At the Bottom of the Deep Ravine

By Jim Ardoin

Friends Colin Langley and Bob Downing live the carefree single life in Las Vegas. After winning big one afternoon on the blackjack table, they decide that a celebration is in order and arrange to make a small drug buy. Oddly their dealer wants to meet them out in the desert to consummate the sale but at the designated rendezvous, they discover he has died in an accident and in the trunk of his expensive luxury car they find millions of dollars in cash and drugs. Thinking fast they decide to leave with the money which they believe will greatly transform their lives. Nothing could be more prophetic. Soon Colin discovers that Bob is far more than an armored car driver. Once the sun sets and the bright neon lights expose the seamy underbelly of Las Vegas, Bob enjoys connections deep within the criminal network and Colin is wrongfully believed to be his accomplice. Within days, Colin finds out that nothing is free and every criminal is looking for the money. To complicate matters, Colin falls in love with a beautiful woman and doesn’t want their Las Vegas affair to end. After Bob is murdered, Colin realizes that the owners of the money are only a few steps behind him and will no doubt give him the same treatment they gave his friend. He has only days to deal with this threat and leave town.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim Ardoin
• Release date: Feb 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781419639203

Jim Ardoin

Jim lives in the Intermountain West and has written five books. Please visit his website www.jimardoin.com for additional information on this author.

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At the Bottom of the Deep Ravine

By Jim Ardoin

Published by Jim Ardoin at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Jim Ardoin

ISBN 1-4196-3920-X

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

Hit me! Colin Langley shouted as he brushed his pair of fives across the green velvet surface of the blackjack table to signal the dealer to deal him one additional card. He looked at her nametag and pleaded, Inez I want you to give me an ace.

Casually the dealer pushed a thin smile onto her tight lips then with her left hand, the attractive young woman quickly stroked the next card from the clear plastic shoe to her left. She picked it up with her right hand, flipped it and nailed it to the table in front of Colin’s modest stack of chips in the betting circle. The small gathering of fellow gamblers gasped when the ace of diamonds appeared face up. Colin winked at the dealer then signaled that he wanted no additional cards. He intended to play the cards he was dealt. With his right hand he slid the edge of his two hold cards face down on the table under his wager.

Colin’s decision to draw no additional cards excited his friend Bob Downing who looked at the dealer, smiled and said, Give me the same thing Inez. I also want an ace. He scraped his cards across the green velvet and ordered, Hit me! He set his cards face down on the table then raised his arms, clinched a fist in each hand and demanded, Give it to me!

A tight smile appeared across the dealer’s face as she moved her hand again to the shoe. She repeated her earlier motion and to her surprise turned over a second ace. As Colin did before him, Bob placed his hold cards under his wager signifying that he wanted no further cards.

The dealer turned over her cards and separated them so that Colin and Bob could see them clearly. She held a ten of spades and a seven of clubs. Under Las Vegas blackjack rules, she was prohibited from drawing any additional cards and must remain on seventeen.

She reached across the table and flipped over Colin’s two hold cards. Twenty-one, she stated casually as she grabbed a hand full of hundred-dollar chips from her bank and paid the win by matching the height of the bet, five chips. With the play complete and the wager paid, she quickly scooped up Colin’s cards from the table and placed them face down in the played stack to her right.

Next, Inez flipped over Bob’s hold cards and Bob screamed loudly as once again she calmly called his count. Twenty-one.

Colin turned to his friend Bob and hollered, Can this get any better? Then Bob raised his hands high with his palms facing Colin for the obligatory high-five. Whoa, he screamed out as he slapped Colin’s hands. This is the best we have ever done at blackjack. We haven’t lost a single hand over the past half hour.

The pair’s winning streak at the table attracted the attention of area pit boss. He approached the table and stood near the dealer to watch the action. Upon recognizing the two locals as regulars at his casino, he nodded approvingly at their patronage.

