Page 26 of Four Cards Exposed

“Yes, last night. When we got back,” Pia said defensively.

“They’re amazing,” Susan said. “You’ve captured the mood of the moment so perfectly…”

“You really think so?” Pia said. Her hand stilled on the fork.

Susan turned another page and felt her breath catch. It was a close-up of the fight. James stared out at her from the piece of paper, his face half-hidden by his opponent’s large body. The one eye visible shone with determination.

“You like him?” Pia asked, pouring the egg mixture into the hot pan and stirring quickly.

“No!” Susan dropped the drawing as if she’d been burned.

“It’s okay if you do. He’s pretty. Not trustworthy—these men never are—but easy on the eyes, for sure.”

“You’ve captured his look,” Susan said.

She looked at the single eye she could see. The first time she’d seen James, he’d been wearing a pair of glasses she now knew he kept in his suit pocket and used for reading. As he’d taken off the glasses and looked straight into her eyes, she’d been shocked by his penetrating blue gaze.

Susan shook herself. Pia wasn’t her friend. And Milena had only just met James.

“He’s not my type,” Susan said.

“Really? I figured he’d be anybody’s type. Except for the fighting. I don’t like violent men. I don’t ever want to be with a man who hits me.” Pia’s expression darkened. “Just use protection, okay?”

“I’m not going to … certainly not with him,” Susan said.

“Relax, Milena. I’m just warning you now. So you don’t end up like me—with a child.”

“You have a child?” Susan asked, surprised. Pia was only a couple years older than her.

“I met a man. I liked his eyes. And nine months later…” Pia shrugged her bony shoulders.

“Where is he?”

“She. Her name is Laura. She’s five years old. She lives with my mom.”

Susan swallowed. “That must be hard, not being able to live with her.”

Pia dropped the omelet on a chipped green plate before replying. “This job pays well. I do what I need to do to make sure she has what she needs.”

At least she now understood why Pia was so careful with her money. Susan wished there was something she could do to help, but she had to stay in character. Milena wouldn’t be looking to help Pia.

Milena would be looking to dig herself out of the hole first.

Susan picked up the sketchbook again and looked at another picture of the casino area, this one drawn from further away.

“All those people… “ she began.

“Don’t ask questions about them,” Pia said quickly, then stuffed a forkful of scrambled egg into her mouth, following it with a small bite of her croissant. Her eyes closed in obvious pleasure. Then she opened them again. “Sean won’t like it if you ask questions.”

“How long have you been working for him? Is he… is he a good boss?”

“Are you wondering if he forces us to sleep with men?” Pia asked, still chewing.

Susan held back a shiver.

“He doesn’t. Sometimes, one of his business associates will ask for a girl. But Sean always asks for volunteers. So you won’t be forced to sleep with someone if…” Pia continued carefully. “If that’s not something you’re willing or able to do.”

Susan wondered at Pia’s choice of words.