Decked Out

 

Five goons outside my house.

'Are you Tassotti?'

'Who's asking?'

The first punch almost hit me. It's been long since a good fight. I need a good adrenaline orgasm. First card, a direct on the neck. Second card, I throw the inflicted on the other two. Third card, a kick in the balls. Fourth, I break his nose. Five, I get hit by a baseball bat. Last call. A headbutt on that ugly fuck. Three down. Fold, the baseball bat wins.

Woke up in a limo. The guy in front of me was smoking a cigar. His white suit was almost glowing in the dark. Long hair, a lot of bling.

'How's your head?'

'Had better days.' He smirked.

'Have a drink.'

He offered me champange.

'Where am I?'

'You are safe. For now.'

'Who are you?'

'A friend.'

'I don't know you.'

'You just don't remember. But it's ok.'

'What do you want?'

'To help.'

'In return for what?'

His smile was reassuring and frightening simultaneously.

'All in good time. I can help you save the girl.'

'How bad is it?'

'Worst than you think.'

My stomach felt like a clenched fist.

'Tell me.'

'Not so fast. You have to do something for me first.'

'What?'

'Win a poker game.'

'And if I refuse?'

'You can walk away anytime you want. But I suggest that you don't. I'm the only one who can help you. And believe me, Rinaldi is the least of your problems.'

How can I trust this clown? But he's right. I'll give it a try.

'Ok. Do you want all the money?'

'Who said anything about money?'

'Than what do you want?'

'Just win.'

'Ok. When and where?'

'Now. Good luck.'

He opened the door and gave me a bundle of money. I was in Beverly Hills. The mansion was filled with guards.

'Welcome Mr. Tassotti, we were expecting you.'

Five players. Never seen them before, not a good sign. 

This was the toughest game I've ever played. I gave eveything I had just to keep up with these guys. We were playing for two days straight. It comes down to me and the bearded bulldog. He's killing me. I'm left with almost nothing. 

'All in.'

I need a miracle. A gambler never counts on luck. But there are exceptions.

I turn the card. Throw it on the table. I've won.

I'm getting dizzy, need some air. I faint before I reach the garden.

Woke up in the limo again. The whiteclad counts my winnings.

'Well done Mr. Tassotti.' He hands me the money.

'Will you tell me  now? Where's Emma? Is she ok?'

'She's fine.'

'How bad is it?'

'You'll find out soon'

'Look, I've done what you asked. I need some answers, now!'

He smiled and offered me champange.

'Go home, take some rest. I'll call you soon. There two rules. One, you don't talk to anyone about our little agreement.'

'And rule number two?'

'The rules don't apply to me. Sweet dreams Mr. Tassotti.'

Made my self a drink and counted the money. I won 200.000 dollars. 

What's happening? The rabbit hole is getting deeper and deeper. Where are you Emma? Why aren't you here? Insanity could use a dimmer switch.