Roland wore his best suit and his most expensive watch as he was ushered inside by the staff. Scott had come through for him. He was led into a part of the casino he had never seen before, a private room hidden behind thick doors and quiet hallways.
The space was carefully designed. The lighting was low and deliberate, the walls dressed in dark wood and velvet. It smelled expensive.
The table was already set. Cards stacked perfectly. Chips arranged by denomination. A single dealer stood behind the felt, calm and unreadable, hands steady as he prepared to shuffle.
Roland felt at home immediately. He recognized several of the men seated around the table, faces he had heard about through his wife or seen in passing at events. What mattered most was that he belonged here now. He had earned this seat.
When the cards were dealt, Roland did not hesitate. The minimum was five million. He placed twenty.
