Page 5 of King of the Bronx

“So practice, get better, and then get away with the money.” He placed his elbows on the table and stared at me.

“I can’t—”

“Do you have a better idea?”

I looked down at the table. “No…where would I practice at?”

“I know a place. It’s underground.”

“That sounds just as risky as smuggling.”

“But you’re good at it. You won’t get caught. Become a regular and lose a bunch in the beginning until you can get your skills up. Then one night, take it all home.”

Toby had a point. It was a fast way to get the cash I needed. Back in the day, I used to be the best at counting cards. It took a lot of studying and practice in the beginning, but I’d gotten good at it. It was an easier way of making money than selling myself, which was what a lot of the foster kids ended up doing.

“You really think I can pull it off?” I asked.

“No doubt.”

I didn’t have many options at this point. Card counting may be my best bet. I had a month to hone my skills and really get good at it again, but the risks were high. If I got caught, it could mean death, especially at an underground place like the type Toby was talking about.

“I’ll think about it.”

He nodded. “Let me know if you need help with anything. Sorry I can’t offer you more.”

I stood up from the booth just as he did and gave him a quick hug.

“Oh hey, we’re doing a big barbecue here next month if you want to stop by. Bring the girls. We’re expecting to be really busy.”

“Okay, we’ll stop by. See ya ,Toby.” I walked out of the bar.

*****

“What are you thinking about?” Erica asked, making me jump. I’d been so focused on my thoughts, I hadn’t even noticed Erica walk up to the desk.

“Just thinking.” It had been two days since Toby suggested I count cards. He texted me the address, but I was still debating if this was a risk I really wanted to take.

“About the Irish?” Erica asked.

I nodded. “Just a lot on my mind right now.”

“We could always give you a bigger cut,” Erica suggested.

I shook my head. “No, you ladies are the ones up there doing the work. I’m not a pimp who is going to take all your money. That’s dirty.”

Erica came around the desk and sat in the chair next to me. “You’re a good person, Raven. You’ll figure it out.”

I had to or else all my girls were going to get sold off, and I couldn’t let that happen. I stood up from the desk chair and grabbed my jacket off the back.

“Can you take care of this for a few hours?” I asked. It was a slow night at the house anyways.

Erica nodded. “Yeah, I’ll take care of it. Where you going?”

“To make some money.”

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