The Dragon; an Anthology

Casino

"I didn't want to be there. My friend Jamie dragged me. I didn't do it"

The officer rubbed the bridge of his nose,

"We have you on camera. We have a witness. You're soaked in witness! So stop lying"

But the officer didn't know I saw more than I was saying. It was late at night in the casino, only the drunks who thought they were winning were still around. I was called in by the casino owner. He needed my expertise to find out who was stealing a little off the top of his money. Video showed it wanted any dealers or customers. I knocked on the door labeled 'Manager' then walked in. Mr. O'Neil was sitting in his big desk chair. I pulled up a chair behind him,

"Thank you for coming"

He wheezed.

"No need for chit chat, O'Neil. Half upfront. Half when I get the guy" 

He laughed before sliding me an envelope of cash. I counted the money before sliding it into my jacket pocket. Then left, heading for the vault. What I found was not what I expected. O'Neil's wife was there, with the valet. Sliding stacks of bills into a bag. They ran. I chased. Straight into a waitress.