The afternoon crowd on the casino floor at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas was unusually thin. Colin and Bob were the only players at this particular fifty-dollar minimum blackjack table. The ruckus they created with their exuberance over their winning streak alerted others gamblers who came and stood around the table to observe and gnash their teeth in envy.

One dry vodka martini and one Tanqueray and tonic, the cocktail server announced as she threaded her way through the growing crowd to the blackjack table. She placed the two small drink glasses on the table between the two men and retrieved their empties.

Bob grabbed a couple hundred-dollar chips from his large stash and tossed them on her tray. He looked at her nametag. Keep the good luck flowing Tammy, he ordered as he swatted her several times on her butt. She smiled brightly and walked away toward the next table of customers.

With play resuming Bob quickly picked up his drink and downed it in a single gulp. He then looked at his gambling partner and noticed that he was fumbling with his chips. What the hell are you doing Colin, he demanded. You don’t count your chips while you are winning. That’s bad luck. Are you trying to screw this up? He reached over and slapped Colin’s hand in a vain attempt to convince him to stop what he was doing.

Colin ignored Bob’s complaining and continued to fondle his unusually large collection of chips. He gasped, Look at all of these fucking chips. I have never seen so many actually sitting in front of me. There has to be at least ten grand here. This has been one hell of a run for us today.

Within the crowd of observers surrounding the table Colin noticed two young women, one of whom seemed to take an instant penchant for Bob. She boldly stepped out of the crowd and moved up behind him. Without any hesitation she wrapped her long slender arms around his muscular torso and immediately began to nibble on his ear. Her actions momentarily distracted him and as he turned his head to cop a good look this interloper, she kissed him hungrily on the lips.

The dealer broke his concentration when she called for bets to be placed for the next deal. Colin nervously slid ten hundred-dollar chips into the betting circle. Never before had he bet so large an amount on a single hand on any Las Vegas gaming table. Bob matched Colin’s bet then returned his undivided attention to the young woman standing next to him. Colin noticed that the second woman remained a few steps away from the action at their table. While she kept her distance, she was nonetheless clearly watching with keen interest the action on the table.

The dealer restarted her routine and pulled card after card from the shoe. In the middle of the deal she pulled the red end-of-deck card from the shoe and set it to the side. On this deal both Colin and Bob drew blackjacks. The dealer did not have blackjack so she paid the winners. Still, Colin simply could not believe his incredible run of luck.

After he raked his fresh winnings to his growing collection of large denomination chips, he turned to talk to his friend Bob, but noticed that he was completely consumed, engaged in some serious lip locking with his voluptuous guest. He watched intently as the young woman moved her right hand to the waistband of Bob’s jeans then slowly forced it inside. As she rhythmically kneaded her hand behind the zipper of his jeans, Bob seemed to lose his interest in the action on the table preferring instead the action in his pants.

Colin addressed his partner. Who’s your new friend Bob? he asked as he reached over and tapped the young woman on her shoulder.

In response to Colin’s touch she momentarily disengaged from Bob’s lips and addressed Colin, Belinda Baffin. She cut a wide smile. I surely do like your friend Bob and you’re pretty cute yourself.

Colin laughed, And I think he likes you very much or else you’ve shoved a rather large section of pipe down the front of his pants.

While the dealer was shuffling the four-deck shoe a new player suddenly appeared at the table. He took the empty seat next to Colin and tossed several hundred-dollar bills on the table. Colin looked at the man and gave him a thorough once over. The dealer did not immediately recognize the new player at the table. She continued with the shuffle and when the shuffle was complete, she slid the massive deck of cards directly in front of the new player so that he could insert the red plastic end-of-deck card. Next she picked up his money and counted it quickly in her long slender fingers. Three hundred she called out to the pit boss who noted the amount on his clipboard.

Give me tens, the new player instructed.

