“Cocky fucker.”
“With good reason. I’ll follow through on my claims and prove them to be true.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Absolument.” Remi paused, letting the silence stretch, before going for the kill. “Triple fraud, you’ve already shown me your hand. Contacting me so close to the game tells me one thing.”
“And what would that be?”
“That I’ve gotten under your thin skin, of course. You’re afraid of me.”
“You, French fuck.”
“Oui. The best at that, too.”
Remi looked at the screen and rolled his eyes. The coward had ended the call.
“Lucky charm…” he scoffed, as he tossed his phone on the table. “Amateur.”
Chapter 32
Henri opened the door, and Remi walked in to the sounds of conversation, laughter, and toasts throughout the house.
“Bonne nuit, Henri,” Remi said, as he withdrew his deck from his jacket before handing it to him to hang.
“Indeed, it is, monsieur. A good night for sure.”
“Is there any whiskey left?”
“I hid a few bottles especially for you.”
“Merci.” Remi looked around. “And Luc?”
“In the cardroom with madame.”
Moving through the crowd, Remi nodded to those he knew and searched the faces of those he didn’t. He’d arrived earlier than necessary. His match wasn’t scheduled for another couple of hours.
Luc had chosen players by skill level, using the statistics from the website so that each would be evenly matched. As he was top seeded Remi would play his opponent last, going head to head with TripleAce.
“Gentlemen, please place your bets!” shouted Paulette, the dealer.
Tipping his head to her, he took an empty seat by his brother.
“How’s the action?”
“Very robust. We’ve had good play all night.”
“Any that you would invite back?”
“Several.”
“Henri said he saved some liquor for me.”
“Oui, and Paulette has the special provision for your other need. Both should be behind the bar, under the sink and in the fridge.”
“Merci.” Remi paused in thought. “What if somebody else goes back there? Will they see the packs?”
“She put up a sign.”
Twisting in his seat, Remi looked behind him. Setting on the counter was a notice in bold letters that read, NOT FOR PUBLIC USE! BELLERIVE FAMILY ONLY!
“Ah.”
“I didn’t think it would work, but no one has even stepped near that area.”
“Be right back.”
As Remi stood and walked towards the bar, a group of people gave him questioning looks.
“It’s okay. I’m Remi Bellerive.”
“You’re Remi?”
“Oui.”
“Can I shake your hand? Fellas! We’re in the presence of poker royalty!”
“Of course.” He held his hand out. “Merci.”
After chitchatting with them for a few minutes, Remi excused himself and proceeded on to where the liquor and blood were stored, waiting for him. Squatting down, he opened the cabinet and saw three bottles of whiskey. He took one out and set it on the counter, before opening the fridge.
A black plastic tumbler with a matching straw was on a rack beside the bags. After filling it with blood, he lifted it up and used his preternatural vision to look at its contents. He wasn’t able to see it, and the scent was minimal at best. A human would have no idea what he was drinking or the amount. Although it was well known that vampires and other supes called New Orleans their home, he didn’t want anyone to be alarmed.
“Monsieur Miller has folded.”
“Check.”
“Raise,” another said to the clinks of plastic hitting the velvet.
“The bet is with you, Monsieur Clark.”
“Call,” he replied.
“To you, Monsieur Green.”
A moment of silence spread across the room, with all the voices dropping to nothing.
“Fold.”
“Monsieur Green has folded, and his chips are added to the pot.” Paulette brought the final card to the dealer’s hand. “Gentlemen, the river.”
Though Remi was only listening, he was enthralled, anxious to compete, anticipating what the remaining players would do and who was going to win.
“Monsieurs Clark and Moulliac, please show your hands.”
A collective gasp went through the observers, and Remi poked his head above the bar as he twisted the top, sealing in the contents of the cup before he stood.
“Monsieur Clark has three of a kind, and Monsieur Moulliac, a full house. Thank you for playing with us tonight. Please clear the table, so we may prepare for the next group.”
The men exchanged pleasantries and then stood, making their way through the room.
“Hey, Remi!”
“’Ello, Jim!” He straightened from leaning on the counter. “How are you and Mrs. Clark doing?”
“Judging from the sound of all those hens cackling, she’s probably into the third bottle of wine out there with her friends. Say, I lost, but I tell ya, I’m not ready to stop playing. I know you’re a hell of a lot better than I am, but how about a few hands before you go on?”
“You’re not betting against me.”
“Oh, I know better than that!”
“Then, sure. Oui. The kitchen table should be available.”
“You got that antique deck on you?”
“Of course.”
Jim slapped him on the back and said, “Let’s go!”
Chapter 33
Hidden by brush, Ethan sat in wait for his chance to slip into Gregor’s estate. They seemed to be taking their time in getting ready to leave for the tournament. As he watched, Gregor lifted another drink to his mouth, taking a long draw from it. His hand shook, and a little liquid spilled from the glass.
“We’re prepared to go when you are,” Hans said.
