Broken Bayou

January 2002

Suzy Weatherton was sick and tired of everyone in this casino yelling “Go Tigers!” LSU won the Sugar Bowl.

Big deal. They beat Illinois. Even with her bad knee, she could beat Illinois.

If they’d played her alma mater, they’d all be a little quieter.

But Suzy knew better than to yell “Roll Tide” in this purple-and-gold crowd.

She reached into the plastic cup of coins in her lap, slid one in the slot, and pulled.

She prayed the cherries would line up for her tonight.

She’d been here hours already and gotten bupkis.

Last week they’d also not been kind. She’d promised herself on the four-hour drive from Houston this would be her last trip.

The Louisiana boats might not be as lucky as they advertised.

At least the Cajun Belle was permanently connected to the shore.

Thanks to the Louisiana loopholes, Suzy wouldn’t have to worry about getting seasick.

She lit another cigarette and motioned for the young waitress, who’d taken her last two drink orders with a smile. She thumbed in another coin. “Come on, baby.” And it hit. Bells started ringing. A light above her slot wailed like a siren. Suzy jumped up, spilling her coins as she clapped.

“Must be your lucky night,” someone next to her said.

Maybe this wouldn’t be her last trip to the boats after all. This jackpot could keep her and her daughter settled for a while and help with the baby on the way. Her first grandbaby.

Suzy left with her winnings and smiled as she made her way out to the parking lot, fumbling for her car key, then dropping it next to the car door. As she bent over, she heard a voice behind her. “Here, let me help you with that.”

Suzy jumped as a flash lit up her face, followed by the sound of an old Polaroid.

Stunned and disoriented, she said, “Did you just take my picture?”

“Say cheese.”

The flash popped again, and that was the last thing Suzy remembered.