Iago: A Tragedy in Sin City: Iago, #1

By J. L. Woodard

Iago is a cunning and ruthless man in Las Vegas who narrates a Shakespearean tragedy of ambition and destruction. He secretly orchestrates the downfall of his boss Othello, a powerful casino mogul, by manipulating Othello's jealousy and paranoia around his new wife Desdemona. 

 

Iago fuels Othello's suspicions that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, Othello's loyal lieutenant. Through intricate schemes, Iago systematically destroys Othello's inner circle, drives him mad with jealousy, and maneuvers himself into Othello's seat of power. 

 

Along the way, innocent lives are ruined by Iago's machinations. But in the end, Iago's schemes to rule Las Vegas succeed, revealing the costs of unchecked ambition. 

 

This contemporary retelling of Shakespeare's Othello recasts the characters and themes in the high-stakes world of Las Vegas casinos, spotlighting timeless truths about human flaws and the corruption of power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. L. Woodard
• Release date: Nov 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223739739

Book preview

Introduction

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Iago sat in his darkened and spacious suite on the 66th floor of The Alhambra hotel and casino, located in the desert town called Las Vegas; the glow from the bank of monitors outlining his still form. His room and headquarters were only one floor below the lavish suite occupied by the ruler of this empire, Othello, and his new bride, Desdemona.

Though night enveloped the desert, Iago's suite was lit by an eerie glow - the infamous ORB that loomed outside. This massive sphere was a spectacle that drew tourists down the strip, its geometric panels displaying hypnotic lights and images.

Yet the ORB's true purpose was hidden. Linked to Iago through demonic technology, it amplified his formidable powers of manipulation and perception.

When activated, Iago could deploy the ORB's arsenal of signals and frequencies to sway perceptions and behavior from his stronghold.

For now, the ORB's power remained dormant and silent over the neon washed streets.

Iago preferred to work in subtle, untraceable ways rather than with flashy demonstrations of his power. Secrets, rumors, lies - these were his weapons of choice.

He sat motionless, face half cast in shadow. His eyes reflected the ORB's dim glow as he watched the surveillance feeds intently. Looking for cracks, vulnerabilities, anything to exploit.

Iago's skills were a silent weapon no less powerful than the ORB that gave him supernatural reach. He bid his time, observing all yet unseen himself.

But once he found the chink in his target's armor, the precision strike would bring them to their knees - and no one would ever see his fingerprints on the scene.

The culprit would appear to be the victim's own weaknesses and vices.

Yes, Iago's methods were quiet and discreet. But once set in motion, the consequences would be deafening. He was only waiting for the perfect moment to activate his perfidious plan and watch his enemies fall.

The ORB pulsed, ready.

And so was he.

The tale you are about to read is inspired by true events; they just haven't happened yet.

CHAPTER 1

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Entering the mammoth lobby of the Alhambra, one is immediately overwhelmed by the sheer scale and extravagance. Three stories high with massive chandeliers dripping crystals overhead, the space is decked in rare Italian marble, abstract metal sculptures, and intricate mosaic ceilings. There is a feeling of organized chaos, with excited chatter mixing with slot machine chimes, footsteps echoing across the shiny floors, and upbeat background music pumping through hidden speakers.

At the lobby's center is the massive reception desk constructed entirely from gold and mahogany. Scantily clad cocktail waitresses in glittering shorts and crop tops weave through crowds of guests, proffering complimentary chilled towels and glasses of champagne. Signage points towards the casino's main attractions - the sprawling gaming floor, celebrity chef restaurants, state-of-the-art spa, and pulsing nightclubs and pools catering to every indulgence.

Passing through gold-trimmed arches, one enters the vast 80,000 square foot gaming floor. A sea of colorful neon and LCD lights wash over the space in psychedelic patterns, emanating from thousands of slot machines neatly lined in rows. Cocktail waitresses prowl the aisles, taking drink orders and delivering cocktails. The constant cacophony of slot machines provides a hypnotic backdrop.

At all hours, the huge space throngs with patrons trying their luck. In the center are dozens of green felt gaming tables with enthusiastic crowds gathered around. Croupiers preside over games of roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, and more. Cards slap against felt, dice clatter across wood, and colorful chips are stacked and raked in.

While some players cheer at a winning hand, others console themselves by lighting up a cigarette from the complimentary boxes scattered around.

Along the perimeter are lavish VIP sections with plush velvet couches, bottle service, and attractive hosts catering to the high rollers' every whim. The incredible lavish Chinese Baccarat Pit has a $300,000 minimum bet. The serious gamblers occupy these areas, sipping scotch calmly between huge wagers with steely focus. Spectators gather at the ropes, gawking at the ballers gambling more in one round than most make in a year.

Elsewhere, eager patrons hunch hypnotically over slot machines, smoking and chugging free drinks brought around by busty cocktail waitresses. The walls of the cavernous space are lined with huge LCD screens showing sports events, news, and advertisements on constant loop. Upbeat pop music completes the sensory assault.

Strategically located ATMs with short lines remind players they can access more cash to keep the party going. The air hangs thick with cigarette smoke being pumped out by air circulators to avoid asphyxiation. After all, the only thing that should take your breath away in Vegas are the extravagant sights.

As one walks the maze-like gaming floor soaked in glitz and grit, it's clear the space was designed to bewilder and overwhelm the senses. There are no clocks visible, and gaudy carpets disguise the way, so it's easy to get turned around. The buzz of adrenaline, shots of alcohol, flashing neon lights, seductive smiles from card dealers and hosts - it all combines into a dizzying assault on the senses. One could wander for hours, entranced by the fortune and seduction forever dangling just out of reach.

When the energy of the gaming floor gets to be too much, there are plenty of other decadent diversions. Top celebrity chefs have set up lavish restaurants alongside the world-class spa, pools, shops and nightclubs. Truly, the Alhambra is a temple where every earthly delight and temptation can be indulged and satisfied - for the right price.

Othello built his empire by appealing to human greed and carnal cravings. Walking through the perfectly engineered spectacle, one realizes just how well he understood people's weaknesses. It's frighteningly easy to get utterly lost in this palace of illusion. Time loses all meaning under the hypnotic lights, pulsing in time with your racing heartbeat.

There are no windows or connections to the outside world - simply an endless cavalcade of sensory indulgence. The Alhambra contains you in a vacuum, where dreams and nightmares swirl together into one seductive, rapturous fantasy.

A willing prisoner, you follow the labyrinth deeper until you emerge days later, disoriented, yet eager to surrender once more. Just one more spin, one last hand, the elusive dream always hovering near…

This was the world Othello built to dominate the Las Vegas Strip. Only here could his palace contain the sky itself. Dominated by the ever present, mysterious ORB that ominously looms