. no tricks I could see."Listen" he whispered to me," ... place a million dollar plaque on 17 ... let's see if we can cut down on your taxes." He open...d the wheel to the people. "Bets down? Ladies and gentlemen you have until Charlie says 'No more bets, please, ' to make any bets or remove bets already placed."The wheel was spun ... the ball went next. As soon as the ball ticked one of the metal pockets, Charley said, "No more bets, please."The ball rattled around ... like they do ... it. “OK, Melissa, but I’d have to violate a fairly important rule. And the same is true of Dyani, if your assessment is correct. And none of the girls from the Rap Sessions even hold my interest in the smallest way.”“What about your friend in San Diego who calls you occasionally?” Jessica asked.“Meredith? I’ve put her off so long now, I don’t think there’s anything there. And she hasn’t called in months, most likely because of the fact I’ve put her off.”“You haven’t met anyone you’re interested. He was sitting back, relaxed and full, when his plans for the day were blown into smithereens.The room voice spoke to Steve. "I have a message from the ones you call 'the aliens', to be delivered once you had completed your morning meal. They beg you to contact them, as there is a problem with some of your fellow humans, and they desperately wish you to advise them on the proper solution."Steve noted the use of terms like 'beg' and 'desperately' and wondered exactly what he could extort out of. ” Sal grinned.“Paulie can do inventory and order supplies.”“Why?”“Because I asked. Look, I am not asking you guys to give up anything. Just to help when you can. I know how our lives are and we need to go at a drop of a hat sometimes. I am just asking for a little help now and again.”They all looked at him. “How bad is it Luca?” Sal said.Luca cleared his throat. “They both could die.” He took a drink and passed the bottle. The men nodded.They talked for a while longer, everyone agreed to help..