The dealer passed her hand across the table signifying that the table was clear and called for bets. The new player bet five ten-dollar chips in order to satisfy the minimum bet requirement at the table. Colin thought for a few seconds then lowered his wage to the minimum. He fully expected the ill-timed introduction of this new player at the table together with the shuffle to drastically change his luck, probably not for the better. Bob did not notice the additional player or the shuffle, and broke with Belinda for only a few seconds, enough time to again bet ten hundred-dollar chips.

After the three players’ bets were placed on the table, the dealer again passed her hand across the table signifying her readiness to begin dealing out cards from the new shoe. Then she dealt the cards for a new round and as she turned up her second card, a king of clubs appeared. She checked her down card, smirked and flipped it over. Blackjack, she called out with indignation.

The pit boss smiled and stepped away, confident that the odds were now flowing comfortably back in the direction of the casino. Maybe Colin and Bob would remain at the table long enough to return their winnings to the casino.

After the new player showed his cards, two jacks, the dealer removed his bet from the table. Next Colin tossed his cards face-up on the table, two queens. The dealer swiftly gathered his bet and placed the chips in her tray.

Bob was occupied with his new squeeze and failed to realize that it was his move. The dealer saw that he was non-responsive so she reached over and flipped his cards which totaled eighteen. She quickly retrieved his chips.

Colin slapped Bob on the shoulder and said, Let’s go buddy. The cards are starting to run against us.

Leave? Bob stammered in surprise as he momentarily detached from his companion. I’m not leaving. We’re smoking them today. The first rule in gambling is that you never leave when you are winning.

Colin pointed his finger in the direction of the new player. The odds have changed. This new guy is a cooler. You just lost a grand on the last hand. It’s time to leave so grab your winnings and we can cash out for this round.

It was at this moment that Bob first noticed the new player at the table. He leaned over and motioned with his hand. Get the fuck out of here! You changed the goddamn odds you asshole.

The open display of anger caused the pit boss to quickly return to the table. He held up his finger and was about to chastise Bob for his crude and threatening remarks to another casino patron when Colin held up his hand and said, Don’t bother, we’re leaving. He’s had too much to drink anyway.

Colin picked up two of Bob’s hundred-dollar chips and flipped them onto the center of the table for Inez. She smiled and nodded, then picked them up and rapped them on the surface of the table to alert to the pit boss that she had been given a tip.

Colin stuffed his chips into his pockets. Then he grabbed Bob’s arm and pulled him out of his chair moving him away from the table. As he did he motioned for him to pick up his chips. This forced Belinda to finally remove her hand from Bob’s pants. What the hell are you doing? Bob complained. We are on a fucking roll.

Colin sighed. Bob you’ve had too much to drink and our run of luck is over. Let’s cash in our chips and leave. We’ve made thousands tonight.

Bob moved back a few steps from the blackjack table, shook his head from side to side to clear the cobwebs, then looked around and gathered his thoughts. He realized that everyone in the gaming area was staring at him, and that just maybe Colin was right and a little too much alcohol had been consumed over the prior few hours. His hot temper immediately cooled and stuffed his chips into the pockets of his coat.

With Bob in control of his anger, Colin walked away in the direction of the cashier’s window to cash in his chips. Bob looked at his love du jour and motioned for her to wait. He ran to catch up to Colin, stopped him and said, That pair of hot bitches standing by our table wants us to go up to their room.

I have to be at work in three hours and I’d prefer to go home and grab some rest before I pull a seven hour shift. Do whatever you want Bob I’m indifferent. Shit you can do them both without difficulty, he offered as he turned to resume his walk to the cashier’s window. The second one looks a tad on the small side for your tastes; however, I think she could easily be a warm-up act for the main event with Belinda.

