From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 10

As cool as a cucumber, Anthea trailed behind like she was out window shopping on a breezy

afternoon.

Nanson whirled around, his temper flaring. “Anthea Morris, are you out of your freaking mind? Why the heck are you following me?”

Anthea grinned. “Uncle Nanson, I’m not a Morris anymore. You can call me Ann as Mom does, and last I checked, the sidewalk isn’t your private property. If you can walk here, so can I.”

Nanson choked on his retort, muttering as he strode on. Before long, they arrived at a place ablaze with lights.

It was Cloudcrest’s biggest underground casino.

Before entering, Nanson pressed his palms together and prayed earnestly. “Oh, Lady Luck, watch over me! Spin the wheel of fortune my way! I’ll light a candle in your honor when I hit the jackpot. I promise!”

The casino was a hotbed of vice and variety.

Those on a winning streak were head over heels in ecstasy.

Losers wailed their sorrows away.

hev

Nanson was a familiar face there, and as he walked in, greetings flew his way. “Hey, Nanson’s here!”

to see

that with you, Nanson? Some kin

him into the lion’s den. He quickly stepped back, putting distance between them. “I don’t know her! She’s nobody to

and followed Nanson to

crowd was shouting themselves hoarse. “Big!

dealer unveiled the dice with a smirk. “Three, one, five. That’s small!”

it small?”

lousy

dealer shook the dice again, and a betting area appeared on the table. Punters could also

intently to the dice clattering inside

cautiously, and then folded his hands, praying for divine

Chapter 10

go for big. Bet on five, six, and one,” Anthea

rolled his eyes, full

this kid think she was, a gambling prodigy?

their bets, the dealer revealed it,

Anthea.

his nerves and

Nanson, you got it wrong again. It’s big this round. Six, six, one,” Anthea advised.

the results,

the same as Anthea

right

Nanson went for small