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The Charming Monkey, Part 7

I walked through the double-doors and entered the Five Aces. I made my way past the pool tables that made a corridor leading you to the bar, feeling the gauze with my fingers as I walked. The joint was empty, apart from me, Al, and a young woman who was busily dusting some of the ornaments on display. She didn't seem to be affected by the events that just happened outside. Al went behind the bar, and I sat down on one of the stools laid out in front of it.

"That's Agnieszka", smiled Al, gesturing towards the woman, "She's my new barmaid". Al's face was beaming. Agnieszka was certainly easy on the eye. Choosing attractive staff is one of the perks of being manager I guess. I nodded a hello to her, and she looked, smiled, and went back to her dusting.

"She don't speak a lot of English yet, but she's a good worker", said Al

"Oh I'm sure she is", I replied with a smirk, "and I'm sure you've been a very accommodating employer". Al laughed, and gave Agnieszka a wink. She smiled in an I-don't-really-understand-but-I'll-smile-because-you're-my-boss way.

"So, what can I getcha, Danny boy?", Al asked, proudly displaying his vast collection of liquor that was stacked behind the bar, "the usual?"

"Sure thing, Al. Whiskey and ginger on the rocks", I replied. Yeah it was early, but I think clearly with alcohol in me. Al poured the drink and sat it down on a napkin in front of me. Al fixed himself a drink, and grabbed a stool from behind the bar. He sat down opposite me, and took a sip.

"You said something about information?", he asked. Al Jameson (or Albert Ernest Jameson to give him his full name) knew things. He had contacts throughout the city, and was well respected. What he didn't know wasn't worth knowing. I don't know what he did before he opened the Five Aces. I've asked on several occasions, but he's never told me, and he wasn't the type of man to push. I didn't care either. He's useful to know, and a good friend. I've lost count of how many times he's given me help on cases, and has never asked for anything in return, apart from my friendship. It was a bit of a one-sided deal if you asked me, but it worked, and I wasn't going to complain.

We met when I opened up my office just around the corner from him. I came in here for a celebratory drink, and Al obliged. He knew all about me before I even walked in. He even knew what drink I liked. If he wasn't so damn agreeable I would have been more concerned. Since then this has been my second home, although I haven't been in as often as I should have recently.

"Guess who paid me a visit this morning", I said.

"By the look of your face, it wasn't a razor", replied Al. I stroked my chin and shrugged.

"So I didn't feel like shaving. Madison likes the rugged look anyway", I said with a grin. At the mention of her name, Al perked up. He had always had a soft spot for my Madison.

"So what did the Fat Hungarian want?", asked Al, with a look of satisfaction on his face. I shouldn't have been surprised that he already knew.

"How do you do that?", I said, "One step ahead once again, Albert". He hated to be called that, but not as much as I liked calling him it.

"I saw his car go past earlier", he said, not reacting to my jibe, "and I figure that you'd only mention the visit if it was someone as impressive as that".

"Very true. And I guess you also know what it was about?"

"Hey, I'm observant, not a fracking psychic". I laughed and took a sip of my drink. The whiskey felt good as it hit the back of my throat.

"What do you know about a Mister Jonathan Fortis?"

"The guy with all the luck? I hear he shits four-leafed clovers and has rabbit's feet. What about him?".

"You have such a way with words, Al", I said sarcastically.

"Is Vadas getting a little annoyed about losing all that money?", Al said with a laugh, "It's about time someone fleeced him for a change".

"So you think Fortis is playing Vadas?"

"No doubt. The guys got a system, that's for sure. And a good system at that. Vadas would have dealt with him by now if he had figured it out".

"What if it wasn't a system. What if it was...something else?"

"Like what? Superpowers? C'mon Dan - this ain't a comic strip"

"I know, I know...but Vadas is convinced that the guy's got something that makes him lucky."

"And let me guess...he wants you to get it for him. Typical Vadas. That fool will believe anything."