As Colin walked swiftly to the cashier’s window, Bob matched his stride step for step. You’ve got to join us, he insisted. That hot bitch Belinda has been all over me and will not leave her friend down here alone. Did you see the camel toe on Belinda? She just has to be one incredible fuck and I’m telling you, it’s all four of us or I’m swinging out in the cold, Bob stressed. Just come up stairs for a little while, I don’t know, bang her friend any way you want then leave. Hell maybe she can just give you a blowjob or something, he snickered. I realize she isn’t much, but look around, do you have any better offers?

Colin peeked over Bob’s shoulder and sized up the two young women. The one called Belinda who had been hanging on Bob was indeed well endowed and curvaceous. No question about, she gave the impression of being a woman of lean morals who would spread her legs for any reasonable offer, no matter how modest. She wore skin-tight jeans and sported a bare midriff. Even from this distance Colin could see that her pierced navel held a diamond-studded cross and her bleached blond hair like her new friend Bob was well teased. Her face was covered with bright make-up which looked as though it had been liberally applied with a trowel. He hadn’t noticed earlier but now that he got a good look at her, she looked like a raccoon.

The second young woman was very attractive in an ordinary sense although she appeared quite petite. It was evident from the look on her face that she wasn’t into casual sex under any circumstances. Her thick wavy dark brown hair was cut to about eight inches below her shoulders and her attire appeared expensive, unquestionably top drawer. There was an air of silky sophistication about her. She wore a loose fitting blouse with a plunging collar cut nearly to her navel. A single gold strand was draped innocently on her chest and it was evident that she had no cleavage whatsoever. Her baggy khaki pants were held up by a pair of brightly colored braces. On her feet she wore a pair of delicate sandals.

The only thought coursing through Colin’s mind was that these two looked like the perfect female odd couple. Colin hung his head, sighed loudly yet issued no formal acceptance of the proposal. After a long pause he said, I don’t know about this Bob. You understand don’t you that I’m not into this stuff like you are.

Bob slapped his friend on his shoulder and said, Great! I knew you would do this for me. Let’s head up to their rooms before they change their minds.

I want to first cash in my chips, Colin insisted. I’ll join up with the three of you in a minute.

Bob pivoted and returned to the two women while Colin proceeded to the cashier’s window. Standing at the cage he looked back and saw Bob talking to the pair. As he slid his chips through the slot in the bar cage, he announced to the cashier, I work security at The Overland. It was an old Las Vegas custom for gaming industry security personnel to advise competitors of their status. The cashier made a note in her ledger.

After the cashier counted out his winnings, fifteen thousand three hundred dollars in hundred-dollar bills, Colin folded his money then placed it in the inside breast pocket of his jacket. As he walked to join up with the trio, he noticed that only the second young woman remained.

When he approached the young woman who remained, her face lit up brightly and she delivered her first words with a cheerful smirk. It appears that our friends have already gone upstairs. They both seemed hell bent to copulate as rapidly as possible.

Colin laughed at her candid comment then replied, For situations as this Bob’s pants have Velcro on the fly so he can’t emasculate himself on his zipper when rushed to pull out his big gun.

The young woman grinned and laughed honestly. Your friend Bob had better watch himself because my friend Belinda’s been known to put many a stud in the hospital. I understand that she can really torque them around considerably past the breaking point.

Colin held out his hand and started the conversation. Since they didn’t hang around long enough to introduce us, I’ll do the honors. My name is Colin Langley, he announced. Do you think Bob and Belinda even took the time to introduce themselves before they headed upstairs?

With a soft delicate touch, she took Colin’s hand into hers and squeezed tenderly. It’s rude to talk when your partner’s rigid member is shoved deep in your mouth, she snickered with a grin. My name is Melanie Mitchell. It’s good to meet you Colin.

Without a word, Colin took a somewhat lame half step in the direction of the elevator. Melanie reached over and grasped his arm softly. Wait Colin, she said in a firm voice as she pressed a narrow frown and pinched her lips together tightly. You don’t need to take me upstairs. I can fully appreciate that right now I’m not your idea of a Las Vegas wet dream. You are more than welcome to just leave, she offered. I’ll stay here in the casino and play a little blackjack while Bob and Belinda bang each other’s brains out. Please don’t feel obligated to hang around and entertain me. It was rude of them to ask you to remain with me.

