“Not for money,” Joe said. “I’d feel bad.”
“Oh, now I insist.” Gerald’s eyes sparkled. “A thousand pounds. I like a challenge.”
Joe sighed. “Fine.”
Gerald was harder to beat than Alistair but it didn’t take long. As they played, a group gathered around them. Joe made his moves quickly and that seemed to throw his opponent. Then it was done and Gerald handed over the money. Joe put it in his pocket.
“Let me have a go.” A man with silver hair took Gerald’s seat. “Ten thousand for a game. My name’s Gove.”
Joe looked at Alistair who shrugged but he could tell from the set of Alistair’s mouth that he wanted him to play. Joe nodded at the man and finished his drink, which was lovely. This guy was skilled but Joe could already see multiple moves ahead. He set traps. Gove fell into one, then it was just a matter of time. But unlike Gerald, he was angry and trying not to show it.
“Well done,” he said begrudgingly. He held out a wodge of notes. “Want to play a game of Baccarat?”
“No, thank you. Too much chance, not enough skill.”
Alistair rose to his feet and took the money from Gove’s hand. “Come on, Joe. We’ll go home now.”
Alistair sat back in the cab, dragged his fingers through his hair and laughed. “I’ve not enjoyed myself so much in ages. Did you have a good time?”
“It was interesting.”
“What else can you do, Joe?”
“I don’t know.” He smiled.
“Can you explain how you managed what you did?”
“Once I understand the point of the game, I watch and learn.”
“How many times have you played chess?”
“Nine.”
Alistair gaped at him. “I think you’re near genius level in poker, blackjack and chess. Do you have a photographic memory?”
Joe could guess what that meant. “Probably. And I have a logical brain. I can imagine multiple outcomes in advance.”
“How fast can you read?”
“I’ve never timed myself but very fast.”
“How are you feeling now?”
Joe smiled at him. “Looking forward to seeing Kaden.”
“You’re not thinking—well, if I did that once, I can do it again?”
“I could do it again, but I don’t want to. Kaden doesn’t like gambling. This was a one-off. Well, until all the money’s gone, then I might have another go.”
Alistair laughed. “You’rea one-off.”
When they walked into the house, Kaden came out of the kitchen and pulled Joe into his arms. Joe melted against him.I missed him and he missed me!
“How did it go?” Kaden asked as he let Joe go.
“I think you better sit down,” Alistair said.
Kaden groaned. “Am I going to be working for you for free for the rest of my life?”
