“Oh yeah? No shit.” He was impressed. “It may surprise you to know that I’ve attempted one-hundred and forty-two college credits. Not a degree in sight. I tried, ‘s gotta be worth something.” He raised a fist halfheartedly and added, “Go Pikes.” The vampire’s eyes crinkled at the corner as he smiled.

He heard the call of ‘Red 32’ and threw his hands in the air. “Ohhhh! Close but no cigar.” Daniel shifted on his stool and twisted his tennis shoes into the rungs. One of his feet twitched rhythmically. The population around the table was shifting as people came and went. What he needed, Daniel thought, was a good luck charm. Silver over here wasn’t doing the trick.