type as me

The Charming Monkey, Part 9

"Mister Puchenko!", a voice boomed from across the hallway. The nasally guy had my head trapped facing away from the voice, but I recognised it immediately.

"That is no way to treat our guests", said Vadas. I heard his footsteps as he walked down the steps, that lead to the double doors. Nasally guy didn't loosen his grip.

"What kind of a guest brings a piece to the party?", he said. Vadas was close. I could hear him breathing. It was heavy. He was out of shape. I was trying to turn my head, keeping my eyes on Puchenko when I saw a hand move swiftly into view. The grip that held me down was suddenly released, as the back of Vadas's hand struck Puchenko across the face. The arms that were holding me down were now heading to his face, in preparation for another attack. The second attack never came. The force of the first threw Puchenko forward over the counter, and he began to cower away from Vadas. The lobby was silent.

"Come, Mister Cane", said Vadas, in a calm voice, "please accept my apologies for Mister Puchenko". I slowly got to my feet, and looked at Puchenko who was nursing his jaw.

"Not a problem", I replied, dusting myself off. My knee was hurting, but not as much as Puchenko's face. "Not the nicest of welcome for a guy that's helping you out".

"No, but there was really no need to bring weapons into my establishment", replied Vadas, "It does show a certain lack of... respect".

"I respect my safety".

"And you are quite safe here".

"Tell that to my knee", I snorted. Vadas smiled.

"You may collect your gun from the reception when you leave Mister Cane. Mister Puchenko will take care of it for you, won't you?" Vadas turned to Puchenko.

"Yes", he hissed, still rubbing his cheek, which was turning an impressive shade of red.

"Come, Mister Cane", chirped Vadas, opening his palm, and stretching his arm towards the double doors at the top of the staircase. "The excitement has already started inside. Fortis is drawing quite the crowd". I looked at Vadas and attempted a smile. I was liking this situation less and less. I began to walk, feeling a stabbing pain in my knee whenever I place weight on it. Once I had gone past Vadas he turned and began to follow me. I began to walk up the stairs, and I looked back at Puchenko who shot me a look of disdain. I don't think I had made a new friend there.

I reached the double doors, and two silhouettes behind them began to move. Hands made for the handles and the doors were opened from the inside by two girls dressed in short skirts and glitter. I stepped inside and was met with the most remarkable sight I had ever seen.

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?".