 This is a copyrighted work. Unauthorized copying or distribution is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Scholastic Audio Presents Playing the Cards Your Delt By Varian Johnson Read by Dion Graham Chapter 1 The House Always Wins At least that's what us card sharks say when things don't go our way. It's an old saying about gamblers, no matter how skilled, sharp, or slick you think you are. If you ain't smart enough to quit when you're ahead, you'll eventually lose all of your hard-earned money to the House. Which, for all you young bloods out there who don't know better, means the Casino. The House It is all powerful, it sets the rules, it stacks the odds in its favor, and given enough time, it's unbeatable. Now, every Joplin man worth his salt knows this, even young Anthony. But the thing is, the sand doesn't just apply to casinos. You see, when it comes to family matters, what Aunt's Daddy usually says is, Your mother is the House, and the House always wins. And that was for sure the truth this morning. Before Aunt even touched the knob to the back door, his mom appeared in the kitchen with hands on hips, lips pursed, and eyeballs zeroed in on him. As us OGs used to say back in the day, young blood was coal busted. Where do you think you're going? His mother asked. She was already dressed in her usual get-up of navy blue scrubs and white sneakers. To school, Aunt offered. This early? Without letting me or your father know? I left a note. He offered a sly smile. I thought you'd be happy that I was trying to be early on the first day. Hmm-hmm, his mother said. I in the torn half sheet of paper, Aunt had left on the kitchen table. The boy had even tacked on Love Anthony at the end of the note. A little sugar to soothe the sting of slipping out on his parents. Let's be honest. Everybody in that kitchen knew that Aunt wasn't getting up all early because he was excited for school. It was more that he didn't want his parents to walk him to school on the first day. He knew his mom was already gearing up to take a gazillion photos of him. First at home, then out on the front porch, and then again next to the big sign by the front doors of Gerald Elementary. Meanwhile, his daddy was probably prepping for one of his legendary first day walk to school pep talks. Last year's talk was about... Sample complete. Ready to continue?