The House Always Wins (II Fanfic)

THAW CH0: The (pretty damn short) Prologue

OJ POV:

"Have you heard about that Casino down by Miracle Road? They say if you cheat, you'll be cheated outta your life." That was my warning when heading there. I'd heard a bit about it, but not enough to get a fine grasp on its details. I'm heading there on a case. 5 objects had gone missing after visiting there. There wasn't enough evidence to tie it back directly to the Casino, hence why it hasn't shut down, but I'm convinced it has something to do with it. This Casino, aptly titled "The Devil's Black Eye", is owned by an..acquaintance.

"A Taco, about 5 inches tall, a look of scorn on it's face?" I ask, hoping for confirmation.

"Nope. Doesn't ring a bell. Sorry, Goil."

Great. Juuuuust great. I've spoken to 5 people that witnesses say were there at the Casino more often than not. And not ONE of them has seen Taco. You see, Taco and I competed on a show together. Inanimate Insanity. It's low scores on VibrantCarrots was enough to not greenlight a second season. I, along with Taco, were the Finalists. I'd always dreamed of using the mony to build a haven-come community. I'd call it "Hotel OJ". But, alas, my dreams were snatched away from me once Taco won that sweet, sweet Million, and created The Devil's Black Eye.

"Alright, thanks anyway, Ma'am." I could have sworn I heard her mutter "Damn Peelers..." under her breath as I walked away. Oh well, the Casino is right around the corner. I'll stop by to look around.

Microphone POV:

I was just about to clock out my shift when I heard the door swing open. It was some dude in a detective get-up. You'd think it was some Sherlock Holmes Halloween costume. He began to walk towards me. He had a very stern look on his face, like he was on some sort of mission. He took a seat, and I stopped packing away. I didn't want to be an asshat and show him out because I didnt feel like staying just a lil' longer. Besides, some overtime never hurt anybody.

"If you're clockin' out you can go. I can make my own drinks. I'm not here to gamble anyway, I'm trying to find THIS person."

He slips a file towards me. Admittedly, i get a little excited. I'd always loved spy movies and the like, so having a scene be ripped straight out of one and unfold in front of me was a sight to behold. I take the file and open it, revealing a picture of....my BOSS!?

"U-uh, 'scuse me sir, this..is a photo of my boss? THEY HAVEN'T BROKEN THE LAW, HAVE THEY?"

"Calm down, Missy. I just wanted to know if you've seen 'em, and possibly know where they are now. I need to...ask 'em a few questions."

I hesitate. I'd never been against detectives, or cops, or anything of the sort, but this guy seemed adamant, and intimidating. It's almost hard to believe he's full of something mostly appealing to children.

"Uh..Y-Yeah, they're in their office, but I-"

"Thank you kindly."

After cutting me off, he stands up, and begins to walk away, but not before taking the file back and replacing it with a $25 tip.

"What a strange guy..."

OJ POV:

After locating the Manager's office, I swing the door open, and see before me the Queen of Inanimate Insanity. Taco. She looks up from her desk, but she seems relatively unfazed by my sudden entrance.

"TACO! DON'T MOVE. ANYTHING YOU SAY WILL (eventually) BE USED AGAINST YOU IN THE COURT OF LAW."

"Oh no~ Is the big bad detective going to arrest me~? OJ, you've been trying this foolish song and dance for ages. It's getting quite repetitive. You know you have insufficient evidence." Taco states.

...and its quite true. Admittedly, I hold grudges, and a little part of me was praying for her downfall so I could get my revenge for her stealing away the Million I was so sure I was going to get.

"Don't be so idiotic, you know damn well you did what you did and I'm going to prove it. So, rather than arrest you with a lack of evidence, which could, and probably would get me fired, I'm going to ask you some questions. I expect you to answer truthfully."

"Alright...if it'll make you happy....."