Big Bad Goes Gambling
Summer 2021, Week 3
Tuesday evening
Lucky Spades Casino, Downtown
Storyteller #1
The casino was bustling full of people gambling away their sorrows, but not everyone. In the back corner, at a lone pocketable sat a rather well-dressed man and his two guards. The man clearly of Asian descent was idly playing with the dealer, barely paying any mind to whether he was winning or losing. He was waiting for his contact. A man named Dallas, who he was told ran the Evos in this city. This… city as they called it, was a cesspool, uncultured and undisciplined. The gangsters were nothing but idiots with their shirts off running around yelling about some street they lived one. Rolling his eyes, he leaned back and sipped on his sake. At least their brands in liquor weren’t that bad. He would wait as long as he needed to. The company having a lot of money on this, his boss having given him the right to charge up wards of 2 million to secure this job.Dallas Lock
Walking into the Casino, two of the guards at the entrance welcomed their patron and called in his presence to put staff on high alert. One of the floor staff arrived quickly and started walking her boss towards the designated table. As he approached the table, he easily identified the person he was set to meet. A promise of a generous payment to his casino was all it took. People who could pay for a meeting could pay for more. Taking a seat at the table a few spots down, he hit the table for a hand, playing the House with House money. "Dallas Lock. You asked to meet with me." It wasn't a question, and his eyes looked at his cards before turning to give the man his attention. Asian, well dressed. Organized then? The Organized Asian groups put a lot of weight on respect, weird traditions that Dallas tended to appreciate. Part of that required introductions and giving them your attention.Storyteller #1
“Ah, yes. Thank you, Mr. Dallas. It is a pleasure.” The man would wait a few moments, playing his hand before turning and bowing his head low to Dallas. While out of the country he was something of importance, here he knew Dallas was the big fish. Even if it was a large salmon to an ocean full of sharks. “I am Lao, Funa. Sake?” he spoke raising his head to pass the new man the pitcher. Offering him both the pitcher and two small sake glasses. “Shall we play a hand as we discuss business?” He spoke as Dallas either poured or ignored his offer, pushing the suitcase towards Dallas with his foot. Inside was 1 million USD as well as a custom made 1911, cherry blossom wrapping up along the sides of the handle. A gift, written across the slide, in Chinese on one side, English the other.Dallas Lock
"A pleasure and honor to meet you, sir." Dallas said as he gave a more Americanized bow of his head in respect. Cultures being what they were, copying without understanding the importance was a no-go. Even if Dallas had been around the world and knew most major cultures in depth, but why give that away by being too proper. "Some Sake and a hand while we talk would make this more interesting of a business meeting than I'm used to." The man hadn't waited for his answer, suggesting it wasn't a request among equals but one of those show of powers where someone does as they want. So, Dallas did the same in kind, having the dealer deal out the cards and making sure Dallas' received his cards first. My house, my rules, Lao Funa. At the same time, he acknowledges the gift with a smile of appreciation before moving it closer to his side with his own foot. He would not bend down and pick up the gift. For two reasons. First, it was rude. Second, Dallas did not pick things off the floor in his own house. But this was a game of polite dick measuring, so he'd play along. Looking through his cards, Dallas finally spoke again. "So, what can I assist you with?"Storyteller #1
Peeking at the five cards laid before him the man suddenly seemed quite interested in the cards. He found it a little bit rude he hadn't been poured a drink but perhaps, just perhaps he had had enough after all. Damn Americans. A 9 and a 10 of spades, a jack of hearts, a 2 of spades and queens of spades... The spirits were watching it seemed. This would be a good deal “The briefcase is a gift. No strings attached. Merely a present for hopeful deals to come.” Of course, it's much more. A thank you for not killing me and starting a war you cannot win. Present, and perhaps they both knew that. But neither would ever say it aloud. “Yes, straight to business. Or at least the start of said business... The People I represent, as I am sure you know, have a great deal of power, wealth, and influence across the globe... This of course includes many deals, trade...and people. One of those people worth a great deal to them is in your city.” “I raise.” He spoke, his English cracking a bit, sliding a stack of chips away from his pile towards theSorin Fionn
