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 you,

with you, Nanson? Some kin

He quickly stepped back, putting distance between them. “I don’t know

followed Nanson to a table

was shouting themselves hoarse. “Big! It’s

dice with a smirk. “Three, one, five. That’s

How’s it

lousy luck!”

again, and a betting area appeared on the table. Punters could also bet on specific numbers. The

to the dice clattering inside the shaker.

on small in the game, picked his numbers cautiously, and then folded

Chapter 10

Nanson, go for big. Bet on five, six, and

his eyes, full

she was, a gambling prodigy? Ridiculous!

the dealer revealed it,

a puzzled look at Anthea.

nerves

it wrong again. It’s big this round. Six, six,

announced the results, Nanson

same as Anthea had said.

she right again?

hard, Nanson went for small