High Stakes, page 30
Silence. “What about Mallory?”
“It will take him a while to fix the keyboard. I thought you could call him later and explain that he’d be more useful coming to Muddy Mountain and joining the action than trying to chase after me.”
Another silence. His expression was impassive. “Tanner would really be pissed off.”
“But you don’t care. It might amuse you. Though you do care about him. Yet right now you’re hurting, and all you want to do is hurt everyone who has hurt you.”
His lips tightened. “And Sandrino.”
“And Sandrino,” she repeated quietly. “So are you going to let me help you?”
He stared at her, his expression impassive for another moment. Then he smiled recklessly and opened the passenger door for her. “Why not? It’s your neck on the line. Get in. You’ve already taken up too much of my time. I still have to pick up the dynamite.”
* * *
Mountain Casino, Muddy Mountains
Lara unconsciously tensed as Tanner helped her out of the Mercedes and led her toward the front door of the casino. Don’t let him know that this first moment of facing the dragons is still a little scary. The front facade of the building was still as unimpressive as when they’d arrived here earlier. She glanced at the rocky slope of landscape beyond it that appeared totally deserted. But then so was the casino area. Only a few vehicles in the parking lot. “You told Volkov that you’d be on the lookout for anyone who might interfere with the game, and evidently he took you at your word.” She glanced at him. “Or did he? It’s a little too quiet.”
Tanner shrugged. “I’d like to say he was intimidated by me, but it wouldn’t be true. But he was impressed by the deposit I made in that Cayman account. He didn’t want it to be canceled. Still, that didn’t mean he was going to keep to the terms of our agreement. This area may appear deserted because he ordered his men to back off and make it look that way, but it’s as phony as the casino facade. I’ve had Mallory and Rennell both scouting out the other areas for the past twenty-four hours and they’ve both seen troop movement.”
“Where?”
“Those rocks on that upper slope behind the casino hide a multitude of sins. Rennell said that he’d spotted at least seven potential snipers in that area.”
“Charming.”
“But that shouldn’t really be a problem for Rennell. However, the Bell helicopter that generally carries fifteen that’s hovering behind the south ridge might give him a little trouble.”
“I’d think so.” She glanced up at the rocky slope again. “He doesn’t intend us to get out of here alive.”
“But then we feel the very same way.” He smiled at her. “And we know what we’re facing, and just how to get around them. All it will take is a little dazzle.” He took her hand. “Ready?”
She smiled back at him. “You’re the dazzle expert. But give me a cue and I’ll try to follow you.” They’d reached the doors and he was swinging them open for her. “I did say that I wanted—” She broke off and inhaled sharply as she saw the man coming toward her. “But you’re in for a treat, Tanner. I don’t believe you’ve ever met my father.” She took a step inside and felt Tanner move closer to her. “How nice of you to come to greet us, Anton. I’ve told Tanner so much about you. But some of it was hard to believe.”
“You bitch.” His face was flushed with anger. His hands were grasping her shoulders and he was shaking her. “Do you know how much trouble you caused me with Volkov? I told you what to do and you didn’t do it, or Tanner would never have been able to get hold of you. Do you realize how Volkov’s been treating me? Wait until I get hold of Maria. You’ll be sorry that—”
“No, you’ll be sorry,” Tanner said coldly as he plucked Anton’s hands off Lara and shoved him against the wall. “Evidently you haven’t had the new orders from Volkov. Unless you want me to seriously damage you, there will be no putting your hands on her again. Do you understand me?”
Anton opened his lips to speak and then closed them again. His voice was surly as he said, “I understand. Volkov said that you were coming, Tanner. Some big game…That’s why I’m here, he said he wanted everything running smooth.” He added viciously, “But that doesn’t mean he won’t change his mind about Lara the minute he sees her. I wasn’t the only one who wanted to choke her when we found out she was gone.” He gestured to the door leading to the casino. “Go on inside. He’s waiting for you.” He glanced at Lara and his lips curled savagely. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, you will,” she said. “By all means, run and see if Volkov wants you to run any errands for him.” She heard him swear as she passed him and went toward the door.
Tanner caught up with her. “Did he hurt you?”
“No, and you shouldn’t have bothered with him. Anton is nothing. I’ve told you that before. Most of the time I could just avoid him.”
“It was hard for me to remember that when he was shaking you,” he said dryly. “It made me want to make him truly ‘nothing.’”
She suddenly smiled. “That would not have been unpleasant. But that’s not why we’re here. Anton was a surprise. But he said Volkov wanted him here. Anton usually deals with the men for Volkov. I suppose we should be wondering why he would want Anton here tonight.”
“No, we should only keep an eye on him. Your father impresses me as a man who will reveal anything we need to know if we just give him the opportunity.” He opened the casino doors. “Let’s let him do that.”
* * *
“This is incredible.” Lara glanced around the casino floor. The carpeting, lighting, and décor wouldn’t have been out of place in any of the world’s most extravagant gaming establishments in Monaco, Macau, or Las Vegas. Red-uniformed servers stood by with drink carts, and the similarly attired dealers manned the dozen or so tables. “This place looked like a condemned old shack from the road.”
