Page 16 of The Devil's Dilemma

“Maybe he should get someone to do it, then. I’m not giving up any of my share.”

“No one’s asking you to,” Uncle Nick said, but I didn’t believe one word.

“Then what’s his interest?” I refused to address him and talked to Joel directly.

“Don’t sweat it, man. Just do your stuff, which is why I called the meeting. We… I… thought about what you said about doing it on a busy night when you’d be less noticeable. With that in mind, we’re a go for Saturday.”

Fuck, that didn’t give me much time. It was Thursday already. It wasn’t impossible, though, and the sooner we got it done, the sooner I’d be out of here.

“Pete will sit outside in the car, waiting. Freddie and I will come in with you and keep watch, and if we see any of the goons coming for you, we’ll head them off. You just need to do your stuff. Move around so you don’t win too much at each table.”

“I know what I’m doing.” This wasn’t the first time I’d done this. Although the stakes were much higher this time.

The plan, as always, was I’d hand off the chips to Freddie and Joel so I never had too many at the table. We never wanted to draw unwanted attention. This casino was so big I could play most of the tables without arousing suspicion.

Having the magic chip would help me blend in so much more, and the anxiety I’d experienced a week ago had calmed until it was now a small inconvenience.

I was more worried about Grandpa.

“I’ve organised for my guys to go in and generally cause some mayhem. Rowdy drunks, that kind of thing. It’ll hopefully take any attention away from you.” Seemed Nick had more than a passing interest in our next heist.

“I’m sure we’ll manage. We did the last two times.”

“He’s only trying to help, Austin. Let him.” Joel’s wariness of the man standing next to him was patently obvious in his stance and tone.

I had no such reverence for the man.

“Let’s get this sorted, then. I have other plans I need to make.” Namely getting Grandpa out of here.

While Joel droned on for another half an hour, I never once took my eyes off Nick. Now I knew what he was up to, I was determined to get the job done and skedaddle before I could be brought onto the payroll.

My task was easy enough. As long as I had the chip, it should be a piece of cake. The confidence that had deserted me earlier in the week had returned, and I had no doubt I could achieve what we’d set out to do.

Yes, I could have walked away from it. Any sensible person would have, but pride, cockiness, call it what you will, prevented me from doing that.

This was a chance to get out, out of this life, out of Liverpool. The money we’d earned from the last two jobs was probably more than enough, but until this one was done, I’d not see a penny.

One more reason to stick around.

Saturday came around quicker than I wanted it to, and I’d not managed to do everything I’d planned. Nerves set me on edge all day, and I’d snapped at Grandpa for spilling his tea, then felt bad about it and eventually made him his favourite meal.

Chicken pie and chips.

“I’m out this evening. Sandra from next door is going to come in and make sure you get to bed all right.”

Thank heavens for Sandra. She helped out when I had to work late, and as far as both of them were concerned, that was where I’d be this evening.

“You’re all dressed up. You sure you don’t have a date?”

“No date. I thought I’d make an effort tonight.”

He eyed me suspiciously, and I didn’t blame him. I never dressed like this for work. At least I’d forgone the fancy suit.

Sandra turned up at seven thirty on the dot and sat chatting with him while I finished. I slipped on my coat and patted the pocket, checking the chip was still there.

I didn’t need to bother. The steady thrum of the chip ran through me.

Remembering how invisible I’d be, I made a point of saying good night to them both and left the house.

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