THE01
RECEIPT AS OF: 10/14/01
BARISTA ON DUTY: LUNGO
RECEIPT FILED AS: THE-01
We keep running into each other. Though, I did not come to the Gossamer Ballast to save you. You simply can’t keep finding yourselves trapped and expect me to rescue you each time. Besides, Red Eye is here. These matters of time are arguably more her domain than mine. I suppose if I can spot a way out, I would, of course, let you all know, but it is far from my top priority. No, I came here for a poker game. A rather important one at that.
The West Virginians have been wanting to get together for quite some time, and a strange pocket like the Ballast is the perfect time and place to do so. It’s here, in this never-ending night, that many deals can be made under the table, so to speak. Of course, the game won’t just be between us. I believe Mrs. Weyer wants to play a few hands. It is her club to run, after all. Plus, there is little we can do to stop other unwanted guests from joining our table. The more the merrier, I say.
Though, do let me play this game alone. Not that I doubt Romano’s cunning, Espresso’s bravado, or Doppio’s manipulation. You’d all make for fine Poker players. But the stakes are simply too high in this game to let in more unknown variables. On the one hand, it would be advantageous to up our odds of winning the pot. On the other hand, I haven’t quite decided what I want to do with the winnings yet. Besides, you’ve all been here longer than I have and have probably begun to feel your fatigue grow. I need sharp wits, as the West Virginians play quite the game.