The unconditional sincerely of Melanie’s offer surprised Colin. He was already starting to genuinely like her and up close, she was quite beautiful. Her features were soft and subdued while her complexion was clear. She seemed surprisingly real and unpretentious. He took a deep breath. Since he was not scheduled to start his shift for another three hours, he had some time to kill and Bob was correct in his assessment, he had no other offers to consider and Melanie was certainly alluring.

The awkwardness of the situation slowly increased as the two new acquaintances stood adjacent to one another in deafening silence. Since they were standing next to one of the casino’s bars, Colin extended an offer. Why don’t we step into this bar and get to know one another? Then we can see what happens next.

With a nod of approval from Melanie, the couple stepped into the garden bar; however, when he offered her a drink, she declined. I don’t drink, she disclosed tersely. Don’t ask me why, I just don’t drink.

Colin ordered a scotch on the rocks for himself and a Coke for Melanie. After about a half hour, Colin learned that Melanie was from Los Angeles and was an only child. Her father owned a highly successful construction company and he was a regular high roller at the Mandalay Bay. As a result, she and Belinda were staying in a couple of complementary rooms. Although Melanie enjoyed a little gambling, she admitted that she rarely won. They didn’t delve into Belinda’s or Bob’s backgrounds or interests.

Reluctantly, Colin revealed to Melanie that he too was an only child and his mother and stepfather lived in Florida. He never developed a relationship with his stepfather so he rarely if ever visited Florida. After graduating college he started to work in the accounting field, which as it turned out was not for him. He soon quit his job and moved to Vegas a little over three years ago. In his present occupation he was a security officer at one of the popular off-Strip casinos and was on track to eventually move into casino management.

The time he spent talking with Melanie, Colin found extremely enjoyable. She was witty and funny and he found her big brown eyes mesmerizing. Her skin was perfectly smooth and she wore virtually no makeup.

After another half hour, Melanie, growing comfortable with Colin, leaned over, placed her hand softly on his knee and said, I have plenty of alcohol in my room, so there’s no reason for you to pay for your drinks when free booze is just a few floors away.

Colin called for bill and pulled one of the freshly won hundreds from his pocket.

You two certainly won big today, Melanie observed as she flashed a gentle smile. What are you going to buy with all that money? It would make a great down payment on a new set of wheels.

I’ve got everything I need, he stated confidently. But my friend Bob will have all of his winnings blown before the end of the week.

Melanie laughed openly at Colin’s comment. If I know Belinda, she’s blowing him for a good portion of it as we speak. She will have his money in her hot little hands before he walks out, I mean limps out of her room later tonight.

When the hostess placed the change on the table, Colin pulled out one of the twenty-dollar bills and returned it to the small tray as a tip. He looked at Melanie and motioned for them to leave. To his surprise, she remained in her seat. Colin leaned over and asked, Is everything okay?

Melanie hung her head and looked away. Colin moved next to her, reached over and placed his hand softly on her cheek. The electricity of the moment excited him while his delicate touch surprised her. He gently turned her slightly in his direction. I can leave if you want. Just say the word, he offered. I don’t want to intrude on your privacy. I have really enjoyed talking to you and would appreciate it if we continued the conversation, whether here or upstairs, though you are under no obligation to spend any more time with me. This is awkward for the both of us and I understand completely if you want me to leave.

I don’t want you to leave, she stated emphatically as she straightened her posture and tightened her lips. Before we take the next step, I need to ask you to do something for me and promise me that you will understand that it is not my intention to insult you with my question.

Colin pulled away slightly and decided not to react to her cryptic remarks. He wanted her to make the next move.

After a few seconds of silence she continued speaking softly under her breath. Oh this is so ridicules.

