“It’ll cost!”
“Did I ask? Just… “
I wasn’t really listening to the conversation any more.
I hadn’t realized before just how solidly my friends were behind me.
A quarter of a million .. .
Right then something solidified in my mind that had been hovering there for several days now. Whatever the others thought, I was going to try my best to win this game!
Chapter Seventeen:
“Shut up and deal!”
-F.D.R.
THERE was an aura of expectation over the Bazaar that night as we set out for the Even-Odds. At first I thought I was just seeing things differently because of my anticipation and nervousness. As we walked, however, it became more and more apparent that it was not simply my imagination.
Not a single vendor or shop shill approached us, not a Deveel hailed us with a proposed bargain. On the contrary, as we proceeded along the aisles, conversation and business ground to a halt as everyone turned to watch us pass. A few called out their wishes of “good luck” or friendly gibes about seeing me after the game, but for the most part they simply stared in silent fascination.
If I had ever had any doubts as to the existence or extent of the rumor mill and grapevine at the Bazaar, that night put them to rest forever. Everybody and I mean everybody knew who I was, where I was going, and what was waiting for me.
In some ways it was fun. I’ve noted earlier that I generally kept a low profile in the immediate neighborhood and have gotten used to walking around unnoticed. My recent shopping trips had gained me a certain notoriety, but it was nothing compared to this. Tonight, I was a full-blown celebrity! Realizing the uncertainty of the game’s outcome, I decided to seize the moment and play my part to the hilt.