Page 38 of Betting Blind
My skin prickles with guilt. I’ve been taking money from the bar, knowing Derrick was on to me but hoping he would stay silent long enough for me to earn the money back. But that’s the problem with addiction—one last time is never enough.
The night I knew I’d truly messed things up wasn’t much different than any other night I’d spent at Royals. What made that particular evening one to regret, was that for the first time in nearly a decade, I gave in to temptation and took a loan from one of the sharks. And now I’m paying for that mistake.
These “loan officers” work in the casino and have endless amounts of money to give poor souls like myself. The problem is, even with my knees bouncing and sweat pouring from every pore, I still couldn’t talk myself out of it. The guy slid me the money with a smile and told me all I had to do was bring back what I owed—with interest—and my slate would be wiped clean.
Easy, I’d thought. I had money to play with, money to pay Jack back, and I could still pocket whatever winnings I came up with.
I took up my usual spot at the poker table, and like every time I gambled, my heart began to pound and adrenaline pulsed through my body. When I’m in that zone, I’m no longer Ben. I become someone else entirely, and it’s as terrifying as it is invigorating. Quickly, I was up from my original bet, and then I was up some more. Back and forth I played until eight hours had seamlessly passed.
When I finally stood from the table, I was hit with the sinking realization that I had nothing. There was nothing left of the loan I’d received, and I had no idea what I was going to do to fix it. Attempting to find a place to lick my wounds, I went to the one safe haven I have.
Jack was rightfully furious when I showed up at The Pound, and the disappointment in his eyes still stings like salt in an open wound. The fear and anger emanating from him… It was clear that I’m no longer the provider or caretaker, and even though Jack will always be my younger brother, I suppose I haven’t been for a long time.
Like a fool, I gathered up the last bit of cash I had stashed away, drained whatever I had left in savings, and went back to Royals to redeem myself. For several days I attempted to earn the money back, but I was barely doing more than breaking even. On the fourth night, I didn’t make it past the first checkpoint before I felt the sting of a needle in my arm and a pair of rough hands throwing me down to the ground. Todd and Gerald took everything out of my wallet, threw a bag over my head, and eventually, they dumped me inside this room.
I can’t say I’m surprised. Before I took the loan, I was already indebted to the casino. I didn’t think anything of it then—taking the money from the shark before they could ask questions—but now… it’s even more suspicious that they’re after something from Jack and using me to get it.
That money was all I had left, and only now am I seeing the sickness of it all.
Flashes of our parents strung out on the couch with near lifeless eyes roll my empty stomach. I’m no different than they were… and the situation I’ve gotten myself in only proves it.
The door to my room opens slowly and I stand, startled but ready for a fight. Usually, someone opens the door quick enough to throw some food down on a side table under the light switch and then they’re gone. The first couple of days I would bang on the solid locked door for hours or slam myself into it hard enough to break it, but the weaker I’ve grown, the less energy I’ve had to attempt it.
I’m stunned to see a woman poke her head in before bringing the rest of her body into view. She’s timid, only staring long enough to make sure I’m not going to charge or beat her, or whatever thoughts she has racing through those big brown eyes. Her long brown hair waves gently down her back as she turns and places a set of what appear to be clothes on the small table.
“These are for you to change,” she says to the floor. “I’ve been instructed to ask if you need anything else.”
Odd. “Some fucking food would be great,” I grunt, and when she flinches, I curse. Slowly walking toward her, she backs up against the door and grasps the doorknob, ready to bolt.
“Wait, I’m sorry. I won’t hurt you,” I assure her. “Can you tell me why you’re here? I haven’t talked to anyone in days, and I want to know what their plan is for me.”
She shakes her head quickly. “No, I’m sorry. I can’t tell you anything like that.” More quietly, she adds, “They don’t tell me anything, anyway.”
“Who are they? Who is in charge?” I ask, though I have a pretty good idea. I lean down a little, trying to get her to look at me, and when she finally flicks her gaze up to mine, all I see is fear and uncertainty. She’s wearing an old apron that has food stains on it and she looks to be in her late twenties—and gorgeous.
Momentarily, I contemplate grabbing her and trying to escape. I attempt to glance around her and through the cracked door when she moves to leave, but she shakes her head in warning. There must be someone—or maybe more than one person—set up outside the room or elsewhere in the building.
The room I’m in has no windows, so I have no idea if I’m on a ground level or twenty stories up because I wasn’t conscious when I was brought here.
“What’s your name?” I ask.
“I’ll be bringing your rations for the rest of your stay,” she says before scurrying away, leaving the scent of spring flowers behind.
I almost scoff. I won’t be able to live off scraps of bread for long.
I’m even more confused than when I first arrived, but I’m not going to complain about the possibility of seeing her again. It’s been lonely with only my dark thoughts to keep me company. I’ve had too much time to think about the mistakes I’ve made and even more time to let the past creep up on me. Maybe I can coax some answers out of her next time.
As she leaves, her image burns into the forefront of my brain. I have no idea why she’s here, but if the fear in her gaze tells me anything, it’s that she doesn’t want to be.
After grabbing the clothes, I quickly change and pace the floor. There’s nothing I can do about my predicament, but I say a silent prayer that Jack is okay.
Chapter 18
Cassidy
Juliana and I peruse various dresses and outfits at one of the boutiques downtown before heading to the diner for our closing shift. We thought it would be a good idea to have something nice to wear instead of ripped jean shorts and T-shirts for our trip. After our meeting yesterday, Jack took the liberty of securing our flight and hotel. Ben’s days as a captive are numbered, and we needed to book something as soon as possible—the only problem is… we leave tomorrow and Jules and I still have to get Bruce to agree to let us go.
“What do you think?” she asks, holding up a gray-and-black sequined cocktail dress. It’s exactly her taste and sure to show off her rocking body.
