The Ultimate Bet

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

Is there a price tag on eternal youth?

 What happens when a wealthy gambler par excellence loses his zest for life?

 And what happens when a stranger challenges him to risk his soul in a poker game?

Jim Steadman is a self-made multi-billionaire. Despite the unlimited luxuries that his money can acquire, he is disenchanted with his everything in his life.

After a poker game where Jim dropped over $300,000, he headed to the premier cocktail lounge in Chicago. He notices an unusual man looking at him, one that had a flaming orange and red kerchief that flickered in the dimly lit bar.

Ignis Genero approaches Jim the following night when he’s dining at a restaurant. He’s the same man from the night before. Calling Jim by his name, he asks, “What is the largest bet you’ve ever made?”

The Ultimate Bet delivers an engaging fantasy that creates a scenario where the stakes have no limit. The games is on.

Photo Frank Victoria
A proud Marine Corps veteran, Frank calls Chicago home. If you meet Frank, ask him about Maxwell Street Station and the mouth-watering Polish sausage and pork chop sandwiches covered with grilled onions!

A portion of all proceeds will be given to Tunnel-to-Towers Foundation and Fisher House Foundation, both nonprofits supporting disabled veterans.

bio

Author Biography

Frank graduated with a journalism degree from Northern Illinois University and used his skills to make words his livelihood. He was a professional editor and writer for a variety of trade magazines with expertise in the petroleum marketing industry.

Most writers know that once words are part of their DNA, they never leave. His next step was to add teacher to his resume where for 16 years, he taught in the Chicago Public School system with an emphasis on history and civics.

Picking up a book by an author he followed, he fell in. And an idea was seeded. It was time to add author to his name. For Frank, the idea for The Founders’ Plot gushered like a new oil well bursting through the earth.

A proud Marine Corps veteran, Frank calls Chicago home and enjoyed the glory of the Magnifi¬cent Mile and Lakeshore Drive running along Lake Michigan. If you meet Frank, ask him about Maxwell Street and the mouth-watering Polish sausage and pork chop sandwiches covered with grilled onions!

Proceeds from book sales will benefit Tunnels to Towers and Fisher House for disabled veterans and first responders.

website

Author Insight

Does the Devil Regret Rebelling Against God

Jim asks the devil if he regrets rebelling against God. The devil answers by quoting from Paridice Lost.

Book Excerpt

The Ultimate Bet

“Merely a formality,” the devil said. “Any questions?”

“Not about that.”

“What then?”

“I still don’t see how one soul can be so important to you?”

“That is far beyond the comprehension of a mortal. It’s impossible to explain. It can only be felt as a form of euphoria.”

“All right,” Jim responded. “But there’s something else. You mentioned how painful it is to lose a soul to, what did you say, the entity who banished you. Have you ever regretted challenging God and being stricken to hell for your rebelliousness?”

Ignis sat back. “Have you ever read Milton, Mr. Steadman? Paradise Lost. ‘Tis better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.’”