Dollar Slot Machine Part 1

By Mary

Sara stared at the dollar slot machine screen in disbelief as three gold bars slammed into place in a row.  Suddenly, lights began flashing, bells rang and sirens wailed with a deafening din.  She had no idea where they came from, but instantly people were crushing in all around her, jostling to get a peek at the screen.  A strong, handsome man in a black suit was lifting her off her stool and shouting at the crowd "Make way, make way - clear a path!"  

She resisted for a second, wanting to know what she'd won and where he was taking her, but the security guard was hustling her through the throngs of people toward a huge, closed wooden door.  He pushed a button on a panel beside the door and shouted.

"I've got her, let us in!"  

The door swung open and the guard shoved her inside.  Her heart pounding hard, she looked up to see a portly middle-aged man with a pockmarked face sitting on the corner of a massive desk.  He studied her intently for a moment, then slightly shook his head, saying

"I'm sorry, please forgive me but I feel as though I know you from somewhere.  Won't you have a seat, ma'am?"  

The security guard pulled a plush maroon velvet chair back for her and motioned for her to sit.  As she collapsed into the armchair, the man stood up from the desk and walked over to a mirrored window that looked into the main casino.  Hands clasped behind his back, he watched the commotion outside for what seemed an eternity to Sara, then he turned and sat behind his desk.  

"What's your name, young lady?" he asked.  

"Sara" she replied warily.  

"Sara who?"  

"Brighton."  

"How old are you?"  

"That's none of your business!" she retorted.  

"Ah, but you're wrong, Sara - it IS my business" he snarled, his face darkening menacingly.  

"If I am to make the biggest prize payout in this casino's history, I must ensure that the winner is of legal gambling age."  

"Biggest payout?" she squeaked.  

"You mean you don't know what you've won?"  

"I haven't a clue" she whispered.  

He glanced behind her at the security guard and told him

"It's allright now, Dennis.  You can leave us alone, but don't go too far, I may require your services again."  

Dennis bowed slightly and took his leave, closing the door firmly behind him.