"Fool or not..I got to do something..and by tonight"

"I wish I could more help Danny boy, but there's not a lot to tell. I tell you what, I'll start poking in some holes for you. If I find anything out, I'll let you know".

"Thanks, Al, I appreciate it. I'll see you around". I downed the rest of my drink and throw a note on the bar. I got up and made for the exit.

"Anytime, pal," he replied, and got up from his stool. I smiled at Agnieszka, who was now on all fours scrubbing the floor. She made the effort to return the smile, and I looked back at Al who gave me another wink. I pushed open the doors and walk out into the street. I looked at my watch, and then started walking towards the casino.

The Charming Monkey, Part 5

I slowly got up from my desk, and made my way towards Madison. Behind her was the safe, and as I walked past her, she gave me a solemn look. She knew that I only kept one thing in my safe, and it wasn't money. I entered the combination using the dial, and pulled open the solid door. I pulled out a small, locked box and shut the safe. I spun the dial and returned to my desk.

I sat and stared at the box for a moment, then I took my keys out of my pocket, and unlocked it. I could feel Madison glaring at me as I opened the box. Inside was a small .45 revolver, and a box of bullets. I flicked out the cylinder and checked that it was loaded. I didn't like to use the gun often, but it pays to keep it ready. I learnt that lesson the hard way. I put the revolver into my right jacket pocket, and grabbed a handful of bullets from the box and stuffed them into the left pocket. I closed the box and pushed it away from me. I knew Madison didn't approve of me carrying around a piece, but I wasn't going to take any chances today. Not with Vadas involved.

"Don't look at me like that, Mad", I said to her, sensing she was just about to say something. "I know men like Vadas, and it's just a precaution".

"I know", she said", "but you know how I worry. I think you're going to be asking for more trouble carrying around that thing".

"You know me", I smiled, "trouble finds me, not the other way". She didn't look impressed, but she returned my smile. I downed the rest of my now-cold cup of coffee, and got up out of my chair. I made my way toward the door.

"What are you going to do?", asked Madison as I walked past her. "You don't believe all that lucky monkey business, do you?"

"I don't think it matters what I believe", I replied, "The only thing that matters is that Vadas is involved". It didn't take a psychic to know that Madison was concerned.

"Don't you worry though", I said with a grin, "I'll keep in touch throughout the day, and tell you all about it tomorrow". I continued toward the door, and Madison smiled. It was nice to see.

"Where are you going? The casino?", she asked. I shook my head. I didn't intend to walk into that place before I was ready.

"I'm going to get a drink", I replied and walked out of the office.

The Charming Monkey, Part 3

"I'm not sure what you've heard, Mister Vadas, but I collect debts. Legitimate debts. If you've got a court order for whatever it is you want me to obtain, then we can talk. If not, I'm of no use to you". I didn't like the fact that a man like Vadas had come to me to do his dirty work.

"Come now, Mister Cane", replied Vadas, "You have been highly recommended to me from a mutual friend, and I am willing to pay very well for your services". I didn't like where this was going, and I was trying to wrack my brains to figure out who our mutual friend was. No friend of mine would ever point Vadas in my direction. He was bad news and I didn't want to end up on the front page.

"You are probably aware that I own The Artemis", continued the Hungarian. I nodded. I looked at Muscles, and knew that I had no choice but to listen to his tale. "Business has been very good recently, but I have encountered a problem. A problem that I wish for you to resolve".

"What kind of problem?", I enquired.

"Before I tell you, Mister Cane, I must stress that what I am about to divulge is extremely serious, and something I believe without question. You may at first struggle to comprehend the situation, but I assure you that everything you will hear is the truth". The Hungarian had my attention. Although I knew that by coming to me I would have little choice but to help him, at that point the intrigue had already won me over.

"Go on", I said, trying hard not to reveal my interest.

"Problems come in many forms, and my problem comes in the form of a gentleman by the name of Johnathan Fortis. He began frequenting The Artemis one week ago, and since his first visit has amassed a small fortune. A small fortune, you understand, of my money. He plays a variety of games in the casino, and every game he plays, he wins. Every time he wins, he wins extremely well. If it wasn't for certain limits and restrictions I have in place, I know that The Artemis would be no more. You're an intelligent man, Mister Cane, and so I don't have to tell you that not even a professional gambler can be that successful".

