Vigorish

"Vigorish" by Walter Bupp is a science fiction novella published in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a world infused with telekinetic (TK) abilities and psi powers, particularly focusing on gambling and the complications that arise from it. Set in an environment where both abilities alter the landscape of conventional gambling, the book explores themes of deceit, power struggles, and the intersection of human emotion with extraordinary capabilities. The narrative follows Wally Bupp, a skilled telekinetic surgeon who is reluctantly drawn back into the world of gambling to help the Lodge, a secret society of TK practitioners, resolve issues at a casino called the Sky Hi Club. The casino is plagued by a mysterious thief manipulating the games with psi powers, leading Bupp to partner with an enigmatic woman named Pheola, who claims to possess precognitive abilities. As they dive deeper into the casino's underbelly, they discover treachery from within, including deceitful partners intent on ruining them. The stakes rise as Bupp employs his TK powers to counter the threats, while Pheola grapples with her own abilities and the repercussions of a broken vow. Ultimately, the story builds to a thrilling confrontation that tests their skills and the very fabric of their characters.