"Are you rejecting my offer, Fanny-san?"
"No. I just don't want you to feel obligated ..."
"I feel no such thing. Your American newspapers say I am one of the three richest men in the world. They say my wealth is ninety billion dollars. Riley tells me it is so. It's amazing to me that he wants no part of it. He prefers to round up cattle and drill oil wells. My point, Fanny-san, is this—we are family. I would be honored if you would allow me to be part of your foundation."
"In that case, consider yourself a third party to the foundation."
The old Japanese whipped out a check and a gold pen from
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the inside pocket of his jacket. He signed it with a flourish and placed it in the center of the table.
"But, it's blank."
"You will fill it in."
"But .. . how much should I fill it in for?"
"How many centers do you wish to build?"
"I'd like to build one or two in every one of the states. Even I know that's unrealistic. It's a dream. Each center costs millions of dollars, Mr. Hasegawa. The upkeep is millions more."
"I understand. One, two, a dozen. Whatever you and Billie-san think is wise."
"But . . . that means the funds are unlimited."
The old man nodded. A glorious smoke ring spiraled upward and seemed to circle his head. He puffed and smiled.
Fanny's heart thudded in her chest. How was it possible this man, who she'd only known for a matter of hours, would simply hand her a blank check whose account balance was unlimited?
"I don't know what to say, Mr. Hasegawa. Thank you seems inadequate."
"It is more than adequate. Would you and Billie-san be amenable to naming one of your centers after my daughter Otami?"
"Oh, yes, of course. We can have Riley dedicate it."
"Then our business is concluded. We must leave now. We are to breakfast with my grandson. More flapjacks, I suppose."
"What would you like for breakfast, Mr. Hasegawa?"
"Noodle soup."
"Well, you're in luck, sir. I know a place that makes the best chicken soup in Nevada. They give you so many noodles you can't eat them all. It's just a small cafe, nothing fancy. The truth is, it's a dump. Oilcloth on the tables and paper napkins. Big spoons. They serve crunchy bread with soft yellow butter. Are you interested?"
"I am most interested."
Fanny slipped on her coat. The last thing she did before leaving the kitchen was to take the box of cigars from the
cupboard. She presented them with a flourish. "I think Ash would want you to have these. Mr. Hasegawa ..."
The old man cupped Fanny's chin in his hand. "My family is your family. Your family is my family. Coleman, Thornton, Hasegawa."
"Oh, no, it doesn't work that way. You get top billing, Mr. Hasegawa. I insist. There is one more branch of this family that has just come into being. We'll talk about them on the way down the mountain."
"May I smoke one of these cigars in your vehicle?"
"Absolutely."
"And you won't tell anyone?"
"I absolutely will not tell anyone. You should give some thought to the smoke being on your clothes, though."
"I cannot be blamed if other people's smoke settles on me."
"No, you cannot. You are a fox, Mr. Hasegawa."
"That is a compliment, no?"
"That is a compliment, yes."
"We must stop at your friend's house. Ah, there he is. I wish to do something for Mr. Chue. What do you think he would like?"
' 'Perhaps a trip to his homeland with his family. Then again, maybe not. He doesn't like to leave the mountain."
' 'That is because you made him part of your family. I understand his thinking. We will offer it anyway. We must revise the family now. It should be Coleman, Thornton, Chue, and Hasegawa."
Fanny smiled. "Whatever you say."
Fanny watched and listened to the intense, long conversation. There were bows, inclined heads, more chatter, more bows. Hasegawa turned to Fanny. "He now understands we are one family. He says he will be delighted to visit his homeland. You will wait one little minute. He wishes me to meet his family, and he wants to show me his collection of yo-yos. A truly remarkable man. You do not mind, Fanny-san?"
"My time is your time, Mr. Hasegawa."
When the old Japanese returned thirty minutes later, he was
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laden with packages. "Rice cakes, honey cakes fresh from the oven, egg rolls, and this," he said holding up a sparkling golden yo-yo. "He gave me one lesson on how to work this strange contraption. He said it is very relaxing. I will test it later."
