded one round into the revolver, giving it a flick to spin the chamber. “Who’s feeling lucky?” She said with a breathy air, her voice like nectar poured into your ear.

The clatter of steel on wood rang as she placed it down and gave the gun a spin. Around and around till it slowed, coming to a stop pointing at Jimmy Threes.

A thug, and a grifter, he smiled dopily and sat back opening his shirt.

“Right here toots,” he slurred drunkenly, pointing to a tattoo of a ribbon over his heart that read “Nancy.”

Grace smiled, and quick as a flash, grabbed the gleaming snubnose revolver aimed and~

CLICK

Jimmy flinched.

I couldn’t help but give a whistle of relief. But was also the first to drop another dollar in the pot.

They all anted in.

Jimmy Threes first, then Lucy Chen, Shifty Moe, had no choice as a regular at Mama’s games because how much he owed her on the by. Luck was only good to him when his life was at stake. And lastly, Sal Antinori, I’d been after him for a month, a rap sheet longer than anyones here, and a ringer for being the the one who shot Susan.

Sal eyed me back, sneering. He knew I couldn’t touch him, not at one of Mama Ethel’s game nights.

“Bets are in, and I’m getting hot,” the dealer cooed, locking Chen with a sultry gaze as she gave the chamber a spin.

Chen brought her fan up, I’d never seen that reaction from her before. Looking good tonight, with her silver and green brocaded Cantonese gown, elegant as ever, but her hair hanging over her shoulder in a loose braid, held in a jade bangle.

Sal noted it too, only he wasn’t as couth.

“Who let the dike play?”

Chen didn’t even look up.

I didn’t have to raise my voice either, Mama Ethel didn’t like bigots in her clubs.

The rattle of the gun spinning even seemed to quiet when the woman spoke.

“The same person who offered to forgive your debts if you play my game.” Her hand closed on Sal’s shoulder, nails squeezing tight till he winced.

Sal looked up at~

CLICK

He flinched, we all did, turning his head to see the still sweetly smiling Grace with the pistol leveled at his head.

“Mmm, too bad,” She cooed, “Guess lady luck likes you. Can’t say I get why.”

Sal sat back, head hanging, “Sorry Bi-uh, Miss Ethel.”

I grabbed a walnut, cracking it, the others eyeing me as I did.

Lucy seemed impressed.

“Place your bets loves,” Grace said with a little chuckle.

I was feeling brave, my turn, I tossed in a five. Two shots this time.

Spin, and~

CLICK

I stared down the barrel, eyes pinning.

Spin, and~

CLICK

Moe looked stunned.

Sal just kept glaring.

Lucy’s number was up.

Grace took their bets.

Spin, and~

CLICK

“Ha,” Sal laughed, “Five bucks on Moe!”

Sal was sick, but it was bet in or go next.

Grace just sneered Sal’s way, “House rules,” and she whipped the pistol his way and pulled the trigger.

BANG

I should’ve listened to the Gypsy.

So, just like that, Sal Antinori wasn’t a suspect anymore.

Mama Ethel looked like the cat that had caught the canary.

I decided now was my chance and sidled closer.

“I know what you want, Detective. So, here you go,” she held out a letter, a message no doubt.

I folded it away, tucking it under my hat for later, and started off.

“Oh,” she called out, “Detective?”

I paused, looking back from collecting my winnings.

“A little birdie says, Susan, over at the Kelpie, he’s looking for you.”

Another lead.

I looked at the money in the pot, pushed my way, Grace looking pretty and magnolia in June. I pushed it back, only taking two tens, dropping one with the server for my drinks.

I tipped my hat, and took my leave, Susan awaited.