章 16: 16. Opening
Logan and Sam were set to open the casino the next day. They went to the casino one last time to check all the details, working together on the final preparations. As they arrived at the entrance, they felt the energy inside. The decorations were complete, the lights were in place, and the tables were arranged. Everything looked perfect.
"Tomorrow's the big day. Everything looks fantastic,"
"Yes, Logan. You've played a huge part in getting us to this point," Sam looking around proudly.
The pair walked through the casino, making final checks. The slot machines, blackjack tables, roulette wheels, and bar area were all set. The staff had completed their final training and everyone was ready for the grand opening.
"Everything seems to be in order. But let's double-check a few more details," Sam's eyes scanning the tables.
They headed to the bar area together. The bartender was organizing the drink supplies. Logan reviewed a few details to ensure nothing was missing.
"The bar is set. Drinks are ready,"
Next, they met with the security team to ensure everything was in place for the casino's safety. The security chief confirmed that all cameras were operational and security protocols were ready.
"Good job, thank you," Sam said to the security chief.
After spending a few hours meticulously inspecting every corner of the casino, Logan and Sam finally returned to their office. They were confident that everything was ready for the opening the next day.
"Logan, this is a big step. I hope everything goes smoothly," Sam said excitedly.
"Of course, Sam. We did this together, and tomorrow we'll celebrate our success."
_____________
Sam and Logan were waiting at the casino entrance to greet the arriving guests.
Most of the guests were from other cities. Sam recognized many of them.
A convoy of cars pulled up in front of the casino.
"I wasn't expecting them," Sam smiling as he looked at the arriving guests.
"Who are they?" Logan asked, curious about the convoy.
"Council members," Sam adjusting his attire as he prepared to greet them.
The council members were getting out of the cars. The first to step out was Salvatore De Luca. Sam and Logan greeted them, shaking hands with each member. The last to arrive was Mr. Falcone.
"Congratulations, Carter." Falcone's eyes lingered on Logan.
Logan felt a sense of familiarity as he looked at Falcone.
Logan and Falcone shook hands before Falcone headed inside. Another car arrived, bringing another council member, Russle.
Sam, not wanting to greet Russle at the door, went inside the casino. Logan followed.
Russle was irritated by Sam's behavior. Logan and Sam were inside, talking to guests. Sam's opening speech was in ten minutes.
"Sir, we have a problem." A guard approached Sam.
"What?" Sam wanted the night to go smoothly.
"Mr. Russle refuses to leave his gun in the security locker, sir." Russle seemed intent on causing trouble tonight.
Sam and Logan approached Mr. Russle.
"What seems to be the problem?" Sam asked, looking directly into Russle's eyes.
"The problem, Carter, is that you're opening a casino with rules. But you don't know the procedure. There's no place in this city that takes my gun from me," Russle looking mockingly at Sam.
"Who told you Mr. Russle's gun would be taken?" Sam asked, still locking eyes with Russle.
Russle was satisfied with the answer. While Smiling, he began to step inside.
"Everyone knows that Russle's gun won't harm anyone but himself," Sam's words made Russle angry, but he continued walking without saying anything.
Logan and Sam wanted everything to go smoothly at the casino opening. As the council members and other guests started entering, the atmosphere grew more lively. The opening speech was just minutes away, and excitement was high.
Sam took the microphone and stepped onto the stage. The guests gathered eagerly to listen. Sam took a deep breath and began to speak.
"Dear guests, we are gathered here today not just for the opening of a casino, but to see a dream come true. We worked hard to keep Charles's dream and vision alive. Being here today honors his legacy. We are honored to have you all here. I hope tonight will be unforgettable for all of us."
Applause echoed through the hall. Logan stood by Sam, supporting him. Together, they thanked all the guests.
After the speech, the council members and other guests moved towards the roulette tables. At the front were Salvatore De Luca, Mr. Falcone, and other council members. They gathered around the roulette table and chatted briefly before the game began.
Salvatore De Luca took the lead at the roulette wheel and signaled the dealer to spin the wheel. As the wheel spun, everyone eagerly awaited the result. Eyes were on the wheel, breaths were held. As the ball spun on the wheel, everyone's excitement peaked.
"Pick your number, Salvatore," Mr. Falcone smiling.
"18 black," Salvatore spoke confidently.
The ball slowly came to rest on 18 black. A broad smile spread across Salvatore's face. The excitement and joy of winning echoed around. The other council members began to join the game, everyone enjoying themselves.
Russle watched the game while occasionally glancing at Sam and Logan. He hadn't forgotten Sam's words but wanted to enjoy the night. Logan kept an eye on him, trying to maintain control.
_______
Falcone was talking to Salvatore.
"Carter seems to be doing a good job," Salvatore impressed with the casino's first-day performance.
"It looks that way. But I hear he paid Russle two million dollars for the machines," Falcone placing his wine glass on the table and looking at Sam.
"Yes. Russle seems to have targeted Sam. This might be a vendetta from his closeness with Vince," Salvatore playing with a switchblade.
"Vince's death was unplanned. But Vince deserved to die. He did business behind our backs. Didn't pay his dues. Carter did it for us," Falcone indifferent to human lives.
"From what I hear, it wasn't Carter who did it. It was the man standing next to him," Salvatore and Falcone looked at Logan.
"Who is that man?" Falcone felt he recognized Logan when they shook hands at the casino entrance.
"Logan Caldwell. The man who shot Vince. Charles's nephew," Salvatore had done some research but found little information. "I looked into him, but no one seems to know him. No photos. No traces. All I know is he came from abroad to stay with his uncle Charles."
"Very suspicious. Could he be a cop?" Falcone locked eyes with Logan.
"No. If he were, we would know," Salvatore placing the switchblade on the table.
"Have someone follow him. Make sure he doesn't know we are watching," Falcone and Salvatore were talking as other council members approached them.
"Will do, sir. I'll take care of it."
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed games and drinks. Everyone was pleased with the casino's atmosphere and services. Sam and Logan mingled with the guests, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
By the end of the night, guests began to leave.
Sam and Logan were alone in the casino. Martin and a few men were providing security.
Logan was sipping his wine when the door opened. Martin and a few men entered carrying bags.
The men placed the bags on the floor and left with Martin.
Logan was curious about the contents of the bags.
Sam started laughing. "It was great that the council members came."
Sam placed the bags on the table. Each bag had a note on it.
"There's a total of 20 million dollars here."
"Didn't we earn 2 million dollars from the casino? Where did this money come from?" Logan thought of the council members.
"The council members wanted to support us. They give us ten times the amount they bet in the game. It's a tradition."
Logan pondered Sam's words. "The council members are indeed impressive," Logan looking at the bags. "But I need to understand why this money is so important."
Sam opened one of the bags and showed the money inside. "This money is a substantial capital for our casino's future. They're investing in us to make more money. We must use this money wisely."
Logan and Sam understood the significance of the money in the bags. This capital would secure the casino's future.
As the night progressed, an unexpected visitor appeared at the casino door. Logan and Sam were surprised to see the guest. It was Michael, an old friend of Sam's. Michael was someone they had worked with years ago.
"Michael! It's great to see you here," Sam was surprised. "What brings you here?"
Michael smiled slightly. "I heard the news. I didn't want to miss the casino's opening. Plus, I have some important news for you."
Michael pulled Sam and Logan aside to talk. "I've heard some things; some people are jealous of your success and might want to cause trouble."
Logan and Sam listened carefully to Michael's words. "What kind of trouble?" Sam asked.
"A group of people is planning to sabotage your casino."
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