Fanny gasped. "That's Chue's favorite."
"I knew that. I did not wish to take it. He insisted. That is why I must master the technique he showed me. I wish to be worthy of such an important gift. He wishes me to have my picture taken and then sent to him. When I have mastered his technique. Do you think I can do this, Fanny-san?"
"I just happen to know somebody who has it down pat. Chue taught my grandson Jake how to do it. He's a whiz at it"
' 'I am much relieved. We must hurry now, Fanny-san. Riley grows impatient when I am late."
"When he gets to be our age, he'll be more patient. Why is it youth can't wait? Everything has to be done lickety-split."
"Someday they will ask the same thing of their children." His voice sounded weary to Fanny's ears.
In the underground garage, Fanny helped the old man from the Rover.
"I wish to thank you, Fanny-san, for an enjoyable morning. It is my wish that someday you come to Japan and see my home and my cherry blossom hill."
"The first time there is a lull in my life, I'll hop a plane. I'll ring your bell three long rings and one short one so you'll know it's me."
The Japanese chuckled. "Do not wait too long, Fanny-san."
1 'No, I won't wait too long. I think I can taste that noodle soup already. I don't think I ever had noodle soup for breakfast."
The Japanese chuckled again as he linked his arm with Fanny's.
"Ah, our family awaits," the old man said as he stepped from the elevator.
Everyone spoke at once. "Where were you? We were worried. We thought something happened."
"Something did happen. Fanny-san took me to the mountain.
We had tea and sake and I had two cigars. We are now going out for noodle soup. Fanny-san says she knows a dump that serves the best noodle soup in the state of Nevada. They also have flapjacks." Hasegawa wrinkled his nose to show what he thought of that menu item.
Fanny leaned closer to Billie. "You won't believe what I'm going to tell you," she whispered.
"Sure I will. Mr. Hasegawa gave you a blank check for the rehab centers. Unlimited funds. One of the buildings is to be dedicated to Otami. Later, one will bear his name."
"You know?"
"Fanny, how could I not know? He's making such a valiant effort for Riley's sake. Thad has known for some time. I love that old man. I really do. Did he tell you we're all one big family now?"
"Yes, and I think it's wonderful. He has this wonderful sense of family. He has all daughters. If ever a man deserved a son, it's Mr. Hasegawa."
"Riley is his son and his grandson. That's why he's so devastated that Riley wants to remain in Texas. He's giving me his grandson, Fanny. Giving him to me in every sense of the word. That tells you exactly who Shadaharu Hasegawa is."
"Our lives are richer because of him, and I don't mean monetarily."
"I know, Fanny, I know."
They filed into the elevator. "Noodle soup coming up," Thad said cheerfully. "You need to know, Shad, that I'm a chicken-fried steak man myself."
' 'Fanny-san said you will love this noodle soup. Afterward we will walk down the street and smoke our cigars like . .. butter and egg men."
Fanny and Billie smiled indulgently.
Their family.
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22
Fanny pranced back and forth in front of the long mirror attached to the bathroom door, viewing herself from all angles. Daisy growled playfully as she circled her mistress's feet. "It's sexy, but not too sexy," Fanny said. "I like the slit up the side and I love the way this raw silk feels. No pearls tonight, Daisy. They're so .. . debutantish if you know what I mean. My diamond earrings and jewel pin will be just enough." Daisy barked again and started to race around the room, rolling in Fanny's discarded clothing. "I know you're trying to tell me something. You don't like the mess I created, huh? Well, I had to find just the right dress for this evening. None of that stuff on the floor seemed quite right."
The plum-colored sheath was a Billie original. The three-quarter sleeves were banded in rich heavy satin as was the neckline and the generous slit up the side, in a shade darker than the raw silk. It was an elegant, sophisticated dress, the kind Fanny rarely wore. Billie had dyed the silk shoes to match the satin on the dress to create an even, flowing line. The small evening bag was a creation in itself, made from the plum-colored raw silk attached to an intricate, antique gold chain. Fanny felt as elegant as she looked, and it had only taken five full hours to get to this point.
