“The end profits more than justify the investment,” Maxine said flatly, annoyed at having her explanation interrupted. “Now then, Mr. Stilman, as I was saying … As you can tell, that many high jackpots will put a severe drain on Mr. Rafael’s funds. He doesn’t dare not pay off the jackpots, or the negative publicity would drive him out of business. Combined with the losses we’ve planned for him at the tables, however, it should keep him from making the necessary payment on his loan. What’s more, word of the multiple jackpots should get sufficient media coverage that I doubt he’ll be able to find anyone willing to let him borrow the money.”
Maxine was smiling again. A sweet, grandmotherly smile.
“In short, Mr. Stilman, when those jackpot bells start to sound, what you’ll be hearing is the Fat Chance Casino sliding into our cash drawer.”
“Yes, Laverna?”
“We’ve got a problem.”
Maxine followed her aide’s gaze and saw the unmistakable figure of Willard Phule, the security force commander, pausing to watch the activity at their targeted cluster of slot machines.
“I thought Huey was supposed to come up with something to keep him busy when the program was scheduled to cut in.”
“He was,” Maxine said through tight lips, “but obviously he hasn’t. Well, there’s only one thing to do.”
“What’s that?” Laverna said as Max started forward.
“Provide the distraction myself,” the crime leader explained, flashing a quick smile. “Besides, I think it’s about time the two of us talked directly.”
“Good evening. Captain Jester.”