64 of 119

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 6

were no native American resorts, riverboats, and even Atlantic city was just a run-down sea side town. Gamblers, especially from the east coast of the States were instantly attracted to the close proximity of the Bahamas.
Even the climate was better then, before global warming became a reality. Throughout those years the islands were untouched by the hurricanes that would cause so much devastation in decades to follow. It did appear as if Ron and his co-workers had stumbled into paradise.

He pulled into the large parking lot, and drove his spotless mustang convertible into it's usual space far away from the other vehicles. His co-workers secretly made fun of Ron's many quirks, especially his parking antics, because only employees parked in the lot and very often it was all but empty, as tourists hired taxis to travel about the island.
Ron expected that it would be a busy night as it was the start of Spring break, always a huge event in the States, as students travel to sea-side resorts to get away from family, and have fun. Thousands visit the Florida coastline, and many spend a day or two in the Bahamas.
In the seventies, they didn't even need a passport to visit a different country just a short flight away, and very often their families back home were never aware of that brief trip.

The Casino was buzzing with tourists that night, many of them college students who had decided to visit the islands on a whim, with no advance reservations at hotels and consequently without a place to sleep. It was not long before Ron noticed a real beauty observing his game, and when their eyes met he smiled at her and she melted. The young woman waited for an open seat at his table and sat down to play.

Most people know how to play blackjack, or at least they think they do, because they have played penuckle or pontoon with friends or family. Craps appears too complicated and frenzied for many players, and roulette is impersonal, whereas blackjack is a personal, participant game where players can make decisions. That is the attraction to many people, and why there are always more blackjack tables than any other table game in casinos. At El Casino, a tourist from small ville U.S.A could sit at a blackjack table with twenty dollars and make two dollar bets last for at least twenty minutes, more if they were lucky, and be treated as royalty. Cocktails were free, and the dealer dressed like James Bond.

When the mafia first began operations in the Bahamas, they went exclusively after the

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: Mystery?
We want to hear your view. Write now!