Fanny sprayed a delicious but naughty scent in the air, jiggling back and forth until she was satisfied the misty spray clung to her like a fine cobweb.
She was ready.
The doorbell chimed as she weaved her way through the piles of discarded clothing. Her heart started to thump in her chest when she saw Marcus's look of approval. It thumped harder when her own gaze registered his lean handsomeness.
Fanny smiled.
Marcus smiled.
Daisy chased her tail in a circle.
"Mrs. Thornton, you look exceptionally lovely this evening."
Fanny inclined her head to acknowledge the compliment. 4 'And you, Mr. Reed, look quite dashing. Do they still use that term today?"
"Probably not, but who cares. I'll take any compliment I can get."
In the elevator, Fanny asked, ' 'Where are we going or is it a surprise?"
"I think, Fanny, it's time for you to cross the street. I thought we'd go down the line—appetizers at one, main course at another, dessert at still another, coffee and after-dinner drinks farther down, and a show at the last casino on the block. I promise to have you home by midnight."
"What a wonderful idea. I should have done it sooner. I'm glad we're doing this, Marcus."
The word on the street spread faster than a brushfire; Fanny Thornton had crossed to the opposite side of the street. If there had been a red carpet, it would have been rolled out for her entrance into the casinos. She smiled, shook hands, and reveled in the attention she was receiving.
"Let's walk home, Marcus," Fanny said as they exited the last casino. ' 'I had such a good time. Everyone was so gracious. They aren't at all like everyone says they are. I don't think it was enough of a thank-you though, do you?"
"More than enough. Tomorrow this whole town will know you crossed the street, if they don't know already. Crossing the street means you gave your seal of approval. In this town that's all important. It's what you feel, isn't it?"
"Yes. The owners have never bothered me. Yes, once they tried to put one over on Ash, but they . . . they reconsidered. I think it all has something to do with Sallie. I'm grateful that there have been no confrontations."
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4 'Businessmen respect other businessmen. Just because you're a woman doesn't mean they won't or can't respect you."
"Do you think that respect has anything to do with light switches and flush handles?"
"To some degree. They know you aren't a flibbertigibbet. Is there such a word?" Marcus laughed.
"I think so, but don't ask me to spell it."
"We should do this again."
Never shy, Fanny said, "When?"
"Soon."
"Soon means different things to different people. I'll need time to get a new dress. I love any excuse to buy a new outfit. I'll require some notice, Marcus."
"Is a week long enough?"
"I'd like two weeks. That gives me two weeks to shop and think about the evening. You know what they say about anticipation."
"No, what do they say?"
"Ask someone else." Fanny felt flustered at his teasing look and proprietary hold on her arm.
"Okay, I will. I should be rewarded. I promised to have you home by midnight. It's a quarter to twelve and it looks like something exciting is happening inside your casino. I don't know if you picked up on it or not, but there seemed to be this same kind of excitement across the street all evening."
"Let's check it out."
"I'd say someone is winning big time," Marcus said.
Fanny was close behind Marcus as he shouldered his way to the blackjack table. Her eyes scanned the crowd for Neal. She waved, a frown building on her face as he made his way over to her. "What's happening?"
"That guy has hit every casino on the Strip tonight. The word went out about two hours ago. He's raked in more than two and a half million bucks up and down the Strip. He's hitting us big. He's no high roller either. I've never seen him before, and the other owners say the same thing. He's got a
goddamn system. He hasn't done anything wrong so we can't turn him away."
"Does he have a name? I can't even see him?"
"He's a young guy with glasses, dressed well. I don't know this for a fact but one of the other owners said his name is Jeff Lassiter. They got the name from his license plate when he parked his car. He's into us for four hundred grand, give or take a few thousand."
Fanny's face drained of all color. "I want to see him."
"He's very ordinary-looking. He reminds me of someone, but I can't think who it is. Follow me if you want a better look."
