Security

Too long ago now, I worked at a casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado (USA).

There hasn't been a moment since I left that I haven't missed it, some times a lot more than others, but there's always a hole nothing else can fill.

Not having been a patroness of casinos in general, it was a new world for me and I was extremely fortunate to find myself a home at Johnny Nolon's. I'm a writer but, you know, I'm not sure there are words to describe exactly what that place - even more, the 'family' - means to me even now years past. It was home; we were family. 

But before I get all maudlin I'll get to the point of this post (I heard that 'whew'!)

One of the things I wasn't sure I would be comfortable with was the security.

A small town girl just isn't used to being on camera ALL THE TIME. Not just one camera, mind you - I worked in what they refer to as 'the cage', and there were like five cameras on us at all times, from all different angles. Hunter, in his lair, kept an eye on scads more than just those. The whole place was under his beady eyes. Floor security people roamed around as well, adding their human eyes to the electronic ones monitored by Hunter in his lair.

As it turned out I soon almost forgot about the cameras. Fretting about the perfection of my hair or whether or not my shirt was tucked in straight didn't last long. There was way too much else to focus on.

One day I'll post stories about some of the things Hunter and his electronic eyes came in handy for, but not tonight I think.

Tonight I'm thinking about the times since then that I've sorely missed those all-seeing eyes. You would think they would feel intrusive but it wasn't like that at all. They did indeed provide us with security. When I finally moved up to the Crick after having had a LOOOONG commute, I found myself appreciating the fact that those cameras kept an eye on me almost all the way home. I lived directly across the street from the Johnny Nolon's parking lot and Hunter could see me safely home from the comfort of his lair. There's a significant reassurance in that.

I didn't quite realize how much I had come to depend on Hunter and his electronic eyes, and the sense of security they provided, until I wanted to confirm something at a subsequent job and got blank stares when I asked about the cameras. Oh. Oh yeah. Duh. Dang. WTH

There have been a lot more than a few times I've missed those eyes, I tell you true.

I've also missed having security personnel around, just in case. As a general rule those guys (and gals) were more prevention than intervention but if/when needed they were BANG right there within seconds. And I'll tell you something: if Big John and Zeus (not his real name but if the shoe fits wear it sez I and that man could have easily filled the boots of Zeus) suggested that a person leave the premises post-haste, said person wasn't likely to stop to debate the meaning of the word 'haste'.

Now I have Duke, a big White Shepherd.

He's darned handy. Never in his life started a fight or indulged any other dog who wanted one (although I have to say no dog ever pushed the issue too hard), never threatened anybody unless you call a bit of a warning growl a threat. 

When we travel he gets lots of attention because he's flat out a gorgeous animal - but unless I said so nobody ever got too close, either. Just sayin'. Nice and sweet as he is, he does have that look about him, the one that says, 'Take care now, okay?' 

So at home or when we're out and about I'm well protected. But Duke isn't Hunter, nor does he have as many eyes, nor is he allowed to accompany me to work.

Yeh.

Kinda miss that kind of security at times I do.

I miss a lot of things about Johnny Nolon's and try not to think about it too much or too often as it tends to make me weep.