type as me

The Charming Monkey, Part 10

The double-doors led to a raised platform that overlooked the casino pit, with staircases on both sides that led to the tables. As I walked through the doors, I was overwhelmed by the noise that was being generated by the activity that was going on below. I walked toward the metal railing on the edge of the platform, and as I got closer, the reason for the commotion became clearer.

The centre of the casino was also the centre of attention. Only one game of Roulette was in progress in the middle of the hall. There were other games available, but nobody was interested. The croupiers on the other tables had a look of disappointment in their eyes as they stood watching the game that was the cause of the excitement. The Roulette table seemed to be a magnet, drawing people toward it. There was a huge crowd, and people were fighting to get a view. Amongst all the mayhem, you could just make out one man, who stood out due to his calm demeanour. He was surrounded by tall piles of chips, spread out over most of the table. A brief glint of metal caught my eye through the wall of multi-coloured discs. I strained my eyes to get a clearer look and was greeted by the smile of a golden monkey.

”I know that you think I am a foolish man for believing in such things”, said Vadas, pointing in the direction of the little statue. I had been so absorbed in the action below me, that I hadn’t noticed the Fat Hungarian standing next to me.

”But if you just take a few moments… observe the situation”, he continued, “Then I’m sure you too will believe”. He didn’t have to ask. I was already captivated. The man behind the chips, who I assumed was Fortis, was a thin man, with a neatly trimmed beard. A pair of thin-rimmed spectacles sat on his nose, and he was wearing a suit with creases so sharp they could cut.

I watched as Fortis placed large bets on the Roulette ball landing on a single number. I listened as the wheel span, flinging the ball in and out of the numbered slots around its edge. I saw how the ball landed on the number Fortis had bet on, each and every time. His pile of chips was growing, and Vadas was getting poorer. Throughout all of this, Fortis didn’t once smile, but kept that monkey close to him, occasionally moving it around the table.

After five minutes, Vadas had seen enough. He signalled to Fratelli, the ape from my office, who began to walk across the casino to the Roulette table. Fortis looked up, as if he was expecting the approach. They exchanged words, and Fortis began to gather his chips, and a waitress began to help him. He kept his hand on that monkey at all times. The crowd gave out a universal groan, and started to disband.

I turned to Vadas, and smiled. I began to walk down the staircase, and he followed me, with a puzzled expression on his face. I made my way through the few people who were still milling around Fortis, and stood facing him. Vadas stood behind me, and was just about to speak when I beat him to it.

”Mr Fortis, isn’t it?” I said, holding my hand out. Fortis cautiously shook my hand, whilst keeping a firm grip on the statue.

“Yes… yes it is”, he replied, “and you are?”

“My name is Daniel Cane, and I would very much like to play some cards with you”.