With calmness and genuineness Colin addressed Melanie. Okay I think it is best that I leave. He picked up his glass and consumed the remained of his drink in a single gulp. Goodnight Melanie it’s been truly wonderful talking to you, he said as he stood and started to walk away from the table.

Please don’t leave me, Melanie begged as she reached for his arm. It’s just that I don’t do this sort of thing. I’m not like Belinda. We are going upstairs only to have drinks nothing more.

I’m perfectly fine with going upstairs to continue our conversation, Colin replied. The only reason I initially agreed to come to the bar with you is because you did not appear to be like Belinda in the least. Running up to rooms for quickies is not something that I do either. So let’s call it a night so we can separate friends.

His disclosure surprised Melanie. Please Colin sit down and let me explain, she insisted as she almost forcibly pulled him down into his chair. I come to Las Vegas with my friends to have fun. They come here to see how many times they can get laid. I’m sorry but I’m not looking for something hard to ride all night like Belinda. I don’t take any chances whatsoever and before we go upstairs we need to agree on the ground rules.

His new friend’s abrupt and candid confession shocked Colin although her subtle charms were slowly getting to him. That seems fair enough, Colin admitted as he patted Melanie gently on her knee. If you allow me stay longer I will do whatever you want. Stop mincing words and hit me with your best shot. Rest assured that I can take whatever you dish out.

Melanie smiled broadly and exhaled in relief at his willingness to comply with her wishes. Colin saw a twinkle in her deep brown eyes. She next drew in a heavy breath and started her orchestrated ballet. First I need to see your driver’s license.

What! Colin piped up in surprise. Are you going to make a copy? I have to be honest. This is exactly how identity theft starts.

The humorous remark broke the awkwardness of the situation causing Melanie to chuckle. Before I bring you up to my room, I need to verify who you are. Many people who come to Las Vegas lie to those they meet to hide their pasts. I told you that I don’t normally do stuff like this. Therefore, I want to make sure you are who you claim to be.

At first Colin did not respond to Melanie’s request. He sat silently and stared into her incredible eyes. He was trying to think of a comeback to her demand that he produce identification. He cocked his head to the side, raised his left eyebrow and issued his challenge. I will show you mine if you show me yours, he said with a snicker.

His relaxed demeanor caused Melanie to beam. She grabbed the bottom of her blouse and started to lift it up, ever so slowly at first. When she had the hem of her blouse raised above her navel, Colin observed that every male patron in the bar was staring at Melanie’s antics in anxious anticipation over just how high she would go. When she held Colin’s complete and undivided attention, she stopped, laughed and winked. Oh silly you mean my driver’s license.

Colin reached into the front pocket of his jeans to retrieve his wallet. At the same time he pulled out his employee badge from The Overland Casino. While he was doing this, she dug deep into her small purse to find her California driver’s license. For a couple of seconds, they each held their identifications just out of the reach of the other. Then in a teasing manner they slowly passed their respective forms of identification across the table. When his was within her reach, she snatched it and simultaneously pulled hers back. So you’re twenty-seven, she said.

What are you doing? Colin cried. You don’t play fair.

I’m a woman in case you haven’t noticed. I don’t have to play fair, she declared. Besides I don’t want you to see my picture, she insisted. I don’t photograph well.

Too bad little girl, Colin said as he lunged toward her. A deal is a deal.

At first Melanie held her driver’s license tight against her chest and giggled. When she saw him coming across the table, she stuffed her hand with the license inside the open collar of her blouse. Colin didn’t care. He reached in and groped excessively in an attempt to pry it from her delicate fingers. She laughed loudly and kicked her legs as they fought over control of her license. During the skirmish, his hand accidentally rubbed across her bare breasts several times which confirmed his earlier speculation.

As he gained control over her license and while his hand remained inside her blouse, he passed his fingers once again across her breasts. This time his fingertips delicately probed and caressed with laser-like precision. "Very sweet, very sweet