Clarence had described him as bald and muscled, with an air of intimidation and cruelty. Looking him over, Ethan thought he fit the bill.
“Everything is in place?”
“Yes.”
Just get the fuck out, so I can get in there!
“I’ll have one more scotch, and then we’ll head out.”
He’s scared of Remi... that he’s gonna lose. Why the hell does he care about a stupid card game? Look at this place! It’s gotta cost a fortune to run it!
“I can’t lose, Hans.”
“You won’t, and like I told you, the basement is ready for him.”
Gregor chuckled and said, “I’m sure you have. I’ll bet your mind’s reeling with everything you can do to him, since he’s a supe.”
“As a vampire, he can withstand so much more of my attention than a human. I can… experiment.”
“And we can have Sophie sweep his ashes up once he’s dead.”
“No swamp run.”
“Gator bait, he won’t be. Did you get rid of the ones from the other night? That one little missy was so tasty, wasn’t she?”
“I enjoyed her tears as much as her blood.”
If that ain’t a confession, I don’t know what is.
Gregor got up, went to the bottle across the room, and poured his glass full to the brim.
All that bravado, but inside, you’re shaking like a leaf. Remi’s gonna see straight through you. He’s gonna wipe the floor with you, asshole.
Withdrawing his phone from his pocket, he texted a group message to Clarence and Jana.
Hans talked about taking dead bodies to the swamp. They’re getting ready to go to the game. Be aware that Gregor is scared, making him dangerous. They’re planning on bringing Remi back after the match. Killing him. No sign of Sophie. He mentioned her name, so she has to be here. I’m going in after they leave.
A few moments later, he received a reply.
We’re a
t Luc’s on stakeout. When Gregor gets here with his entourage, we’ll make our move. No one is taking Remi or anyone else after tonight. We’re taking them down.
Stuffing his phone back into his pocket, Ethan shook his head, as Gregor knocked back not one but three more, emptying the bottle.
I don’t know why he’s drinking that much. It ain’t like he can get drunk. Just stalling, the coward.
A while later, Hans came back into the office and said, “Thirty minutes until your game begins. We need to leave. I’ve arranged for some relaxation for you in the car on the way.”
Kenny G’s sax ain’t gonna calm this guy down. Time to ante up, fucker.
Chapter 34
Luc popped his head inside the kitchen door.
“Remi, it’s time.”
“Well, you’ve kicked my ass six ways to Sunday,” Jim said with a chuckle. “I reckon you’re ready to take on someone with more skill than I’ve got.”
“He doesn’t have talent. He has a lucky charm.”
“I don’t mess with magic or voodoo.” He made the sign of the cross over himself. “If I can’t cut it on my own, then, it either ain’t for me, or I need to work harder to get better.”
“Oui.” Remi nodded and said, “Are you gonna stay for the game, Jim?”
“You couldn’t pay me to miss it! I’ll be on the front row, trying to learn.”
“Come on. I’ll get you some of the Bellerive reserve liquor.”
They made their way to the cardroom. It was packed, and the air crackled with excitement.
“I’ll stand in the back, Remi.”
“Non.” He looked around and called out, “Henri! Another chair, s’il vous plait!” He pointed to a spot that would still have a good view of the table. “Here.”
After Jim was seated, Luc addressed the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re thrilled that you’ve come tonight, but we must make space for the other player and his party. I need at least half of you to go to the library, billiard, or media room, please, where the game will be streamed live on a big screen. You’ll find ample and comfortable seating, with table service for drinks.”
At Luc’s statement, people murmured to each other in whispers.
“It’s hot in here.”
“The air is stifling.”
“I can’t stand in these heels much longer, honey.”
Seated at the table, ignoring them all, Remi focused his attention to a pinpoint, using his deck. Flopping one card after the other onto the table, he counted them, picturing the different ways they could fall for him once the game began. But that was the smallest part of poker. To him, the real contests were in the mind. He was an expert at that and planned on using his entire arsenal on his opponent.
“Paulette,” Remi said, jerking his head towards the bar. “Would you get it for me?”
“Of course.” She hurried off, as the room began to empty. When she returned, she set the black tumbler on the table and patted his shoulder. “Michelle has met someone. It seems destiny has hit twice!”
“What? Are you serious? That was quick!”
“Oui! She met the man she was born to be with. I just know it!”
“Tell me about him. What do you know?”
Paulette took the next few minutes to explain to Remi what happened the last time she went out with Michelle, including the Legendary Hunger which she had stumbled upon as she’d researched the insatiable Thirst affecting him.
“Ethan? From The Directive?”
“That’s the one.”
“He was at my place earlier, sniffing the boxes of her things I’d packed, and then he asked who they belonged to. He seems like a good guy, but are we sure she’ll be happy with him?”
“Oui, very much so. You don’t need to worry any longer.” She looked around. “Where is your opponent?”
Thinking of the call he’d received, Remi glanced at the clock on the wall and sneered, “Where the fuck could the coward be?”
