Secrets That Kill: A Shelby Nichols Adventure

Author:Helme, Colleen [Helme, Colleen]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2013-11-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

“Very good.” Carson was thinking it was obvious I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

“Can we play Texas Hold’em?” I asked. “That’s the only kind of poker I really know how to play.”

“Of course,” he agreed. “Whatever you want.” He was thinking this was the best deal he’d ever made. He was good at reading people, and with my face showing every single emotion going through my pretty little head, it would be a cinch to win back all of his money. This was getting better and better. Glee fairly rippled over him, but his face was a mask of stone, showing nothing but a polite smile.

“Shelby, are you sure your Uncle will be okay with this?” Ramos interrupted, feigning unease.

I blew out a breath, sending him an annoyed frown. “You’re forgetting that he sent me to take care of this problem, so it’s my decision, not his. And I say we play.”

Ramos sighed, letting his shoulders sag in pretended defeat, then straightened with purpose and pinned a no-nonsense gaze on Carson. “We’ll want to play on neutral ground,” he said forcefully. “And I’ll be there as Shelby’s bodyguard.”

“Agreed,” Carson said. “I know of several venues that will let us play a private game for a small fee.” He took a pen and notebook from his jacket pocket and scribbled their names and addresses down. Handing it to Ramos, he continued, “Why don’t you pick the place and let me know?”

Ramos nodded. “How soon can you get the money together? We’re kind of on a time frame.”

“Would tomorrow be all right?” Carson asked. “I can have the money and meet you at the venue by five o’clock. We can agree to call the game at midnight…unless one of us is out of money before that. Does that work for you?”

“Sure,” Ramos said. “I’ll check these places out tonight and let you know where the game will be in the morning. We can meet there and agree to the terms then.”

“Good.” Carson stood. “I shall look forward to it.” With a gleam in his eyes, he turned his sugary sweet smile to me, and I wanted to gag. He thought he had it in the bag, and was so pleased with himself that he couldn’t help letting his delight show.

We shook hands, and he held mine a little longer than necessary. He was thinking about bringing my hand to his lips for a kiss, but I quickly pulled it away, smiling demurely so I didn’t offend him.

“See you tomorrow,” I said. I turned my back, letting the smile fall from my face, and tried not to grumble. I didn’t know how I’d be ready by tomorrow, but I’d give it my best shot. Beating him now became my number one priority, and since it was just going to be the two of us, I wouldn’t have to divide my attention between other players. I couldn’t imagine how I’d keep everyone’s cards straight, but just his? Yeah, I could do that.

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