Fanny stared at the young man at the table. Lassiter's tie was askew, sweat beading his forehead as he looked at the cards in front of him. Put a pair of navy whites on him and he'd look just like Ash at his age. Fanny's mouth grew dry as a cheer went up from the crowd. Her gaze locked with Neal's.
"Change dealers, Fanny," Marcus whispered in her ear.
Fanny mouthed the words to Neal. He shook his head.
"We can't. When the shift changes, maybe, but not now. The crowd, not to mention Mr. Lassiter, won't allow it. I wonder what his exact take was at each of the other casinos?"
"Probably half a million at each place. He's into you for that right now. He looks to me like he's just starting to warm up. The guy's on a roll," Marcus said.
"The shift changes in three minutes. We'll know if he has a system when the new dealer comes on."
"I'll make some phone calls, Fanny."
"Thanks, Marcus."
The crowd cheered again when the dealer slid a pile of chips toward Jeff Lassiter.
Precisely at midnight, the new dealer approached the table. The crowd voiced its objections as the dealer made way for the new man to take his place.
"Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, my time is up. My family is waiting for me."
Lassiter squawked his disapproval. Fanny sensed that the
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young man didn't care one way or the other. He was voicing his opinion for the benefit of the crowd. That told her he indeed had a system.
' 'The house rules are four hours on and four hours off. The house reserves the right to change tables. We'll do that now."
The crowd once again voiced its displeasure. Lassiter smiled. Fanny felt a rush of fear.
4 'He took all five houses across the street for a half million each," Marcus said. "This is just my opinion, Fanny, but I think this is the casino he plans to hit really big. Keep watching his face, especially his eyes. He's not gambling. He's playing a game."
"Wait here, Marcus, I'll be right back."
Fanny threaded her way to the offices and called Ash.' 'Listen to me, Ash, I only have a few minutes. Your son, Jeffrey Lassiter, just hit all the casinos on the other side of the stre
et for a half million each. He is now into us for seven hundred thousand and he's not stopping. The shift changed. Neal is changing tables. Tell me what to do."
"How do you know it's Jeff?"
"It's him, Ash. He looks exactly like you did when you were his age. You could never deny that young man in a court of law. It is your son. What should I do? Neal says he has a system. What the hell does that mean, Ash?"
"It means he has a fucking system is what it means. He's no gambler. He was always good with numbers according to his mother. As good as Simon . .. son of a fucking bitch, that's it!"
"What's it, Ash?"
"Simon."
"What does Simon have to do with this? Are you saying Simon knows about this boy?"
"Yeah, remember I told you I confessed to him in a weak moment. Back when things were okay between Simon and me.
"Ash, I don't want to hear this. You told me there was no such thing as a system."
"There isn't. Once in a while some guy comes up with something and it works for a little while. You can't beat the odds, Fanny."
"He's doing it. Maybe you should think about getting in your van and coming down here or else call him on the phone. You need to do something, Ash. It's going to be a very long night. What happens tomorrow night and the night after? Just tell me one thing, Ash. If Simon is behind this, is there any way, any way at all, that we can lose this place?"
"Jesus Christ, Fanny, you were married to the guy. You saw a side of him even I never saw or knew. The side I know says yes. What do you say? I'm coming down. The house rules say we can call a one-hour break. I had that initiated for just such a problem. Neal knows about it. Call the break in fifteen minutes. I'll be there before the time is up."
"Are you in any condition to drive?"
"I can drive, Fanny. I'll take care of this."
Fanny dropped her head into her hands. She felt like crying.
"What is it?" Marcus asked from the doorway.
"Jeffrey Lassiter is Ash's son. Ash thinks Simon and his son are ... in this together. Simon's a whiz when it comes to numbers. Because you're good at numbers, does that mean you can beat the odds? Ash says no. I don't know. He said we can call a house break of an hour. He wants me to do it in fifteen minutes. He's on his way down the mountain. My God, I can't believe Simon hates us so much he would do this, if indeed he's behind it. This is all my fault."
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