Shadow of the Mind

Chapter 4: Las Vegas

          As Dr. Graves makes his way through the lively casino, the sounds of laughter and the clinking of chips draw his attention to a gaming table where he spots familiar faces. His co-professors, colleagues he has shared many academic adventures with over the years, are gathered around a blackjack table, their expressions animated and joyful. He could tell this year conference was going to be very short and more just catching up with others. Not something he likes to engage with normally. It throws off his senses to read the table, for drinking yes, sometimes makes people more honest about personal life, it also causes others to outdo others in their stories and the lies begin. He thought to himself. As he focused on moving through the crowd towards the table, he notice it is surrounded by a mix of onlookers and players, but he can easily recognize his friends sitting at the table. Professor Rachel, with her signature bright scarf, is animatedly recounting a humorous story about a particularly memorable class discussion. Professor Mark, always the jokester of the group, is leaning back in his chair, chuckling and shaking his head, while Professor Sarah, known for her insightful observations, nods in agreement, her eyes sparkling with amusement. And someone else he was not able to make out, for her head was turned away from him. The table is adorned with stacks of colorful chips, and the dealer, a friendly young woman, is expertly shuffling cards, ready to deal the next round. The atmosphere is electric, filled with camaraderie and the thrill of the game. The professors are clearly enjoying their time together, momentarily escaping the rigors of academia. Sliding the chair on the end out, Samuel says," well, well can I join the fun and action?"

"Well of course you can old chap," said Mark. "We were wondering if you were going to make it this year or not. I know you had something going on Friday night with your mother. How old is she now, ancient?" saying jokingly.

Samuel staring at Mark, noticing he had a few empty classes, in front of him. Probably meant no harm by his comments. "Yes, the old bat, still pushing through the years, had a game of chess with her before coming out." He smiled at Mark. Trying not to show resentment about his mother comment. Looking over to his right to see who was sitting beside him, it was Professor Emily. This would be her first conference but what was she doing here. He thought. She had told the staff last week she had plans with her husband to go somewhere.

"Emily, what are you doing here?" he says to her with his charming voice he like to use with the unexpected ladies, he has met over the years. Taking the drink from the cocktail waitress that was walking by. Coming to the casino for years the staff knew that he was a big spender and always had a mountain dew whiskey waiting for him. Never fails. Felt like he was a God amongst mortals. Shaking his head from the sip, putting his arm on the back of her chair, waiting for her response.

Rachel chimed in," Husband problems, apparently showed up late on the anniversary night, working late with his so-called partner," snorting at her own comments. "She needed to get away, right dear, come to Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Isn't that the saying now a days?" laughing to the back of her seat.

Sarah half laughed. "Stays in Vegas with all this technology around us. All probably being recorded and put into a computer somewhere to be studied. My friends at the Cia told me, Casinos use facial recognition to see if you're cheating at the tables. Some computer process."

Mark chimed in, sitting with his elbow on the tables, "nah they still have the mob, that takes you to the back and break your knee caps, like the old days, right honey?" joking to the dealer.

The dealer blushes and laughs, "no we don't have that anymore. Gees you got to be ancient to remember that grandpa."

"Haha, she has a point their grandpa": said Samuel, liken that the dealer used his own words against him. Finally, someone else who can put Mark in his place without causing a scene for once Samuel thought." Emily, I thought you and your husband was going on a trip?"