Slot Machine Fever Dreams
In Las Vegas, secrets are the name of the game. Dove is a sober casino bartender with a penchant for Emily Dickinson tattoos; Russell is a mysterious high-roller whose slick demeanor doesn't quite match his cover story. When the pair leave the casino together, their masks slip, plunging them into a gritty, life-or-death struggle in this tense short story.
- Dove - Casino bartender
- Nessa - Casino dealer
- Francis/Russell - Contract killer
- Oleg Fadeyev - Oligarch
- Dove meets Francis while she’s working.
- Years ago, Dove killed Nessa’s nephew when he tried to rape her.
- Dove and Francis go to a hotel room at the casino.
- Francis tries to bind Dove, but she takes control of the situation and holds a gun on him.
- Dove realizes his real name is Russell and finds a murder kit in his suitcase.
- Russell explains he was sent by Oleg to kill Dove because she killed Oleg’s bodyguard.
- Dove lets Russell play one last slot machine before she plans to take him out of the casino to kill him.
- Dove and Russell decide to partner up and kill Oleg.
- They go to Oleg’s residence and confront him.
- Dove decides that instead of killing Oleg she will work for him, but she won't kill innocent people.
- Dove makes Russell promise to stop killing innocent people, and they become a couple.
Chris Bohjalian delivers a solid story that works well as a quick read. Since it is short enough to finish in one sitting, it is a good choice if you want a complete narrative without a major time commitment.
The storyline is tight and gets straight to the point. The author manages to fit in several twists that keep the momentum high, though the ending does feel a little far-fetched, it does fit the overall tone of the book.
It is a polished piece that delivers a lot of plot in a very small space.
- Rape
- Murder
- Gambling
- Alcohol & substance abuse
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
ASIN: B0C78KP38S
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
Note: Details are for the original edition. Other formats, editions, and audiobook versions may be available.
