Casino de Monte-Carlo
Principality of Monaco
1963
Principality of Monaco
1963
The operative reached across the table and cut tapped the proffered deck, declining to cut it. The dealer nodded deferentially and began to deal out the cards. The operative made a show of picking up his cards and studying them, rearranging a few forward or backward. He made small talk with the baroness to his left as the round progressed, betting freely. The wealthy financial magnate across the table, who had been vying for the widowed baroness's attention all evening, made a face, and attempted to call the operative's attention back to the game. The baroness laughed and folded her hand, placing her chin in her hand in order to bat her eyes more intently at the captivating stranger. This only infuriated the magnate even more, and he bet heavily, pushing in more than the operative had available. With almost lazy confidence, the operative pushed his wager forward. "But sir!" cried the dealer, "You cannot match the bet!"
The operative thought for a moment, and slid a single, ornate key across the table. "Monsieur DelIsle, I have noticed you admiring my Aston Martin. Surely, this will cover the wager?" The magnate narrowed his eyes, suspicious at the overly-generous offer. "Yes, of course!" he snapped, reaching to turn over his cards. "Ah, but wait," replied the operative, "Now I have you overmatched. Perhaps if you added the letter in your front left jacket pocket to the pot, I would call us even."
The magnate froze, eyeing the key greedily, looking down at his cards. "Done!" he cried, withdrawing the envelope and slapping it on the table. Both men turned over their cards. "I believe," offered the operative, "That my straight flush, led by the Queen of Hearts, beats your Full House quite handily." The operative reached across and plucked up the key and letter before the magnate could withdraw it, and indicated to a porter to scoop up his winnings. "Now, if you will excuse me, I will retire for tonight."
An hour later, the casino dealer knocked on a door in the casino's hotel. The operative answered in a silk smoking jacket. "Well done, old chap. Monsieur DelIsle suspected nothing. As promised..." The operative handed over the fancy key to the dealer. Now, if you will excuse me, madam awaits. "Sir," cried the ecstatic dealer, "You haven't told me your name."
"Leaf, my boy. Flavor Leaf."