Page 134 of Niccolo

I conveniently left out the wire transfer I’d just received.

Niccolo immediately turned cheerful again. “Well,that’snot entirely true. What about the 47,000 euros you won in San Remo?”

“You did your homework,” I said, mildly impressed.

“Ialwaysdo my homework. But I’m not interested in your money. I have more than enough of that.”

“Not since yesterday,” I said in a deadpan voice.

Niccolo burst out laughing, then looked at me sideways as he waggled his finger, likeGood one!

“Look at you. You didn’t want to admit to anything, but you’ve already confirmed you’re Fausto’sconsigliere– AND that you know about the bank transfers.”

“Sometimes I just can’t pass up a good joke,” I said sardonically. “It’s a weakness of mine.”

“Yes, I’m sure. You seem like a woman who’s justruledby your emotions.”

“And you seem like a man who uses yours as a weapon.”

He raised one eyebrow. “Touché. A point for Sofia.”

“I think you mean, ‘Onemorepoint for Sofia.’”

“Given all the points you’ve scored over the last 24 hours, you mean?” he asked with a smile.

I smiled back but didn’t say anything.

“Why not extend your winning streak, then? A few hands of poker – what do you say?”

“If we’re not playing for money, then what are the stakes?” I asked.

“Information. Whoever wins a hand gets to ask a question the other is obligated to answer.”

“Not interested.”

“Why not? Afraid you’ll lose?” he goaded me.

“You don’t have any information I want. It’s all upside for you and none for me.”

“Alright… then what do you want to play for?”

I thought for a second, then said, “We play until someone wins the entire pot. If I win, you get back on your plane and immediately fly home.”

“And ifIwin?”

“You can ask me one question –one– and I’ll answer truthfully.”

He laughed. “That’s not much of an incentive.”

“Take it or leave it.”

He gazed at me as he considered my proposition…

Then smiled. “You’re on.”

57

Niccolo

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