h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why thank you Mr Bond....
*hands over glass*

*To barman*

A Black Russian for the lady and a Vodka martini, shaken not stirred.

*To mysterious lady*

So tell me why do you have such exquisite earings on this evening? Are they acorns?

They are acorns, given me by a friend, that is why I wear them.

*JB takes key ring from pocket*

I believe you friend has had an accident?

*The sound of sirens starts to filter through into the casino*

*takes keyring from JB, obviously recognises it, but doesn't look in the slightest bit fazed*
*turns attention to JB*
Really? How do you know my friend?

Unfortunately I was never introduced.

*The police start to approach the casino entrance*

I think it's time we got out of here, follow me

http://www.h2g2.com/forumframe.cgi?forum=5414&thread=39318

*JB heads for the kitchens*

*E however, knowing when to let JB get on with it, and had walked back over to the blackjack table to try her luck again. The police passed her by without a second glace as they made there way to the kitchens...*

*The man with the wolfish grin and the wooden leg appears down a stariway and approaches E, standing behind her.*

You seem to be very lucky today, Mademoiselle. Care to play against me?

*E jumps in shock and turns around*

Well, I don't know...it's just beginners luck, that's all...

I see... Well, if you don't mind, I'll join the table.

*sits down, claps his hands, and a waiter approaches with a tablet full of chips. He takes a handful, and the waiter withdraws. He puts a stake of 50,000.*

*seeing the astonished look in E's eye, he smiles wolfishly*

I like playing for high stakes...

*E cannot help but watch in amazement. She is stunned. She smiles shyly back...*

Rien ne va plus!

*says the croupier, wondering if this was the right game for the phrase, as he starts dealing out the cards. The man gets his, looks at them, looks at the dealer, and calls*

Card!

*E watches the dealer pass the man a card. She watches the mans reaction in fasination...she couldn't tell what he was thinking as he looked at the card, but she noticed that his wolfish grin got a little wider...*

Black jack!

*the man cries out, throwing his 3 cards onto the table - two tens and an ace. He pockets the impressive-looking pile of chips that the croupier hands him (don't ask how, he has big pockets ) and looks at E*

You see? It's really easy. Play now... As high as you can, I have a feeling that you will win...

*E decides to trust him...

...The dealer gives her 2 cards...

..she looks at them, wondering what she should do...

...she looks first at the man with the wolfish grin, then at the dealer and says...*

Card.

*The man nods at the dealer. He takes a look at the backs of E's cards, then deals a card quickly. E takes it and realises she has 20 points... (I hope you know how to play Blackjack )*

*E decides not to take any more cards. After all, what chance was there of her getting an ace to make it 21? E wasn't that much of a gambler...*

I'll stay...

*the man looks at the dealer angrily, then turns to E and smiles even more wolfishly than before.*

Look, I don't know what you have...

*looks at the backs of E's cards*

...but I have the feeling that you should call for one more card.

*notices E's hesitation, and adds:*

Look... We'll throw a coin. If it falls with its back upwards, you won't play, as you wanted to do. Otherwise, you'll draw one more card. If you win, you get the money, if you lose, I pay your debts, ok?

*Without waiting for an answer, he draws out a coin from his pocket and throws it, catching it in mid-air. He shows it to E.*

You have to call!

*grins, looks at the dealer, holding up 1 finger.*

*E takes a deep breath...as she takes the card from the dealer...she couldn't believe her eyes...*

*Seeing that she appears relieved, the man nods contently...*

E: Blackjack!

*The dealer has a surprised expression when he sees that the last card E draw was an ace... Nevertheless, he hands over the pile of chips.*

Man: Do you want a drink? We could go to my office and have one...