“House has blackjack. I’m sorry, madam.” Sure Hoof said as he raked her bet across to his side of the table. Across from him was one of the only few patrons still gambling in the Los Pegasus casino that night, a unicorn mare from Canerlot. Of course he only knew that after she had berated some of the wait staff for their perceived poor service, saying that she ‘would never have such awful service back home in Canterlot.’

“Oh dear, I cannot let my husband find out about this!” She muttered to herself, all her arrogance gone to be replaced with a genuine concern. Sure Hoof noticed the change, unsure of whether or not she had meant for him to be able to hear her. “That was the last of our vacation money!” No one else was nearby, the earth pony taking a quick look to make sure.

“Listen,” He said, lowering his voice so that only she could hear. “I can’t just give you back your chips because I would lose my job, but if you come with me to the VIP lounge I can help you out with the money. Is that okay?” Nodding, Upper Crust followed the stallion over to where the private area was situated, Sure Hoof holding the door open for her to enter.

She didn’t notice him lock the door behind them.