"So you suspect foul play?", I asked, "This Fortis guy is cheating the system...counting cards? That sort of thing?"

"Under usual circumstances I would believe this, and it was my initial thought as it is yours. We have watched Mr Fortis ever since he began winning, but he does not cheat. You must understand that he has won every type of game he has played. To cheat them all is impossible".

"So why not just ban him...or I'm sure you have ways of discouraging individuals from using the joint". I cast at look at Muscles who appeared to make a knowing smirk.

"But of course, Mister Cane", smiled Vadas, "But there has been some benefits of Mr Fortis's success. Attendances at the casino have increased, and he has attracted quite a following. I sure you'll appreciate that if something were to happen to Mr Fortis, it would not go unnoticed". I nodded, and leaned over the desk towards Vadas.

"So, Mr Vadas", I said, "what exactly do you want from me?".

The Charming Monkey, Part 1

It had gone nine o'clock when I pushed open the office door. It was unlocked as I knew it would be. Madison always beats me to the office. She's so efficient that it makes me sick. Only because I'm so slack, and I'm sure that this place would fall apart if it wasn't for her. I should give her a raise or something. I shut the door, and turned to walk towards my desk. I was greeted by Madison's cheery voice.

"Good afternoon, Mr Cane", she said sarcastically.

"You know you can call me Daniel, Mrs Parker", I replied, ignoring her weak attempt at humour. I'm not a morning person, and can't understand how anyone can be so chirpy at this hour.

"There's fresh coffee in the pot. You look like you need it, Mr Cane".

She knows me too well, but I guess she should do after all these years. She makes a damn fine cup of coffee too. It'll undoubtedly be the highlight of my day. I smiled at her, and made my way to the back of the office where the coffee pot was kept. I grabbed my blue mug from my desk as I went past. It hadn't been washed for a couple of days, but I wasn't in the mood for cleaning. I needed that coffee, fast.

I poured the dark coffee into the mug, and stirred in some cream and sugar. The aroma hit me as I took a sip. It was good. It was probably her best cup yet. I walked to my desk and sat down on my chair. Madison had already laid the day's post out for me, and arranged them in some order of importance. From the envelopes it looked like that there were no bills. This day was getting better by the minute. I began opening the letters, but to my disappointment there was nothing interesting; a couple of circulars and a letter with information regarding one of our cases. There was a stack of files on my desk that needed my attention. Madison had let helpful notes on them as she always did. I should really give her a raise or something. As I put the mug to my lips again I sat back in my chair and looked out of the window. It was too early to start working just yet.

"Don't get too comfortable, Mr Cane" interrupted Madison, "You have that nine-fifteen appointment".

I closed my eyes and my head dropped. The good start to the day hadn't lasted long. Another Joe wanting me to do his dirty work for him. I shouldn't complain. Clients bring money, and money makes the world go round, and in my case it was starting to slow down. I looked at the clock on the wall; it read ten past nine. I sat back in my chair, and swivelled it around so I could look out of the window behind my desk. Five more minutes to enjoy Madison's fine coffee on such a lovely day. It was quiet on the street below, and there was a definite calm in the air. The lack of activity was a rare thing in this part of town.

As if on cue the tranquillity was broken by noises from outside the office. Due to the age of the building, the floorboards creaked down the hall. I liked that. As my office was the only one in this part of the building, the creaks acted as an early warning for people coming to pay me a visit. Sure enough a two large outlines appeared through the translucent glass of the office door. The door opened, and two men walked in. The first man was tall, around six and and half foot. he had to stoop slightly to get himself through the door frame. He was big, as well as tall. Not fat, but sturdy. He was wearing a suit that was obviously too small for him, and you could tell by the way he was busting out of it that he was strong. If he's the muscle, then who's he hired to protect? The answer was following him through the door.