Dean stood up. The other tables in the casino began to quiet down as they witnessed the Dean Martin. Victor Torino confrontation. Tommy. Dean turned to the kid. Keep dealing. Ignore this bully. Bully. Torino’s face turned red. You don’t know who you’re messing with. I know exactly who you are, Victor. A coward who picks on kids.
A crowd began to gather around the table. Tommy dealt the cards. This time, his hands were calmer. Dean’s presence had relaxed him. Dean got 18. Torino got 15. Hit. Torino’s Tommy drew a card. 10. Bust. Torino. You rigged this. Torino yelled at Tommy. You set me up for Martin. Sir, the cards are random. Shut up. You’re cheating for Martin.
Dean walked over to Torino. Victor, you lost fair and square. Accept it like a man. Or what? Singer. Are you going to serenade me to death? Dean smiled. But his eyes were cold. Tommy, keep dealing. Victor, either play respectfully or leave. I’m not going anywhere. This punk owes me money for his mistakes. Dean understood. Torino was demanding mistake compensation from Tommy.
Classic intimidation tactics. How much do you think he owes you? $500. For the card dropping incident, Dean pulled $500 from his pocket. He put it on the table. There. Now we’re even. Either play or leave. Torino took the money but was still angry. This doesn’t end here, Mark. Actually, it does. Dean called the casino floor manager. Mike, Mr.
Torino is done for the night. Mike Henderson was the flamingo’s floor manager and love Dean Martin. Of course, Mr. Martin. Mr. Torino, your evening is over. You can’t throw me out. I’m a paying customer. Sir, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who harasses our staff. Security guards approached Torino. This isn’t over, kid.
Torino said to Tommy, “I know where you work.” Dean stepped forward. Victor, if you come near this kid again, you’ll deal with me. And trust me, you don’t want that. Torino looked into Dean’s eyes. He saw that this was no joke. We<unk>ll see Martin. Security escorted Torino out. The casino returned to normal, but Tommy was still shaking. Mr.
Martin, I I don’t know how to thank you, kid. You don’t need to thank me, but tell me, why is Torino specifically targeting you? Tommy hesitated. Three weeks ago, he was playing at my table. He was drunk, betting big amounts. Lost about 10,000. Then he claimed I was dealing from the bottom of the deck. Were you? No, sir. Never. I’m honest.
But he made such a big scene that management had to investigate. They found nothing wrong. But Mr. Torino kept coming back trying to prove I’m a cheater. Dean understood. Torino was trying to blame his losing streak on Tom. Tommy, how long have you been dealing? 6 months total. 3 months here at Flamingo before that small games in East Los Angeles to help my family.
Your technique looks solid. Where did you learn? My uncle taught me. He dealt in Havana before the revolution. Dean was impressed. Cuban technique. That’s excellent training. The game continued. Tommy was now relaxed. Dean’s presence made him feel safe. For the next hour, Dean made normal bets. He observed Tommy’s skill.
The kid was truly talented. Tommy, you’re good at this. Very good. Have you thought about dealing in bigger games? I would love to, Mr. Martin, but I need references. Recommendations. And after tonight, after tonight, after tonight, you have my recommendation. Tommy’s eyes widened. Really? Really? But first, we need to make sure Torino doesn’t bother you again.
Dean was making plans. The next night, Dean did his normal show at the Sands. But after the show, he had a special announcement. Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow night at Flamingo Casino, I’ll be hosting a special charity Blackjack tournament. All proceeds will go to the Las Vegas Youth Education Fund.
The audience was excited. A Dean Martin charity event would be big, but Dean’s real plan was different. The charity tournament would be at Tommy Rodriguez’s table. Dean Martin’s presence would keep Torino away. Tournament night came. The flamingo was packed. Celebrities, high rollers, media, everyone had come. Dean sat at Tommy’s table.
Also at the table were Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Laughford, and several Hollywood stars. Tommy was nervous but excited. The biggest night of his care. Ladies and gentlemen, Dean announced, “Meet Tommy Rodriguez, one of Vegas’s finest young dealers. Tonight, he’s dealing for charity and showing us all how it’s done.” Applause.
Tommy smiled. The game began. Tommy gave a perfect performance. Smooth, professional, confident. Halfway through the evening, Torino appeared. He was watching Dean from a distant table. Dean noticed but ignored it. He focused on Tommy. At the end of the tournament, $15,000 had been raised for charity. Tommy received a standing ovation.
This young man, Dean said, represents the future of Las Vegas. Honest, skilled, and dedicated. After the event, Dean pulled Tommy aside. Tommy, I talked to my friend at Caesar’s Palace. They have openings for experienced dealers in their VIP room. VIP room? Mr. Martin? I’m not experienced enough. Yes, you are.
And the salary is three times what you make here. Tommy was speechless. Why are you doing this for me? Dean became serious. Tommy, when I was young, nobody gave me a break. I had to fight for everything. But when someone finally believed in me, it changed my life. Now it’s my turn to believe in someone. Tommy’s eyes filled with tears.
I won’t disappoint you, Mr. Martin. I know you won’t, kid. Dean called Caesar’s Palace Management. He personally recommended Tommy. Within a week, Tommy started working in Caesar’s VIP room. His salary tripled. Torino could no longer touch him. Caesar’s security was too strong. But the story didn’t end there.
6 months later, Tommy Rodriguez had become one of Caesar’s best dealer. VIP customers specifically requested his table. Tommy saved money and brought his mother and sister from East Los Angeles to Vegas. Better house, better schools, better life. Dean regularly checked on Tommy’s situation. Like a proud father, Mr. Martin.
Tommy said one day, “I’ve saved enough money to start teaching dealing classes. I want to teach other kids like me. That’s beautiful, Tommy. What will you call it?” Rodriguez Dealing Academy. But the first scholarship will be called the Dean Martin Opportunity Fund. Dean was move. Tommy, you don’t need to. Yes, I do. You saved my life.
