The Ace of Hearts

Chapter 17: The Last Card

Days passed and the usual things happen in the office and sa casino. It's just a bit odd na madalas late pumasok si Hart sa office, madalas rin ay wala siya sa casino. I might be his secretary but I am not informed kung ano ang pinag-kakaabalahan niya ngayon. I can't just simply ask kasi lalo na kung hindi siya nagsasabi sa akin as a boss. I already told Yreasha about it and she told me na baka may personal business na pinag-kakaabalahan si Hart and I shouldn't meddle about it.

Well, matalino naman si Hart. So I am a hundred percent confident that he knows what he is doing. He doesn't always need me naman eh.

I let out a deep sigh. I parked the car behind the building. I took my mask in white color na nakapatong sa katabing seat at saka isinuot. It has always been a part of my job to wear it lalo na sa casino, katulad ni Hart. Isinuot ko na rin ang shoulder bag ko. Tuluyan akong lumabas na ng sasakyan para pumasok sa loob. Two men in their suits finally bowed their head as I had my way in front of the camouflage building of Rossino La Vaille. They have their earphones on their right ear.

I stopped in front of the building. Tinignan ko ito mula sa baba-pataas. Inilabas ko ang maliit na kamera sa bag at tatlong beses na kumuha ng litrato, all are in their different angles. Isa sa left side ng building, isa sa gitna at isa sa pinaka-kanan. Then I went inside.

"Good evening, Ms. Velrama," pagyuko ng mga bantay so I just reciprocated them with a smile. Since it is now 6pm in the evening, itim na ang kulay ng labas at loob ng building but usually, it changes color when 5pm finally ticks.

As always, may mga tao na. Men and women, all in their black or gold dresses and suits. Everyone belongs to high-class and are all wearing their masks, of course in black or gold color din. Sanay na ako sa ganyang view so I headed directly towards the VIP elevator which is nasa tabi lang ng ordinary. Of course, ako lang ang mag-isa rito except kung kasabay ko si Hart.

When I reached the 10th floor, isang malaking pintuan ang bumati sa akin. Nakabukas na 'yon dahil may mga papasok na guests na rin. Galing sila sa ordinary elevator unlike me. May dalawang guards din at isang babae na tila nakabantay doon. The House is filled with money, kaya hindi pwedeng walang bantay.

The woman standing beside the door— she filled in Ysha's place. Si Ysha kasi ang nandito date to welcome the guests. Buti nga at naabutan ko pa siya noong nagtratrabaho pa ang babaeng 'yon dito.

Yumuko ang babae pagkalabas ko pa lang ng elevator, "Good Evening, Miss Velrama."

"Good evening as well, where's Mr. Hart?" I scanned the insides of The House while asking in a low tone.

Tiningala niya ako, "Unfortunately, Mr. Hart just arrived, Mam," magalang niyang sagot. Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.

Late nanaman siya? Kundi siya late ay hindi naman papasok. Hindi naman siya ganito date and usually, kapag late or hindi siya makakapasok, iniinform niya ako.

"I see," I nodded at her, "I'll go ahead," saad ko na lang kahit medyo naguguluhan.

Nilagpasan ko siya at dumiretso na sa loob. Now, I could see everyone. The whole House. Black tables are everywhere, each has its own croupier, mostly are men, pero meron din namang mga babae. There are even guards on each corner of the room, observing each and every one. Ang kulay lang ng suot ko ang naiiba sa lahat which somehow makes my presence attractive to the guests. Makikita pa lang nila ang suot ko, alam na nila.