"Thanks," he said. "Yeah, I'd rather know. I will have to figure out a way to deal with this. I appreciate that you aren't one of the ones who is jumping off the ship."
"Oh, I can spot a cheater," Peter said. "I'm not afraid of being taken. I'd tell you if I saw one. He wouldn't stand a chance against the two of us."
"You're a friend," Griffen said. "I've . . . I've got to go."
He paid the two dealers and left the suite, feeling miserable.
He didn't notice Peter grinning ferociously as he gathered his winnings and put them in his wallet. Jordan and the others would be pleased. There were many more ways to undermine an operation than merely depriving it of its clientele.
Thirty-six
Griffen spun Mai around the room to the soft strains of a waltz. The orchestra, nine musicians of ancient years but excellent caliber, nodded and smiled to him as he whisked her past them. It was Thursday. He had two parties that week, both can't-miss invitations. Fox Lisa had campaigned to come to this dance, but so had Mai. In compensation, he promised Fox Lisa the biggest ball of all, the masquerade ball held that Saturday by a superkrewe who wanted as many kings and queens as possible. She had not been pleased to be third choice, and had made it known to everyone in the bar. Griffen had a lot of people's sympathy.
Mai had a few bones to pick with him, as well.
"Why was I not made queen?" she demanded.
"Look, I still don't know more than I told you," Griffen said, utterly tired of the topic. "All I know is what the krewe tells me. Callum Fenway said it was Etienne's choice, and they could vote up or down, that is all. So they voted up."
"On M. Wurmley," Mai said. "I saw the entry in that magazine. You haven't met her yet?"
"No," Griffen said. "I bet she's someone's rich aunt."
"Mmm," said Mai, sounding preoccupied.
"You look beautiful," Griffen said. She was clad in brilliant green. The fabric fell from tiny straps on her shoulders in a smooth flow to her feet, accentuating her figure in the simplest way. He had expected her to wear the red dress she had bought while out with him, but she had informed him she was saving it for the Fafnir ball. Naturally, she had a closetful of eveningwear.
Mai tilted her head. "Very well, I shall drop the subject. It's done now."
"Right. Let's talk about something else."
"Is there any more information about Jesse Lee?"
Griffen almost choked. "Something positive?"
"I do care what happened, you know."
"I know." Griffen sighed. "But Harrison hasn't told me a thing. He's coming up empty. I put out word among my watchers and some people I met at the conclave. No one seems to have seen anything, or they are too scared to come forward."
"I see." Mai tapped her fingers pensively on Griffen's shoulder.
Her own investigation, asking questions among her spies in the Quarter, had come up with no other information on the murder. Jesse Lee would likely never be avenged. That irritated and frustrated her. She wanted badly to connect Jordan Ma to the killing. If she could do that, she could prevail upon the elders to remove him. Perhaps permanently.
"Wait, there's someone I want to talk to," Griffen said. Mai glanced in the direction he was looking. A tall man with a potbelly stood beside a woman in a yellow dress, about a size sixteen, she estimated. They wore eye masks.
They swung to a halt next to the couple just as the music ended.
"Hello, Eric," he said.
"Griffen McCandles?" the masked man said, startled. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"No?" Griffen asked.
"Because you're so busy," the lady in the matching mask on his arm put in hastily.
"Yes, right," Eric said. "That's what I meant."
"I'm king of the Krewe of Fafnir," he said.
"Yes, I saw. Congratulations. We're in the court here."
"Congratulations to you. This is Mai."
"As in Mai Goodness? Pleased to meet you, lovely lady," Eric said. "My wife, Gloria."
"That's a beautiful dress," Gloria said.
The tiny woman preened. "Caroline Herrera," she said, turning slightly to show off a better angle.
"Well, it looks wonderful on you," the woman said. "Not everyone can carry off a silhouette like that."
"I am fortunate. Your dress becomes you, too. Is that Armani?"
"Yes! What a good eye you have, dear."
"So, doing the rounds, are you?" Eric sounded nervous. Griffen put on a polite and disarming smile. Eric was a Louisiana businessman with ties to a number of politicos. Griffen had done his best to strike up a friendly acquaintance with him, making sure games were open when he wanted them, bringing in his favorite liquors and snacks. It would be useful to have an in with the local government. Influence of that kind opened doors. Griffen was beginning to think about his future, beyond running a few poker games.
"Like yourself," Griffen said. "Say, Eric, it's been a while since we've seen you at a game."
"Oh, you know," Eric said. "Pretty busy right now. The season's getting started, and we have a big pile of invitations, but I've got to keep up with business matters, too. Probably the same as you."
"That's true," Griffen began.
The orchestra near the wall struck up a soft jazz tune.
"Let's go and sit down, Gloria," Eric said hastily. "Nice seeing you, Griffen."
Alarmed, Griffen saw his useful connection getting away.
"Eric, I'd just like to talk with you for a moment."
Eric held up his hands. "Maybe later, Griffen. Really. Not now."
Mai put a hand on Eric's arm. "Won't you ask me to dance?" she asked sweetly.
Eric looked at his wife, who nodded. The expression in her eyes was not jealous. Mai was glad. It would make this effort somewhat easier. As they moved away, Griffen bowed to Gloria.
They moved off together to the strains of a glorious old standard. Mai allowed Eric to plant a large, heavy hand in the small of her back and press her against his chest. It was his way of guiding her around the floor. It did not leave her a good deal of room to move her legs, but she was nimble enough to keep his feet off of hers.
"Griffen speaks well of you, sir," Mai said, bending gracefully as he twirled her out to arm's length and back into his arms.
"Good guy, Griffen," Eric said absently. He gave her a quick smile. She could read agitation in his expression.
"But something is troubling you."
"It's not his fault, I guess, but I have a reputation to look after in this state. I hear things."
"About Griffen?"
"The games. Been a lot of controversy lately. I ended up talking to a guy in a bar who had been at one of the games and had his whole stake wiped out by someone who turned out to be cheating. Asian like you."
"I probably do not know him," Mai said, coolly.
"No! Not saying you do. But if I'm not wrong, one of these days the cops are gonna raid a game, and I'd get my picture in the paper. All I want to do is play some poker. If I want hassles, I can stay home and talk to my wife."
Mai gave him a playful smile. "I see. I know that Griffen would certainly like you to come back. He respects you so much, Eric. You are a man of power."
Nothing loosens up a man's inhibitions like flattery. "If he can clear up the problems, I'd be back there like a shot. Never had such good hospitality. He picks the best players. And I win a lot." He smiled, some of the nervousness abated. Mai smiled back. They finished the dance, and Mai curtsied prettily to him. She came to squeeze Gloria's hand.