21

Cabressa glares at me, his eyes blazing. His whole body is trembling with anger.

He points at me, his finger stabbing towards my face. ‘What the hell have you done with it? Where is the knight?’

I consider lying, but when you’re in an unfamiliar city and the king mobster of that city has you as their guest in a high-stakes poker game, I think it’s better to tell the truth. ‘It must still be where I was storing the set.’

Cabressa puts his hands together in his lap. His voice is unnervingly calm. ‘How?’

This is the moment when I lie. It’s a matter of self-preservation and keeping my cover story intact. ‘I was keeping the pieces in a safe place – away from prying eyes. I must have missed the knight when I was packing them into the box to bring them here. It’s not a problem, I can—’

‘Get the knight here, now.’

I frown. ‘You want me to go and—’

‘You aren’t going anywhere, Miss Anderson. I trust you have an associate who can fetch you the piece? I’m told you’re not without friends in this city. Get one of them to bring the piece here. Your security man can meet them in the lobby downstairs and bring the knight here to the penthouse.’

My associate? Friends in the city? I’m struggling to think on who Cabressa means. Has he figured out I’m working with the FBI? Does he mean Monroe?

Cabressa taps his gold watch. Glowers at me. ‘Miss Anderson, the clock is ticking.’

I look from Cabressa to Carmella. Carmella’s expression is blank, as if she hasn’t heard a word that’s been said. Mikey, Anton and Carl are watching us with the rapt attention of the blood-thirsty crowd at a gladiator match. Johnny’s barely conscious, slumped in the seat at the other end of the table. Otis looks concerned, but as I catch his eye, he looks away fast.

There’s no help for me inside this room, but that’s okay, I know how to handle myself. I meet Cabressa’s gaze. Keep my voice strong and calm, and say, ‘I need to step outside and make a call.’