Rushing over to his assigned table with a wide grin on his face, Sorin moves quickly to relieve his coworker. I heard the boss man is making an appearance today, better put on a show... Big show or subtle? Maybe start subtle and gauge it from there. Five card poker is an easy enough day, to boot. He arrives at the table, and the increase in tension is immediate. Dallas was talking with the visitor and noted that the drink of choice this evening would be sake. Quickly making note of the visitor's appearance and committing it to memory, he turns to the current croupier and watches for a subtle signal. The current croupier quickly taps the table twice, three fingers outstretched towards the visitor. Ah, okay. I'll play nice, Frank. Sorin patiently waits until this hand is finished to step in and introduce himself.Dallas Lock
Dallas was absorbed in his cards. Say what you will but the man focused heavily on what he was doing at all times. It was a sort of tunnel vision that hurt him in his youth but that he had started to master as he got older, an ability to switch focused quickly. “I call.” Sevens of hearts and clubs, eight of diamonds, nine and ten of clubs. A bad hand that was so close to being nice. Dallas prepped to have the 8 exchanged. His chances of getting a six compared to losing his pair. Well, it sort of explained himself nicely. He’d take risks, but not ones he had to fully rely on good fortune to have a shot. Noticing Sorin, one of the better dealers in his casino, approaching, he idly thought about it being shift change and that meant he’d have a good tally of house income for the mid shift. “Someone your bosses cares about is running around my city during a time filled with maniacs slitting throats and killing police.” It wasn’t a question, but a summarization of what the man was basically saying. He made it clear he wasn’t jumping to conclusions by his next statement. “Would your employers like me to steer away from them or something else? If it’s the former and he’s running an operation, we will need to discuss that, you understand?”Storyteller #2
Frank the dealer calls, opting to exchange 3 cards and smiles to Lao Funa, waiting to see if they wished to exchange any cards.Storyteller #1
Sliding his jack of hearts across the table he knocked once. He was quiet, thinking heavily. Dallas was correct through; he hadn't heard of Lotus killing an officer… Not yet. He had been told stick to the homeless. He would need to visit the young man after this. "No, well yes, but no. My employers would rather hire your services. The man was sent here for many reasons, but the first and foremost is money. An operation as you call it. Through this one is entirely legal, even if his habits aren't." Giving a small frown Lao Funa actually looked up from his cards being the first to break concentration on the game as he looked over to Dallas. "Legal, as in it doesn’t involve you, though protection of him is top priority. While he is a bit... problematic he is worth a lot of money and makes even more" Lao bit his lip. He realized too late he had given away that not only it was a male, but he was worth more than he was… He hoped quietly as he returned to his cards that Dallas wouldn't guess who it was… Yet.Sorin Fionn
Sorin watches and listens, feigning ignorance for the story unfolding in front of him. He means to suggest what Mr. Lock does isn't? He watches as Frank deals out the six of diamonds to Dallas first, three cards to the house's hand and an Ace of hearts to Lao. I've only heard rumours about Mr. Lock, and his reach is very long in the city according to all of them. Talk if an operation only confirms them, I suppose. Best to keep quiet, though. Keep my nose clean and such. He watches as Frank peeks at his hand once more. Queens of clubs and diamonds, tens of hearts and diamonds, and a four of spades.Dallas Lock