“Tanner!” Volkov was moving toward them from across the room. “Welcome to my playground.”
“Is that what you call it?”
“Why not?” Volkov smiled at Lara. “Good evening, my dear. You honor my establishment with your presence. I can’t wait for you to become more accustomed to it. If Tanner hadn’t been so hasty about taking you away from me, I might have brought you here myself.”
“I’ve seen enough of your playgrounds. This is just another.” She lifted her chin defiantly. “It’s boring. I’m ready for a new start.”
“But I’m not. I prefer to linger awhile before I show you the place where we’ll have our grand finale.”
“I’m glad you’re happy to see Lara,” Tanner said. “But I only brought her here at your request. I don’t want to hear you talk about old times. Her present and future are up to me, unless I decide otherwise.” He paused. “And do I have to remind you that we have a game to play.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” Volkov brushed a long finger under Lara’s chin. “Tell him, Lara. The way I play, they’re never games of chance. They’re psychology. And I’m as good at them as I am at life itself.”
She suppressed the shiver that ran through her. Mustn’t give him the satisfaction. But she hated his hands on her. Well, she knew how to handle that problem. “He’s as good as he says, Tanner. But he has a blind spot you can drive a truck through.”
Volkov jerked back his hand. “Blind spot?”
“What Tanner calls a tell. It’s always been there.”
Volkov was clearly incensed. “What are you talking about?”
“Your weakness. That fatal flaw. It’s been obvious to me since I was a child.”
“Enlighten me.”
She smiled. “Play him, and maybe I’ll point it out to you. Or maybe Tanner will point it out to you when you lose.”
He spat out, “There’s no tell. You’re just trying to goad me.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Volkov.”
He stared at her for a moment longer. “You’re lying. I don’t have time for this, bitch.”
“Then maybe you’ll have time for this.” Tanner reached into his pocket and produced a small key. He tossed it to Volkov, who caught it.
“What’s this?”
“Look at it.”
Volkov turned the key over in his hands. He stared at the distinctive logo on its head. “Talbot Automotive.”
“That key fits into the ignition of a 1948 Talbot-Lago Grand Sport. Luxury Edition, of course.”
Volkov stopped breathing for a moment. “You’re lying.”
“No. And what’s more, I own it. As I’m sure you realize, there were only twelve ever made.”
Volkov still looked stunned. “I’ve been trying to get that car for years. I almost bought one in Sao Paulo last year, but the owner changed his mind at the last minute.”
“So I understand.”
“How—? How did you—?”
“I found another one and worked my powers of persuasion on the owner.” He repeated Volkov’s words: “It’s not a game, you know. It’s psychology.”
“Is it here?”
“No. I had it delivered to the Hammerstein Luxury and Classic Cars dealership in North Las Vegas. They should be finished detailing it anytime now. After that, it will be on display in their front window showcase. If you don’t believe me, you can send one of your men to go take a look.” Tanner pulled out his phone and scrolled through a folder of photos. He showed one to Volkov. “Here it is shortly after they took delivery. It’s beautiful.”
Volkov gazed at it with more longing than Lara had ever seen him express toward any human being. His eyes flicked up to Tanner. “How much do you want for it?”
“It’s not for sale.”
“Everything’s for sale, Tanner. It’s just a matter of price.”
“That’s almost true. And I am a little short right now. So maybe I’ll give you a chance to win it from me. We’ll play here. Right now.”
Volkov’s eyes went back to that photo on Tanner’s phone. “It’s stunning.”
“It can be yours by the end of the evening.”
Volkov stared at the photo for a moment longer. “Where did you find it?”
“Alberta, Canada.”
“Part of the Duffer collection…I’m familiar with it. It’s in remarkable condition. The Duffers had no interest in parting with it…They won’t even return my phone calls or emails anymore.”
“Like I said, it’s a matter of psychology.” Tanner put away his phone. “Are we doing this or not?”
He was still hesitating. “What’s your game?”
“Today I’m in the mood for poker.”
“Five-card stud?”
“I’m thinking Pai Gow. At that table right over there.”
Volkov turned toward a red-felt-topped table in the center of the room. An elderly Asian woman was dealing cards to four male players. “I’d have to move those customers.”
“Do it. We’ll wait. Oh, and Volkov…”
Volkov turned to face him.
“My key, please.”
Volkov tossed the key back to him and walked toward the table.
Lara smiled and spoke quietly. “When did you have time to track down that car?”
“It just took a phone call. I have very talented associates.”
“Obviously. But do you realize how good he is at almost every game he plays? He may not be a superstar like Sandrino or you, but everyone says he’s excellent.”
“I know what you told me, and I did some additional research on him. I’m surprised by your lack of faith in me.”
“He’s good, Tanner.”
“So am I.”
She rolled her eyes. “Dammit, I knew you were going to say that. So what’s this game you’re playing?”
“Pai Gow. It’s based on a thousand-year-old game played with Chinese dominoes. It’s been transposed to playing cards with many of the rules of poker.”
“And how good are you at this?”
