Prologue

Change usually is caused by something external, the weather, an event, some happening like an illness, death even a pandemic. When it involves people, the change must be in them. It is personal and often not long-lasting; hence we see large numbers of folks going back to re-hab time and again.

This story(It is just that, a story, a work of fiction with no basis in reality or didactic lessons) is about two people who are presented an opportunity to change. To change their life and to change things around them. Whether they do or not and what to what extent such changes last is up to you, the reader, to determine.

Sunday, Sunday

It had been a quiet drive, longer than I expected but, as I said, quiet. I needed that. My name is John, Jonni actually, and outside of Katya and Eve, had no real friends. Yesterday there was a final reading of the will. The last will and testament of my 96 year-old, Uncle Whitey. That pretty much made it for certain I would not be changing my ‘friendless’ status soon. Depending on what the State of Nevada’s Gaming Commission decided in addition to his money, stock, land, and hotel; I would own a small casino in Reno.

That pissed several people off, royally set back plans some folks had to tear everything down and expand next door’s complexes. Me? Well I could care less. That was until Mr. K. Mac Henri handed me an envelope after the reading of the will. Those few words made me care, gave me a reason to do what I would do, that and the IRS about a week after the funeral.

I guess this was going to be the start of changes. I was 25, single, and, like many men my age, confused as Hell as to what I should do in the future. As I said Katya and Eve were my only friends; like maybe because I paid them more than a regular job would. My MBA was from a good school back East but ... my almost fiancee’, her family too, did not approve when certain things from my past were made known. We still spoke to one another. Right, like once a year on a birthday; hers, not mine.

Thinking back, having Katya and Eve by my side 24/7 might have had some bearing on my ‘almost’ condition; but no way would male companions cut it; besides neither of them snored at night. Uncle’s ‘gift’ got me some grief in college because of them too. No, no limo but the ‘heavy’ (Armoured) MB (Mercedes-Benz) was not a typical sight on campus, neither was a set of white-haired near twins. Yeah, that might have had some impact on people’s perception of me.

The reality was that I was a ‘good guy’(Not that kind) but perceptions are difficult, at best to change. In that last mile on the drive up to my new home at the Hotel I started to get lost in deep thought. ‘What for lunch, or should I have it for dinner?’

When we arrived, Katya jumped out with Eve still behind the wheel. While she sort of shoved away the attendant from my door, a small blur came up to the driver’s side windscreen and started to spray and whip. That almost got her shot by one and run over by the other. What saved her was a comedy of errors by those around us. Personally I think it was that the ‘girl’ also had long, white hair; I know that was the first thing I noticed about her. My hand on Katya’s arm or the head shake had some influence. The super-fast leap away from the front of the car negated Eve’s move too as she gunned the car forward.

I thought it was funny when I asked Katya, “Where did she go to ‘OFFENSIVE’ Driving School? Poland?”

I nodded my head and Katya went to her, rather quickly I’m afraid. I cringed as a body slammed into the side of the car, blocking the driver’s door and trapping Eve inside. I had to chuckle a bit. “Katya, are you hurt? Any damage to the car?”

If looks could kill? “Girl, could you pick up the gun, give it back to Katya and come here please.”

By this time We, Me, I, Us were drawing a crowd. When she finally did approach, I shook my head and said: “You know if the car needs bodywork the cost is coming out of your salary and sign on bonus. Those fixes will be expensive. I have a few question. I waited. She waited. Katya was now giving both of us her version of ‘The Evil Eye’. “First question, do you snore? Second do you eat much?”

I expected at least a giggle if not a laugh. Another ‘Evil Eye’ look was not in the equation. “O ... Kay... ! Inside love, this interview is taking longer than I expected. Katya, inside too please. Eve wait until I find out where you park. You!” Pointing to the attendant, “(Get a bellman or two for the bags in the boot(Trunk) Next show at 6:66 pm folks. First drink in the casino only a dollar-three-eighty?”

At the front desk, the fun started. “I’m John. I now own this Hotel and the Casino. Have ‘our’ luggage taken to my Uncle’s rooms, We need card keys, have fresh fruit, flowers, water and wine brought up and a bellman tell my driver where she can park the car in the garage. Tell the manger to meet me in the lobby and, Oh yes, get this girl a room next to mine, some food, clean clothes and a bath. She has been scoping out people’s antics here for me. Chop-chop!”

In Like A Lion!

Meek, mild, un-assuming and non-nondescript would be one way to begin. Nah! Not today, the ride here was boring enough. “Oh! I’ll need the casino manager here too. Fetch him please!” I went to a sofa in the lobby. Patted a seat for the girl to sit and a place next to me for Katya to stand.

Fifteen minutes went by but still Nada. I had sort of expected some reticence at a change of ownership so I used my cell that Katya handed me and made a call.

Twelve guys and gals in dark clothes strode in. One sat on the other side of me.

“No JOY Guido, it seems neither the Hotel nor Casino have a ‘real’ manager. Security notwithstanding, could your high priced associates please fix that and this young lady is in need of some things still not forthcoming. Please find out where she and I need to go. I assume the Police have been called by now, the lawyer becomes an important ally in times like this. If Eve is still outside tell her to park wherever she wants to in the garage then close it up for now, can’t be too careful you know?”

Bertoldo, Baker, Carter and Smith were just down the street. Arturo Bertoldo came in shaking his head just before the ‘Keystone Kops’ arrived.(Charlie Chaplin’s buddies)

“Here’s another fine mess you have gotten us into Jonni!”

“Arturo, that’s why I hire you, to get me out of trouble!”

“That’s supposed to ‘Keep’ you out of trouble!”

“Whatever!”

I was going to tell him that I did not like the name ‘Suncoast’ when the ‘Barney Fife’ look-alike waltzed in.(Huge American Television star, like Jody Wayne or Izzy Brone III ... not) Before he could finish pulling up his pants, adjusting the pea-shooter on his belt and sniffing his nose, Arturo shoved the 98 page will in his face.