That leaves the son of that Yakuza branch who’s here to study at the University, the K-Pop Star, the North Korean spy pretending to be a South Korean exchange student, and…I believe that’s it. The Chinese contingents I’ve met with. Dallas’ mind was working, trying to put together the best picture for what was being asked of him. He could probably discount the spy, which left the star and the Yakuza boy. And if one of those two were the principles that left a clear picture of what was needed. “You need me to find a team. One that is skilled in protection, of course and as you stated, but also in discretion and protecting them in other ways. Otherwise called covering for them if necessary. Loyal dogs that are beholden both to money and to the leash binding them to make sure they won’t turn coat. Is that about right?” Just his luck. He saw as hit got his card back. A small smile crept onto his face. Sometimes you weren’t sure what type of luck you’d get. Good could be bad depending on the circumstances. “We should clarify something though, Sir. Even legal operations involve me in some ways, especially if they open avenues to less than legal operations being conducted surrounding them. Please do not take that as a barb, I’m simply trying to help you understand who exactly you’re contracting with. I wouldn’t want a potential business partner to think they’re dealing with, for their own peace of mind you understand?” The Prince of New Victoria didn’t need to come out and say who’s house they were in. The casino surrounding them that was under his name said enough.Storyteller #1
Lao Funa only looked at his fresh card for a moment before sliding it back towards the teller and knocking on the table. His hand, much like his luck, seemed to be souring quickly. It looked nice, and a smart play, but was risky and he didn't hold the card he needed. In fact, most likely Dallas held the card... just like he held the chips he needed for this job. There was a long silence before Lao nodded, motioning for his guards to walk away. He didn't need him spilling secrets to come back and bite his ass… not yet. The guards didn't stay away before wondering off, they stayed close but well out of hearing range. "You are not far off from the truth. Loyal guard dogs are just what we need, though, worrying about them turning coat...isn't a problem… Not in the slightest. Rather, keeping his less than legal exploits of the public eyes... As well as simple… he is an Evo... A dangerous one that we would like to keep secret. Think of this team more like… babysitters... Though I cannot beat around it much longer. Name a price. Then we can discuss who it is. I would start low.” Lao new the price would raise the moment the man heard the name and assumed the man would know the same. "Of course." Lao began this time with a wide smirk, like a man reveling a hidden card "This is more than money, this job goes well... I have been informed this will be a hopeful beginning of a partnership."Storyteller 2
Frank elects to discard one card, waiting patiently to see if Dallas wished to exchange some cards.Sorin Fionn
Seems a pretty intense deal bein' made if th' goons are ushered away. Definitely shouldn't pry or listen in. He pulls out a pack of brand-new cards he picked up from the back, and in an attempt to warm them up he dribbled the cards between his hands quietly and practiced a couple of more subtle flourishes like the single card flick, his hands tingling slightly from the 'memory'.[Type 1, Basic, -0EP 25/25]
Dallas Lock
"The price typically depends on the crew. So please excuse me while I make some assumptions and jump to the belief you aren't overly inflating the importance of this individual or the task at hand." Some people did that. Made themselves appear to be more important than they were. Lao didn't strike Dallas as that sort of man. Yes, he was an underling, that much oozed out of him. But an underling with authority, and the authority he was wielding spoke of his masters and their power. "So, let's say I'll be plucking from my Tier 1 teams. Sadly, I only have 3 in my employ at the moment, though I'm hoping to acquire two more. One of the teams is just about to get off assignment. Twelve men and women, as is standard. All ex-military, police, or agents, I like to get an assortment. Especially when we're talking jobs of this delicacy." He had put out the 6 and 9 to be exchanged, having given up on the chance for a decent hand and just seeing what he could create. "Length of the job determines the price as well. If we're talking daily, the standard rate for them is $72,000 a day. Standard rate of $500 an hour per man for an estimated 12-hour shift on duty. But if we're talking monthly, I lower it to $2,000,000 a month, saving close to $200,000." Looking over at his compatriot, without any amusement as he talked honest business, he said. "My lowest price to start is $60,000 a day. But depending on what the job entails and how many auxiliaries I'll need to hire, that'll go up. As I'm sure you understand. Is that a fair starting point?"Storyteller #1