“I don’t know, but he’s allowed a 15-minute delay before his entrance fee is forfeited.” She laughed and wiggled her eyebrows, as she took her place at the table. “But don’t get any big ideas about what you’re going to do with all that money. You split it with the house, half and half.”
Remi snorted and took a long drink, and then Luc wandered over and pulled his wife to him for a kiss.
When they parted, he said, “I love you, Paulette.”
Placing her hand on his chest, she said, “What was that for? I know you do.”
“All of this... the Thirst. If it comes for me, I won’t leave your side. I’d refuse.”
“How can you worry about that? We’ve been married for over 50 years. Why would the universe choose to split us up?”
“I doubt it will, but regardless.... If you had thought of it—the chance of it, as I have—I want you to know... I won’t continue on this earth without you at my side, no matter the consequences. Nothing will take you from me. I’ll walk into the sun before that happens.”
“With me holding your hand to greet the day.”
Watching them, Remi hoped that he would have the same passion with Sophie.
“He’s here!” someone called out. “TripleAce!”
Chapter 35
The driver navigated the SUV around the corner, onto the street where the tournament would be held. It was lined with cars, with no open parking spaces.
Hans took Sophie by the back of her head, yanking her to sit beside him, and said, “We’re here, Gregor.”
Gregor zipped his pants and then squinted his eyes, looking the grounds over.
“This is the home of the fabled Luc Bellerive?”
“Yes.”
“Its size and beauty are nothing, compared to mine. It’s old, antiquated.”
“Where yours has been restored to a glamourous estate.”
“I’ve already won against them, Hans.”
“As I told you.”
Gregor rapped his knuckles on the roof, and the chauffeur came to the back and opened his door.
Remi’s words rang through his mind, angering him.
“You’re afraid of me. I’m more man than you in every way. I’ve got more skill in my little finger than you have in your entire body. Why else would you have to rely on something outside of yourself to perform well?”
Gregor glanced at Sophie, kneeling on the floor with glistening lips.
“Leave her here. I’m playing on my own.”
“Despite her teaching, I don’t think it would be wise for her first trip outside of the estate to be without my guidance. We’ll find a place to park a few blocks over and wait for your call.”
“I won’t be making one.”
“I’m sure, but just in case.”
Stepping out of the vehicle, as Hans issued another order to Sophie, Gregor centered his belt buckle and walked with determined steps to the open gate of the property. As he looked around, he didn’t see any obvious security personnel like he employed.
Maybe they’re hidden away.
Looking over his shoulder, he saw Vance, his driver, following close on his heels. The glint of the steel of his gun at his waist shone when the light of the streetlamps fell on it.
“Make way!” Vance called out to the people waiting to enter the house. “He’s playing in the tournament! In the final game!”
“It’s TripleAce!” a man said, and Gregor’s chest puffed out at the recognition.
“Never heard of him,” another said. “Who?”
“You might know who he is, the way Remi calls him TripleFake.”
“No, it’s TripleFraud.”
“Yeah, he uses that, too, but mainly, it’s TripleFarce.”
“Aahh… yes, that’s it.”
“Hope you’re ready to meet the best motherfucking poker player on the planet!”
“Got your good luck charm? Remi posted on the site about your phone call to him. Hope you brought it, ‘cause you’re gonna need it!”
Gregor shouted, “I don’t need one! I’m going to take him down!”
Snickers met his outburst, and Vance nudged him forward.
“Don’t let them get to you.”
As they approached the house, the butler met them at the door.
“Bonne nuit. Welcome to Chez Bellerive. My name is Henri. Do you have anything to check?”
“Yes, Remi Bellerive’s ego,” Gregor replied. “Where is he?”
Henri gestured to the rear of the home and gave his attention to the next person in line, as Gregor and Vance squeezed their way through the throng.
“I need a drink,” he said to Vance, who kept shuttling him forward.
“Do I have permission to speak to you freely?” Gregor nodded. “Listen. You need to get your dick straight and ready to fuck this guy over,” Vance said, his agitation growing. “All the work we did, and you don’t even bring her inside! I risked my job, my pension, because I believe in you! Get it together!”
Seeing that the entrance was ahead, Gregor stopped to steady his nerves in a futile attempt to get rid of his anxiety. He itched to call Hans and tell him to bring Sophie to sit behind him.
“You don’t even have balls big enough to share your name publicly. Should I take a picture of mine and send it to you, so you can see how yours measure up?”
“Mine are huge!” he hollered, thinking back to when they were drained only minutes before and the way Sophie had looked up at him as she did it.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Vance asked.
“Nothing. I’m ready.”
“Good, ‘cause we’re here.”
Turning to step into the room, Gregor stopped in his tracks at the sight of the man at the table. Remi’s picture was on the website, but seeing him in person was an entirely different thing.
Remi was sitting in a chair, his legs splayed wide, leaning back, displaying his broad chest. He combed his fingers through his shiny hair, leaving nothing to hide his eyes. He laughed, smirking at something the man at his back said. Confidence exuded from him like a wall around him.
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