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Heath was the one—in all his hyperactivity and restlessness—who suggested starting up Phillips Security. Knox—the wisest and most cynical of us Phillips brothers—knew how oversaturated the market would be. Everyone and their mother seems to have a security firm these days, but I was determined to see it through.
It took longer than I wanted, but I finally managed to get everything in order. As head of our operation, I secured the appropriate licenses and signed a gazillion different forms. My brothers and I landed our first client not even two nights ago. At the time it felt fortuitous.
Until we dug a little deeper.
“It’s not our job to judge,” Heath argues as he takes a seat at the blackjack table. “Just to keep the woman out of harm’s way. Everyone deserves to feel safe, don’t they?”
Much to my surprise, Knox doesn’t have a response prepared. Instead, he mumbles something about needing a drink before wandering off.
Heath sighs. “I hope he comes back in time to watch me double my money. That way I can really rub it in his face.”
“Maybe the kid has a point,” I state firmly. “They’d probably pay us in blood money.”
The dealer gives me a look, suspicion and wariness in her eyes. It probably isn’t smart to be tossing words around so casually.
“Kid?” Heath chuckles as his cards are dealt. He gets a ten of hearts and a two of diamonds. The dealer only has a queen of clubs showing face. “Knox turned thirty-six this year,” my brother continues. “He’s hardly a kid anymore.”
“He certainly acts like he’s a kid with all his whining and foot stomping.”
“You’re just bitter about pushing forty. You’re no longer a part of the cool crowd.”
I snort. “Shut up and play.”
“Hit me,” he says to the dealer. He draws a four of spades. “Speaking of kids, how’s yours doing? I was kinda gutted that Anna didn’t RSVP.”
The mere mention of my daughter’s name makes me smile. Anna is my pride and joy; currently attending her third year at Princeton studying computer engineering and astrophysics with aspirations of one day joining NASA. Since she was a child, Anna’s dreamed of building spaceships and launching satellites to explore the infinite cosmos.
“Don’t be dramatic,” I tell him. “Your invitation was short notice. Besides, we agreed she’d spend Christmas this year with her mother in Florida.”
“Ah, the witch who shall not be named.”
“Teresa isn’t that bad.”
“She took you for half of everything.”
“Igaveher half of everything.”
“And I still have no clue why.”
“Because,” I tell him with a firm expression, “we may not be together anymore, but I still respect her. It’s my duty to take care of my daughter and her mother.”
Heath smirks at me. “You know what your problem is? You’re too noble for your own good.”
“I fail to see how that’s a bad thing.”
The dealer clears her throat. “Would you like to hit or stay, sir?”
“Hit me, baby!” He’s dealt a ten of spades.
“Bust,” the dealer announces, gathering up the cards and the chips. He only has four thousand remaining to play with.
Heath waves a hand dismissively. “You know what? Go grab a drink with Knox. You’re throwing off my groove.”
I frown, but there isn’t any real heat behind it. I leave my brother to his fun and venture off in search of my youngest, navigating the rows upon rows of slot machines and tables. It’s surprisingly crowded considering how close to Christmas it is, but I suppose not everyone subscribes to more traditional forms of holiday celebration.
They design these places like mazes with no windows in sight—a deliberate choice to keep casino-goers more or less unaware of the passage of time. They pump fresh oxygen in through the vents to keep guests alert, figuring the longer they remain awake, the more they’ll want to spend their money. The sound of bells and the stimulating flash of lights are constant, giving the people a taste of what it would be like to win a jackpot themselves.
I personally have no need for any of it. I don’t need to rely on Lady Luck to make my dollar. Everything I have comes from hard work and dedication, not wishful thinking and risky bets.