Lao gave a small nod. Lifting his hand, he stroked his bare chin for a moment. This was about what he figured would be asked, but he knew better then to just accept the first price stated. "No, I am not overestimating the amount at all... Hmm, yes I would like your best. Perhaps even you Mister Dallas, though I doubt that would be possible." Tilting his head, a small bit he thought, Dallas clearly understood this was overly important, but he had to tell him just how important. “A million a month, this asset made more than that in a few weeks, as well as being a massive cover for even more business ventures, giving the Triad easy money laundering abilities. The man’s name is Lotus. He will be in your town for a rather long amount of time… For that price. Hmmm 1 mill, for your team. He needs 24 hour watching. On top of a bonus for everything... That is his personal objectives that need to be… watched. Turning he stared at the man his eyes squinting a small bit. "Does this work?”Sorin Fionn
Sorin almost drops his cards when he hears the rates laid out on the table. Good lord, the fuck have I been doing with ma life? Trying to remain in a neutral facade, he watches intently at the last deal, Frank doling out two cards to Dallas, the threes of Hearts and Spades, and an eight of Clubs to Lao, and the queen of Hearts. When Frank peeks at his own cards once more, Sorin smiles. Full house is all ya need ta win, I suppose.Dallas Lock
Lotus. His mind went through a quick name to identity match between the two people he had left on his list. The pop star. A pop star who needed 24 hour watching and protection from their less than legal hobbies. He could take a hit in the costs for the promise of future business. But promises were worth little in a world lived in the present. "One and a half million a month and we have a deal. 24 hour watching, covering for their hobbies, and calling in chips if the situation gets dire. He'll also have my oversight on the team and occasional check ins, all for that price." Two pairs. Good enough. He suspected he'd lose this hand, Sorin's smile--even if it was just a flash, Dallas is what many would call hyper-observant--told him that. But he'd win the actual hand being played. "If we can agree to that price, we have an accord and I'll make the necessary arrangements immediately."Storyteller #1
"Yes, that price is more than fine." Lao Gave a small smile. That price was actually less than he expected, though it’s likely the price would go up after the first... activity poor Dallas had to go through. Lao laid his hand down and smiled, the hand meant little him win or lose. He had already won. Lotus made unbelievable amount of legal money for the company, on top of the illegal money laundering his millions allowed. Not to mention his father. "Write down the account, and the first payment will be in your account by morning. Though, you may not be joining the team, I would suspect, and ask of you to meet Lotus and learn a bit about him. I will make sure he knows to tell you his… Evo. It’s quite unique."Dallas Lock
Writing the account number quickly on the slip he was handed, Dallas gave a small nod. “I’ll meet him with the team and do occasional check ins to make sure everything is going smoothly.” Dealing with Evos was one of the few things Dallas was good at, especially considering his own skill set. He turned over his hand when it was time, revealing the pair of 7s and 3s, knowing he lost the hand but won in the long run. A low price he’d have reason to raise later and having performed negotiations admirably the entire time. Good prospect for future business.Storyteller #1
Lao revealed his cards with a smirk. He had lost. A close one, but a loss none the less... But much like this hand of cards, his loss meant nothing. As he passed the chips to the dealer, he couldn't help but smile. Three fingers on his left hand, the ones passing the chips, were shorter than the rest. He may have lost the hand, but he won. Having negotiated just what the company needed without having to resort to violence or go over the budget he was given. This was a win in every way. Lotus will be safe and allowed to continue to grow and make money for the family. This was good. Lao rose with a small bow. "Thank you for having me, it truly was wonderful... I shall see you when you come meet with Lotus. His penthouse is open to you when you arrive."Storyteller #2
Frank showed his hand, full house with three queens and two tens. Frank speaks with a thick Russian accent "And that, gentlemen, is last hand of day for Frank. Lucky Spades thanks you for patronage, and we hope you continue to have good time."Sorin Fionn
Sorin gives his signature sideways grin as he spins the fresh deck of the casino's brand of cards in his hand, the cards spiraling subtly into a fan in his hand before he snaps it back, spreading the cards on the table shortly after. "Good evenin', gentlemen. I apologize if I'm buttin' in while yer in the midst of conversation but allow me to introduce maself." Taking a courteous bow, he states, "Ma name is Sorin Fionn, and if I may be so bold to assume so, I'll be yer dealer fer the rest of the evenin'."Dallas Lock
