The shootings and rescue of a couple on a sailboat that drug runners had been trying to seize when their motor launch failed had unnerved us. I had taken out one of the bad guys with an automatic rifle when he ignored my command and pointed an Uzi toward me. I was nearly shot when the other desperado suddenly brandished a weapon, but my gal Kim, a sure shot with a pistol, got him first.
"Mike, take the con to Harbor Island. We need a drink." Hobby set out limes, salt, and a bottle of Imperial Anejo tequila. Before he could get glasses I took a slug from the bottle. "Ahh..." I uttered.
"I've always wanted to do that," Kim said as she tipped the bottle to her lips.
"I'm ready, too," Sue said as she reached for the bottle.
"Well, to hell with the glasses," Hobby said and followed suit.
We were silent for a while as the warm smooth liquor worked its magic.
"Joe, I'm nervous about what might happen next," Kim said.
"I hear you. I don't think it would be a good idea to let the story get out. Those two birds will surely go to jail, but they might have associates who could make trouble."
"I talked to the Coast Guard skipper and told him we'd keep mum. He said he'd make it clear to the couple we saved that it was in their best interest to keep it quiet too," Hobby explained.
"OK with me," Sue said, "silence is golden." We all agreed and passed the bottle around to seal our commitment.
"So Captain Newton, now that we're out of the combat zone, what's the plan?"
"Tonight and tomorrow we enjoy ourselves. It's almost time to get dressed for dinner and dancing at Humphreys by the Bay.
Tomorrow we'll take a drive to San Diego's east county and visit Viejas Casino."
"Hold it right there, guys. You're not playing poker all day while we float around a casino waiting for you," Sue said.
I replied, "We'll play some poker, but I guarantee that you gals won't be bored. Viejas has a huge outlet shopping mall. Here's $200 for you, Kim, to get you started."
"I was thinking of giving Sue $300," Hobby countered. "While you're upping the ante, boys, make it $400 and we'll do some shopping for you too." I grimaced while the girls gave each other a high five, but what could I do but agree? We parked the car behind the outlet center so the gals could off-load their purchases without traveling far. Hobby and I walked across the street into the casino. In the poker room Hobby took a seat at a $10-$20 hold'em game while I opted for a lowerstakes match.
Since I don't have Hobby's unfathomable assets, I set aside a small percentage of my dough for poker. Unless we're going to a tournament where I know what the buy-in will be, I pocket cash for each outing. This time I took a grand, but I was already out four bills for Kim's shopping, so I thought a $4-$8 game would better suit my bankroll.
It was one of those days when I just couldn't get in the groove. I had mostly poor cards; when I got a half-decent hand my opponent bested me most of the time. I decided to give it a rest and picked up my chips. I looked for Hobby and found him sitting at the bar. "You get busted too?" I asked.
"Not at all. I had a hot streak; made a bundle. It broke up the table, so I figured I might as well quit while I was ahead. "Great" I said as we swapped high-fives, "I've got to hit the head. I'll be right back. You can buy me a drink!"
A bearded guy and another bruiser with a ponytail were talking at the sinks as I walked past to a stall. I overheard, "... could choke a horse. He's at the bar."
"Hmm ..." I thought. After doing my thing I casually inspected the lounge before I joined Hobby. The ponytail guy was sitting alone at a small table where he could watch us. I sidled up and said, "I think a couple bad dudes have designs on your bankroll."
"No way."
"Way, man." I told him what I overheard. "Don't look now, but one of them's sitting behind us."
"They can't do anything in here, Joe."
"They'll probably wait 'til we leave the casino."
"Jeez, I don't want the girls getting mixed up in something, especially after what happened on the boat. I'll go in the men's room over there. You watch and see if the guy makes a move."
"I don't think it's a good..." He was on his way before I could finish.
About 15 seconds later, ponytail followed Hobby. I wasn't sure what to do, but I couldn't just sit there; I joined the parade. I heard a scuffle as I opened the door. Hobby had a hammer-lock on the guy. "Way to go, Hobby. Now I wonder where his partner is at?"
I didn't wonder for long. Someone pushed me from behind and said, "Let him go and give us the dough." It was the bearded guy.
"Sure, I'll let him go," Hobby said as he shoved ponytail into his partner. They both went down in a heap.
I opened the door and shouted, "Security!" When I turned around there was a new problem. "Look out, Hobby! He's got a gun."
He shot and Hobby went down. I kicked the son-ofa- bitch and the gun went sailing. Both guys were on the floor and I kept kicking where it would do the most the most harm. Security showed up in force and took control. I went to Hobby who was sitting on the floor. "Were you shot?"
"Right here, in my money belt, but I don't feel any blood. Thank God I had a big win."
