Joe shook it. “Joe.”
“Just Joe?”
“Yes. Just Joe.”
The man laughed. “You can certainly play, young man. Who taught you?”
“I taught myself.” Once he knew the rules, all he had to do was watch and learn. The better players handled the cards the same way every time, they stacked their chips neatly, they never hesitated. They showed no emotion. Joe had done the same.
“Why did you pick that particular poker table when you started?”
“There was a free seat.” Not the reason but Joe thought a lie was best.
The man swirled his drink. “How much have you won?”
“More than you’d like him to have.” Alistair dropped down on the chair on the other side of Joe. “Gerald is the manager.”
“It’s a very nice place,” Joe said. “I like the paintings. And the carpet. And the chandeliers.”
Gerald chuckled. “Thank you.” He smiled at Joe, then turned to Alistair. “You trying to put me out of business?”
Alistair raised his eyebrows. “I think you can afford the occasional hit.”
“Not if this young man becomes a regular visitor. Simon is not going to be happy.”
“Simon is the club owner,” Alistair told Joe.
Joe’s drink arrived in a tall curved glass filled with pale yellow liquid, a dehydrated pineapple wheel sitting on the rim along with a cherry.
“It’s a virgin pina colada, sir,” said the waiter.
“Thank you very much. How much is it?” Joe fumbled in his pocket.
“You don’t have to pay,” Gerald said.
“Then how do you make any money?” Joe asked.
Gerald widened his eyes. “Because most people who come here don’t leave with more than they came with. They leave with a lot less.”
“Ah.” He should have realised that.
“Would your young friend be interested in an even higher stakes game? I have a few people who’d likely be keen.”
“Possibly,” Alistair said.
“I won two hundred and ninety-seven thousand pounds,” Joe said. “I don’t need to play again.”
Alistair chortled and Gerald gaped at Joe.
“Where did you find him?” Gerald asked with a laugh.
“That would be telling.” Alistair tapped the side of his nose.
“What’s your trick?” Gerald asked Joe.
“Trick? I don’t have one.”
“He’s rather good at chess too. Want to give him a game?” Alistair asked.
