“That’s not what I asked.”
Moment of truth.
“Yes. I believe so.”
“And what did she do exactly?”
“There was another player there who I believe was a plant. He was good. Clearly a professional poker player. He came in second place.”
‘What was this man’s name?”
“Joe. Joe Roberts.”
Taby gestures for the guard next to me to come over to her. She whispers something in his ear, and he leaves the office immediately. She brings her attention back to me.
“Aria is a complication that will be dealt with.”
I swallow thickly. I need Taby’s trust, but it’s against my better judgment to want someone to die in this situation.
“I thought it was a test. From you.”
“Possibly.”
She’s not going to tell me what’s happening. Taby opens a drawer and pulls out a stack of money.
“Here’s your cut for tonight,” she says as she slides it over.
I take it off her desk and pocket it.
“Thank you.”
“I have another proposition for you.”
This is it.
“Cordelia, well, she’s cautious about you and your wife. Should she be?”
“No.”
“Good. If there’s a problem, you know what will happen to you?”
Death.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Taby shuffles through the same drawer and pulls out an envelope.
“Next week, we have a meeting. I’ll need someone to distribute some goods quickly. Can you do that?”
“Yes.”
“This is yours for now. Once you complete it, you’ll get the rest.”
I take the envelope and see it’s packed with hundred-dollar bills.
“If it’s this important, should I go to the meeting?”
