Page 137 of Niccolo

She gave me the tiniest hint of a smile, then went back to staring at the cards on the table.

“Whatever possessed you to work for Fausto?” I asked. “Did you need the money for something? Maybe… a lawsuit against that chess federation that kicked you out?”

The tiniest flash of anger in her eyes.

Ah.

So I was right.

“I read the articles,” I said, then added sympathetically, “They screwed you over royally.”

She glared at me. “You don’t say.”

“Idosay. Especially that number two guy, the Danish player. But you can’t take your revenge on them if you’re dead.”

She looked me square in the eyes and asked, “What wouldyousuggest, then?”

“Walk away.”

“Not happening.”

“Alright, then – how about this: we’ll match Fausto’s offer if you come work for us.”

“You don’t have the money to match his offer,” she said coolly. “At least, not after yesterday.”

“So it’s alothe’s offering you,” I realized. “Ten million? Twenty?”

She didn’t react.

“You’re right, I can’t match that,” I said. “Not right now. But I can assure you of one thing: you’ll live to spend whatever money we pay you.”

“Not if you lose.”

“With both of us on the same side, howcouldwe lose? You’re the most brilliant person I’ve ever met.”

“Excluding yourself, of course,” she said sarcastically.

I grinned. “Well, I’ve known myself all my life, so I don’t think that counts. But let’s just say you’re giving me a serious run for my money.”

“Judging by the last 48 hours, I’d say I’ve done more than that,” she retorted.

“True.”

I looked at the three cards in the center of the table.

Two of clubs, seven of hearts, jack of spades.

They were more or less useless –

Unless you had the cards to make two pair or triples out of them.

I figured now was a good time to find out what she was made of.

“All in,” I said, pushing all my chips on the table.

She looked at me in shock – then narrowed her eyes.

“You don’t have anything,” she sneered.

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