The Big Blind (Nadia Wolf) Read Free Page A

stray couples who are inebriated and open to exploring the benefits of marriage. The Bureau’s late hours allow the chapel to remain open and hopping with love. Since he’s paid on commission, I wonder about his “round-ups”.
    “Only pick up couples who want to get married,” I warned.
    “The love bus picks up all those who want a ride. Did you see the neon lights I added? The girls are lovin’ it!” He smirked and rubbed his hands together like a tubby praying mantis.
    The “love bus”, as Lenny likes to refer to it, is a retired school bus painted white with a mural of busty celebrities on the side. Lenny has been slowly making modifications to the interior to lure his next paycheck onto the bus and down the aisle.
    “I’m heading back to the Bureau. I need to get there before those damn fairytale yahoos do.” Lenny fluttered his hands like little wings and rolled his eyes. “Oh, look at me! I’m a fairy and will take you to Fairytale Chapel.”
    “Yes, but their Prince Charming is rather nice to look at. They keep him in those snug tights,” I said. “I bet they get business from women following him to the chapel in hopes of marrying him.”
    Lenny gave a sound of disgruntled disgust and stomped out the door.
    Smiling at Lenny’s exit, I turned to help the couple.
    I filled in the form with their personal information and then had them sign it. The woman signed with enormous loops, laughing as the loops carried off the page and on to the counter. I don’t judge signatures; I just go with the flow . . . even if it’s loopy.
    I showed them to the chapel and switched on The Rainbow Connection for them to stroll arm-in-arm down the aisle . . . well, almost arm-in-arm. The woman stumbled and fell, but she hooked her arm around the man’s leg and he unknowingly dragged her the rest of the way down the aisle. Oversized lily pads trailed behind her until the couple came to a halt at the altar. Frankie tossed a casual glance down to see if the woman was still conscious. She smiled up at him and giggled but otherwise remained sprawled on the ground to repeat her vows.
    I suppressed a snicker when Frankie began the ceremony. “Kermit thee Frog here . . . ”
    Frankie stayed in character the whole time. He always impresses me with how many celebrities he can impersonate. Sometimes, I wonder, with all his different impersonations day after day, does he sometimes forget who he is?
    The man dropped to the floor to kiss the woman as Frankie pronounced them husband and wife. The man only held the kiss for a moment until he toppled over. I switched the music back on, flipped on the bubble machine, and snapped a picture of them.
    The couple was passed out on the ground with a giant Kermit looming over them. Vivian and Bernie clapped for the newly married couple. Can it get any more romantic?

Chapter 2

    I woke with a jolt and severe chest pains. I can’t breathe! I tried to suck in air, but all I could do was wheeze. Swinging my arms frantically to free myself, I came in contact with a large ball of fur and saw two angry blue eyes glaring down at me.
    “Gus, get the hell off me,” I wheezed.
    He gave a low growl as I rolled him off. He never suffocates me unless he has a problem, then he starts throwing his weight around.
    I turned on my side to ignore Gus and fall back asleep. He let out a grunt, waddled over, and plopped his butt on my head.
    “Ugh! Get your cat butt off me.” I swatted him off. “What Gus? Is it the diet?”
    I rolled out of bed with a groan and shuffled to the kitchen to pour a ration for his breakfast. He glowered at me as he scrutinized his dismal portion but settled down to eat it.
    I wanted to slip back into my warm bed. I still had a few hours before I had to return to the tournament. Though, I should try to arrive a little early to play a few practice rounds. I knew Roy would be there too.
    I dressed in shorts and a tank top for the scorching Las Vegas heat and grabbed a hoodie for the