‘Let’s play some roulette while you think it over.’
Christ. How long is this night going to last?
***
‘Don’t be a fucking wet blanket,’ Nic snaps when Rupert heads to the loo.
‘It’s illegal, Nic. He wants me to launder money through the company's books. I have to go.’
I stand, staggering slightly, but Nic grabs my arm. ‘It’s only a few times, Danny. You could make thirty grand. No one would ever know.’
I shake him off. ‘I’d know.’
Nic swallows, looking almost ashamed. ‘Look… I got you that promotion because you deserved it. But Rupert has influence. He knows people. You could lose your job if you cross him.’ He lowers his voice. ‘It’s better to say yes.’
‘Are you threatening me?’ I ask, anger rising.
‘No, Christ. It’s just, Rupert got me out of a mess. I owed a loan shark a lot. Rupert paid it off. I do him the odd favour in return.’
‘That’s your problem, Nic, not mine.’
‘Just this once,’ he pleads.
‘Who the hell is he anyway?’
‘Does it matter? Stay on his good side, and you’ll do well.’
And if I don’t? What happens then? That’s the real question.
Before I can reply, Rupert returns. ‘Ready for some fun, gentlemen?’
Nic gives me a pleading look, and stupidly, I give in.
***
At the roulette table, I follow Nic’s lead, placing a modest bet on red. The croupier eyes me, remaining calm but looking curious. I must exude the air of a virgin gambler.
The wheel spins. My heart races.
It lands on red seven.
I’ve won!
People around us clap. Nic grins like a lunatic. I turn to Rupert, who smiles approvingly. ‘Lucky streak. Don’t stop now.’
And, like an idiot, I don’t. The chips pile up. Time blurs. I’m flying high.
‘Beginner’s luck,’ the croupier mutters.
Eventually, I push through the crowd and try to hand Rupert his chips. ‘They’re yours,’ he says. ‘Cash them in.’
‘I can’t possibly—’
‘It’s a small amount,’ he says with a smile that almost dares me to argue.
Two grand. Small?‘Jesus,’ I mutter.
Nic laughs. ‘Told you. There’s plenty of money to be made.’
