Page 22 of Dangerous Pursuit

“Did you enjoy the break?” The question comes from Eli, whom I met earlier, and is directed toward Jackson, so they must know each other.

Jackson looks at him and scowls.

“How about you, Mia? This guy didn’t harass you too much, I hope,” Eli addresses me, nodding in Jackson’s direction.

“Eli,” Jackson says, sounding like a threat.

“Relax, I’m just trying to rile you up. It’s good for my game, and you’re making it way too easy, man.”

The others at the table chuckle, but Jackson just mutters something that sounds a lot like “motherfucker.”

“So, Mia, do you come to these games often?” Eli asks nonchalantly while someone else is taking time to consider their bet.

“Every now and then. I took a break for a while with my new job, but I figure I can still pick up a game here and there in the evenings. How about you?” I ask in return, noticing how Jackson’s jaw ticks as he follows our conversation.

“A couple times a month for fun.” Eli shrugs. “How do you like working for this guy? You had some big shoes to fill with Cindy. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy.”

They must be good friends then.

“Cindy planned for an easy transition that I’d say has gone well. Wouldn’t you agree, Jackson?”

He nods.

“As far as working for him goes…” Do I screw with Jackson or give a real answer? I’m not sure if there’s anyone who Jackson wouldn’t want to see his employee give him shit, so I think I’ll play it safe and go with the truth. “He runs the company incredibly well, which makes my job easy. He’s so organized that sometimes I wonder if he actually needs me, but I’m glad he thinks so because I’m learning a lot.”

Jackson’s gaze is unreadable but intense, and the ability to look away escapes me.

“Well, whether he needs you or not, it looks like he’s lucky to have you,” Eli says finally, breaking the moment.

“I am lucky to have her,” Jackson says, surprising me before focusing back on the game.

Our conversation ceases after that, and Eli busts a few hands later. He stands from the table, says his goodbyes, and comes around to shake my hand. “Mia, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we see each other again.” Then he looks at a scowling Jackson and chuckles. “I’m headed to the club. Join me if you end up going out soon.”

“You won’t be seeing me even if I do.”

“Ah… well, then, good luck. I’ll look forward to catching up tomorrow,” Eli says cryptically.

“Don’t,” Jackson states angrily, making Eli laugh harder as he walks away.

“I take it you two are good friends?” I ask Jackson casually as the cards are dealt for the next hand.

“We’re friends. I’m questioning the ‘good’ part.”

“I’m just surprised you have any,” I say, jumping right back into our enmity and earning a few chuckles and curious glances from the other players.

“I’m surprised you can talk and play cards simultaneously. That’s impressive for someone your age,” he says with a straight face.Jerk.

“You’d be amazed what someone my age is capable of.”

We stay silent for the rest of this round and then break for ten minutes before consolidating to one table. This time, I don’t leave the main room, preventing another encounter alone with Jackson. Jumping between animosity, lust, and niceness is throwing me off-kilter, and there’s no telling what will come next. So, instead, I choose to stand back and study the remaining nine opponents.

My cards have been decent, though nothing to write home about like the hands Jackson’s lucked out with. You don’t need to be a great player with the cards he’s getting tonight. I, on the other hand, have worked hard for my wins. I’ve had no-brainer hands a few times, which allowed me to control the table, but otherwise, it’s been more about bluffing and strategy. Jackson can spout off about my age all he wants, but it certainly helps at live games since no one expects what’s coming.

By this time in the game, though, people start to think they have everyone figured out, which is right when I switch it up, going in for the kill. Two guys are trying to bully the table, but we’ll see how they do when the role’s reversed. My chip count is high enough to make bold moves and press harder, and that’s what I plan to do. If it doesn’t work, I have other things up my sleeve to keep them guessing.

Poker is not just the cards dealt, but strategy—which I learned from my dad. You can memorize all the probabilities for the different hands and still not know how to win. It certainly helps to understand the odds of your hand, but it’s not the most crucial factor. Other players’ tells, betting habits, and tactics are what it comes down to. And then, of course, there’s the name ofthe game. If you’re not willing to gamble, then you won’t win in the end.

Tonight, the top five players will walk away with money. For me, fifth place isn’t an option, as it’s only double the buy-in, and after playing for six or more hours, it’s not worth it. A third- or fourth-place finish means I’ll be indebted for a lot longer than I want, so I need to finish in first or second place if I want my freedom any time soon.

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