He shrugged. “I’ve played a few times.”
“A few times?”
“But I’ve played poker all my life. In Pai Gow, each player is dealt seven cards. From that, the object is to create two poker hands: a five-card poker hand and a two-card poker hand. The object is to beat the dealer, who will have two hands of his own.”
“And Volkov is the dealer.” She moistened her lips. “Watch him carefully. He’s not only a skillful player but an even better cheater.”
“Stop trying to take care of me. Trust me, I know who I’m dealing with.”
Of course he did. She looked at him for a long moment. Tanner was clearly in his element here, engaged and totally in the hunt. “What’s your endgame?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’d forgotten I even mentioned antique cars were one of his passions. You wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble to track down that car if you didn’t have a plan how to use it.”
“Of course not. Passions are important, but it’s just the lure. That car means a lot to him, but it still isn’t enough for him to give me what I really want. It will, however, bring him into my game.”
“Or you into his.”
“We’ll see, won’t we?”
“So what do you really want from him?”
He turned toward her and raised an eyebrow. “You helped me make out the list. It hasn’t changed. Can’t you guess?”
“Not at the moment.”
He smiled mischievously. “Then I guess you’ll find out the same time he does.”
“Tell me.”
“And ruin the surprise?” He placed his hand on the small of her back. “Oh, it looks like our table is ready. Shall we?”
“Tanner…”
But he was already moving her toward the cleared table. The players, obviously puzzled by their sudden eviction, stood to the side holding their chips and drinks. The croupier was hastily trying to move them out of the casino.
Volkov sat in the dealer’s chair and motioned for Tanner and Lara to sit across from him. As they took their seats, Lara glanced around to see that they were attracting a crowd. Several gamblers from neighboring tables had left their games and were taking positions nearby.
Tanner had also noticed. “It’s to be a private game, Volkov.”
Volkov shrugged. “I know. But I’m very good, and I don’t mind letting them watch me for a while. I’ll send both them and the croupiers out of the casino after a hand or two.”
“I’ve heard about your ego.” Tanner smiled. “Then let’s give them a good show.”
Volkov cut the seal on a deck of cards and moved to place it in an automatic shuffler.
Tanner raised his hands to stop him. “No. Hand shuffle only, please.”
“You don’t trust my machine?”
“I don’t trust anything I can’t see.”
“Very well. Do you have a preference? I can do overhand, Hindu, weave or faro, corgi, or a basic riffle.”
“Any of those is fine.”
“I’ll give you an assortment.”
Volkov showed himself to be astonishingly adept with the cards, manipulating them with a mastery that obviously impressed the crowd. Tanner watched the cards closely as the flourishes became increasingly elaborate. Volkov finally finished with a smooth fan on the table.
“Satisfied?”
“It’ll do.”
“Do you have the car title with you? You may throw it and the key into the pot. I’ll, of course, match it with cash. What amount do you think is fair?”
“Let’s start a bit smaller.” Tanner unzipped an inner pocket of his jacket and produced a thick stack of cash. “I’ll buy in for fifty thousand dollars.”
He frowned. “I agreed to play you for the car.”
“And I promise you we will. But it’s going to be a long night. We’ll begin this way.”
Volkov glared at him for a moment, but finally nodded toward a red-jacketed croupier standing nearby. The croupier took the cash from Tanner, speedily counted it, then placed a large stack of chips in front of him.
Tanner smiled. “Let’s begin. A thousand dollars a hand?”
“As you wish.” Volkov dealt seven cards each to himself and Tanner, then dealt a short stack of four cards to the side.
Lara had watched Volkov and Anton play standard draw poker since she was a child, but she was surprised how different this variation made the game. The men played their five-card and two-card hands quickly, with little time between new dealt hands. Within minutes she could see how the game revealed the true character of its players. Volkov was increasingly fiery and aggressive, while Tanner showed intelligence and precision. Both approaches benefited the opponents; Tanner won more hands, but Volkov tended to eventually make up his losses with bold and risky bets.
“You play well,” Volkov said. “You’ve earned your reputation.”
“As have you.” Tanner leaned forward in his chair. “Shall we step things up a bit?”
“In what sense?”
“Ten thousand a hand?”
Volkov thought for a moment, then nodded. “Do you wish to increase your stake? For you I can extend credit, but of course I’m also equipped to make a wire transfer from your financial institution.”
“That won’t be necessary. At least not yet.” Tanner reached into his inside jacket pocket and produced a stack of crisp thousand-dollar bills, held together by a brown paper band with a bank logo. “That’s a hundred thousand.”
Volkov waved over the croupier. “Do you always travel with that much cash on your person, Tanner?”
He smiled. “Just some walking-around money.”
“Be careful where you walk.”
“No worries.” Tanner nodded toward Lara. “I have her to protect me.”
Volkov regarded Lara with a stare that was chilling. “But we’ve already agreed to have that discussion. She may not be around to serve that function.”
“Just deal the cards, Volkov.”
Volkov waited as the croupier took Tanner’s cash, counted it, and gave him another stack of chips. He then dealt Tanner and himself another seven cards each.
