The subject in this case was a doctor, a surgeon, to be specific. He was already worth a small fortune, but plenty is never enough for some people. The doc carried a disability policy, classified as an "Own Occ." policy. It specified that should he be injured to the extent that he could no longer earn a living using his particular occupational skills, he would not have to find work in another field. The policy would pay off.

As you could probably guess, the doctor informed the insurance company that he had injured his wrist, and could no longer perform surgeries. The company began payments, huge payments -- millions of dollars over a very few years.

Someone – an anonymous informant – did not agree with the doctor’s self-assessment, and told the insurance company so. Other red flags shot up, and the company grew suspicious. Here is where we enter the picture.

One fine afternoon, our possibly devious doctor leaves his house, bound for who knows where. I’m working with a partner on this one, each of us with his own surveillance vehicle. We follow him.

Some five hours later, about 9 p.m., we arrive at a casino in another state. Subject walks directly to a craps table and dives right into play.

Now, craps is a very animated game. Players will yell, swear and jump around – it is all part of the "action." Whenever it is time for our poor lame doctor to throw the dice, he is a champ. That bum wrist slings the dice with surgical precision….for five hours.

Our immediate challenge is how to document the proceedings. We cannot videotape, even discreetly, in a casino. We decide to take a chance and approach the head of security, who finds our mission amusing. In the interest of justice he promptly trains the casino’s "Eye In The Sky" video system right on the good doctor. Voila….evidence!

Our tireless subject finally wears down, leaves the casino and checks into hotel. The next morning, however, he is back at it again -- at the same table. This time he goes for

nine hours straight, with no lunch. Must be all that medical school training. Finally, he heads back home that evening.

Now for the sad part. Having developed a good rapport with the casino security chief, we are assured there will be no problem in obtaining a copy of the incriminating videotape. But when we brief the insurance company’s lawyers, they, as high-priced lawyers are wont to do, decide to act like big shots. They send a letter to our friend the security director, demanding a copy of the videotape. The casino does not take kindly to this threat, and sends nothing to anyone. We have to testify with no videotape of the high- rolling surgeon.

Sometimes the dice just do not roll in your favor.