Chapter 26

           Thegarishsuiteoverlookedthefakefairylandgroundsintherearofthehotel;transplantedpalmtreeslitupbyclimbersoforangelights,twohugeswimmingpoolsshimmeringdarkbluebythelightofthedesertstars.OnthehorizonwerethesandandstonemountainsthatringedLasVegasnestlinginitsneonvalley.JohnnyFontanelettheheavy,richlyembroideredgraydrapefallandturnedbacktotheroom.

           Aspecialdetailoffourmen,apitboss,adealer,extrareliefman,andacocktailwaitressinherscantynightclubcostumeweregettingthingsreadyforprivateaction.NinoValentiwaslyingonthesofainthelivingroompartofthesuite,awaterglassofwhiskeyinhishand.Hewatchedthepeoplefromthecasinosettinguptheblackjacktablewiththepropersixpaddedchairsarounditshorseshoeouterrim."That’sgreat,that’sgreat,"hesaidinaslurredvotethatwasnotquitedrunken."Johnny,comeonandgamblewithmeagainstthesebastards.Igottheluck.We’llbeattheircrullersin."

           Johnnysatonafootstooloppositethecouch."YouknowIdon’tgamble,"hesaid:"Howyoufeeling,Nino?"

           NinoValentigrinnedathim."Great.Igotbroadscomingupatmidnight,thensomesupper,thenbacktotheblackjacktable.YouknowIgotthehousebeatforalmostfiftygrandandthey’vebeengrindingmeforaweek?"

           "Yeah;"JohnnyFontanesaid."Whodoyouwanttoleaveittowhenyoucroak?"

           Ninodrainedhisglassempty."Johnny,wherethehelldidyougetyourrepasaswinger?You’readeadhead,Johnny.