The Prince of the Red Court gave a slight smirk. At least he’s keeping up appearances. Always something he looked for in a member of his more legal aligned business staff. Watching as Lao greeted and promptly switched to departing, Dallas watched as the seats at the table filled. None right next to him, which wasn’t unusual. Something about him just made people stay away. Speaking up to the table, Dallas said. “Gentlemen, before our next hand I want everyone to get a top shelf drink on me and on behalf of the Casino. We are so appreciative of your patronage and company.” Beckoning over a flight of servers and giving them the signal they were to distract the others at the table he turned to Sorin. “How much did you hear.” His voice was cool but without edge. A simple question, demanding a simple answer.Sorin Fionn
Best ta be honest right now. He signaled a distraction so I may speak with candor. Maintaining his professional smile, he answers just barely loud enough for Mr. Lock to hear, "I heard almost ev'rything since I got here, sir. I'd be a daft fool if I didn't keep ma eyes an' ears open and ignored ma surroundings." He takes a deep breath before adding, with a wink "Though, I can surely forget there was ever a conversation, if needed."Dallas Lock
“Honesty. How refreshing.” A small upturn of his lips broke through the mask for a brief moment, like a flash of summer lightning. “No. You’ll remember it.” Dallas replied quickly. Taking an unasked-for drink from a server who knew their boss well. Taking a sip, he continued. “I don’t trust when people say they’ll forget something. But I also don’t waste an opportunity. Anything else of interest you hear around here, that you don’t see me involved in, you’ll bring to me.” Finishing his drink, he once again looked at Sorin. Sometimes he wondered how much his employees worried or feared him. Fear was useful, but loyalty was more so. If only they knew I was an Evo. Ha. “Do that for me, Sorin, and I’ll make sure you’re aptly rewarded. Can you do that?”Sorin Fionn
His grin widens and replies with a bit more enthusiasm in his voice, "Of course, Mr. Lock." He scoops up the cards with a single motion, allowing them to glide across the table before giving them a single-handed cut. "Ma attention ta detail and photographic mem'ry are at yer service." Cutting the deck once more he faros the cards and proceeds to spread them to make a tiered fan. "Would ya like me ta keep a number handy on a burner in case somethin' comes up, or would ya like for me to visit somewhere ta talk in person? Or was there other means of communicating ye'd prefer?" He reverses the fan and does a tiered rifle shuffle, making a beautiful bridge that shuffles into a neat deck of cards in his other hand. Don’t get too cocky with th' tricks, Sorin. He's likely not an easy man to impress.[Type 1, Minor x2, 23/25 EP]
Dallas Lock
Eyes tracking the cards, Dallas confirmed with his memories Sorin’s abilities. Taking out a card, he handed it to the dealer. It was a plated red metal business card with his name and number. “A burner isn’t necessary. The police don’t interfere with my affairs considering they’re all legitimate.” As far as they’re concerned. He added in his thoughts. “Call or visit. Either is fine with me. And do let me know if you’d ever want to do anything more than dealing. Even if you are one of the best at it.” He made another note to add a sizable bonus to Sorin’s next check to show his appreciation.Sorin Fionn
Discreetly pocketing the card, he continues his happy grin, replying, "I'm certainly interested if you have somethin' that I can do outside of dealin', but I think that conversation should wait fer another day, Mr. Lock." He glances towards the servers just starting to finish up handing out the top shelf drinks to the patrons at the table, everyone seems to be having a great time and are settling back into their seats. "Would ya like to play another hand, sir?"Storyteller #2
Dallas refrains from playing another hand; he is a busy person and has no time for many frivolities. Dallas picks up Funa's gift and makes his exit as briskly as his entrance, wasting no time. The remainder of the evening left Sorin wondering what sorts of jobs would entail someone with his seemingly finite capabilities but maintaining his normal welcoming demeanor for patrons visiting his table.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
July 6, 2021
Authors
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