From Sneers to Cheers Anthea's Ascent novel Chapter 10

As cool as a cucumber, Anthea trailed behind like she was out window shopping on a breezy afternoon.

Nanson whirled around, his temper flaring. "Anthea Morris, are you out of your freaking mind? Why the heck are you following me?"

Anthea grinned. "Uncle Nanson, I’m not a Morris anymore. You can call me Ann as Mom does, and last I checked, the sidewalk isn't your private property. If you can walk here, so can I."

Nanson choked on his retort, muttering as he strode on. Before long, they arrived at a place ablaze with lights.

It was Cloudcrest's biggest underground casino.

Before entering, Nanson pressed his palms together and prayed earnestly. "Oh, Lady Luck, watch over me! Spin the wheel of fortune my way! I'll light a candle in your honor when I hit the jackpot. I promise!"

The casino was a hotbed of vice and variety.

Those on a winning streak were head over heels in ecstasy.

Losers wailed their sorrows away.

Nanson was a familiar face there, and as he walked in, greetings flew his way. "Hey, Nanson's here!"

"Good to see you, Nanson!"

"Who's that with you, Nanson? Some kin of yours?"

Only then did Nanson realize Anthea had followed him into the lion's den. He quickly stepped back, putting distance between them. "I don't know her! She's nobody to me!"

Anthea wasn't bothered and followed Nanson to a table deep inside.

A crowd was shouting themselves hoarse. "Big! It's got to be big!"

The dealer unveiled the dice with a smirk. "Three, one, five. That's small!"

"Damn! How's it small?"

"Talk about lousy luck!"

The dealer shook the dice again, and a betting area appeared on the table. Punters could also bet on specific numbers. The more you hit, the heftier the haul!

Anthea listened intently to the dice clattering inside the shaker.

Nanson bet on small in the game, picked his numbers cautiously, and then folded his hands, praying for divine intervention.

"Uncle Nanson, go for big. Bet on five, six, and one," Anthea whispered.

Nanson rolled his eyes, full of scorn.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify