Fold

Chapter 3

“New Orleans is go

His accent is unmistakably southern.

“Nah,” the man sitting beside me argues. “Their new quarterback is no match for New York's. Plus, he's too cocky. He's more into dancing on the field than playing on it. Probably because he's queer.”

I down the rest of my beer and order another as the men continue bickering back and forth. After I check my phone, I look up at the television. Player number three is gearing up to throw the ball.

There's not much time left in the game, and New York is in the lead by four points. They need a touchdown.

“Want to put your money where your mouth is and make a bet?”

They stop quarreling and look at me.

“Yeah, all right,” the first guy drawls. “I'll throw down some money on New Orleans.” He slams a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the bar. “Gay or not, he has a killer arm.”

The other guy laughs and pulls out his wallet. “I'll put one hundred on New York just to prove you wrong.”

They both turn to me expectantly. “Who are you rooting for?”

“I'm rooting for number three.” I toss two fifties into the pile and look up at the T.V. “But my money's on New York.”

A moment later, the ball gets intercepted and half the people in the bar cheer while the other half curse.

I swipe my wi

My co-conspirator, Max, holds out a fist and I bump it. We've been doing this shit to tourists for months.

Wonder what our new schtick will be now that football season is over.

The guy who lost the bet eyes me suspiciously. It's clear he hasn't caught on yet. “Why did you say you were rooting for number three then?”

I take a swig of my beer. “He's my brother.”

He nearly falls off his bar stool. “Dang, I thought you kinda looked like him.” Max starts howling with laughter and the man curses under his breath. “Guess it's true what they say. There's a sucker born every minute.”

My phone vibrates and I click the message icon.

Matteo: Here's the address. Rumor has it there's a game later. Toss the burner before you go.

Preston: Got it.

Matteo: One more thing.

Preston: ?

Matteo: Salvatore said you better win tonight. Or else.

I slip the phone in my pocket and stand. “Welcome to Vegas.”