Gabriel's Horn. Alex Archer

      “Truthfully, I think I’m better than anyone else in that room.”

      “Ah, I see.”

      “I don’t mean to take anything away from you. You’re a very good card player,” she said.

      “Again, you’re too kind.”

      “No. I’ve seen some of the best. That’s why I’m surprised I’ve not crossed paths with you before.”

      “I play a small game.”

      “By choice. You could be on television, playing in one of the tournaments that get broadcast.”

      Roux waved that away and took another puff off his cigar. He rounded his ash into a nearby ashtray. “I’ve no interest in that. Entirely too much attention.” And there was too much of an opportunity for too many people to see him and perhaps recognize him.

      “I can’t believe you’d be shy.”

      “Perhaps I just prefer a gentleman’s game among friends.”

      Ling Po shook her head. “After the way you ambushed and baited Connelly, I don’t think so. That wasn’t very gentlemanly.”

      “He isn’t—by any stretch of a generous imagination—anywhere close to being a gentleman.”

      “No, but I have to wonder what you’re all about.”

      “Then I’ll just say that I like being mysterious. I’ve found that women think that’s attractive.”

      “It is.”

      Roux turned to face the young woman. “So is your intent in meeting me merely to get a better sense of my game? Or do you have something else in mind?”