Quick on the Draw by Scott Connor

Author:Scott Connor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Culbin Press
Published: 2023-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“I told you to stay away, kid,” Preston said, scowling as Jackson approached his table with Wi Lee following on behind.

Finbar didn’t agree with Preston’s attitude to Jackson, but he said nothing. Despite their lack of encouragement, Jackson still joined them at the back of the Horned Moon.

“Wiley wants to talk to you,” Jackson said, his tone hurt. Then he quickly told them about the fight.

“Despite that problem I’ve now booked my place at the final table,” Wi Lee said. “I’ve watched you play and you’re skilled enough to win, so I’d like to offer you a deal.”

“No deal,” Preston snapped before Wi Lee could outline his offer.

Wi Lee ignored Preston and raised his eyebrows.

“You’re worried you’ll lose,” Finbar said.

“I am,” Wi Lee said, surprising Finbar with his honesty. “The emperor of China loves diamonds. He wishes to own this one so he tasked two of his most trusted aides to obtain the diamond. One is now dead, so I must ensure I return with it, and I will.”

“Your need is great, but ours is greater. So as Preston said, no deal.”

“Your need is different than mine. You believe it’s yours by right, but once you possess it, what then?” Wi Lee spread his hands while shrugging. “I’m offering a deal, and a fair price.”

“How much?” Finbar asked casually.

“Forty thousand dollars.”

“Forty!” Preston snorted. “It’s worth at least sixty-four.”

“That’s the recompense to the winner who fights through on his own. I’m offering a deal in which we work together and one of us backs out to let the other win.”

Finbar narrowed his eyes. “Either of us? Does that mean you’re prepared to lose?”

“As I said, I’ll do anything to acquire that diamond. If I must lose the game in order to leave town with it, that’s what I’ll do.”

Finbar rubbed his chin and Preston gave a subdued shrug.

“That’s an interesting offer,” Finbar said.

“I’ll leave you to think about it.” Wi Lee leaned forward and whispered in Finbar’s ear. “Say that phrase at the poker table tomorrow and I’ll play like a fool and lose every dollar I have to you. In return, when you’ve won, you’ll give me the diamond for our agreed price.”

With that offer Wi Lee nodded to each man and then left the saloon.

“What do you think of that, Preston?” Finbar said.

“I said we would never make a deal. That still stands.”

Finbar whistled under his breath. “You must admit if we were looking to accept a deal, that was a tempting one.”

“Those types of deal are the ones you have to stand firm against.” Preston turned to Jackson and lowered his voice. “That’s why I never wanted the kid involved, and why I never want to see him or hear of his twisted plans to get his hands on our diamond again.”

“I brought Wiley here for you to hear his offer and not because I want to get a share of the diamond,” Jackson said.

Preston snorted. “You want something. I can see it in your eyes. A

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