The Fat Man

“Get in!” Slickback roughly pushes her forward, causing her to stumble into the door which swings open with a creak.

Eris finds herself in a massive suite at the top of Casino Canaan. The three other walls are floor-to-ceiling glass panels, offering sweeping views of the city. In the center of the room is a massive marble desk behind which sits an equally massive man. You could almost say he was blockish, his torso almost completely square, with log-like arms crossed in front of his bulky chest. Think Kingpin from Marvel and you’d get pretty close to what he looked like.

“What do you have for me today, Jim?” He rumbles, rising from his seat, his pinstripe suit creaking as it is stretched to its limits by his frame.

“Another girl who has a debt she can’t pay.” Slickback or Jim says as he forces Eris upright, showing off her body to the Boss.

“I see. Well, leave us. I have things to discuss with her.”

“Got it. I’ll look forward to seeing you on the floor. Hehe.” Jim laughs creepily as he exits the room, the door shutting behind him with an ominous click.

“Eris Andive. The hero. I was wondering when you’d finally show up.” The Fat Man appraises her.

“You know of me?” She squeaks, barely able to find her voice before his tremendous presence.

“Of course. It is in my line of business to know many things. I also know you’re after the Fire Gem, one of the top prizes in my casino.” He leans back into his seat, clearly at ease.

“If you know that I need it to stop the Demon Lord then why don’t you help us?”

“Ha!” He lets out a harsh laugh. “I don’t run a charity. Besides, I have no particular stake in this conflict. Demons are just as prone to vice as humans. I’ll do business with anyone, even the devil himself.”

“Then, what do you want in exchange for the gem?” Eris asks, already dreading his answer.

The machiavellian man grins, as if he’d been waiting for that question the whole time. “Well, you are a very pretty lady. I could be persuaded to give it to you if you were to accompany me for a night.”

Eris blanches as he continues. “Or you could gamble for it at the VIP tables. Though a young, penniless girl like you may be **** to bet some rather unsavory things.”