When Bianca walked into the Casino, she was instantly aware of the muted hum of activity in the place.

She had begun to enjoy turning up before it was crowded with the people who arrived, eyes gleaming, an air of anticipation around them.

A greed. A hunger.

Now, the huge Casino was deserted.

And Bianca loved it.

She walked around, musing.

In the afternoon, a casino feels like a stage before the curtain rises — hushed, dimly lit, holding its breath.

The overhead lights are low, not yet dazzling. A soft amber glow spills across the silent slot machines, their screens looping idle animations, spinning cherries and sevens that no...