Volkov gazed at it with more longing than Lara had ever seen him express toward any human being. His eyes flicked up to Tanner. “How much do you want for it?”

“It’s not for sale.”

“Everything’s for sale, Tanner. It’s just a matter of price.”

“That’s almost true. And I am a little short right now. So maybe I’ll give you a chance to win it from me. We’ll play here. Right now.”

Volkov’s eyes went back to that photo on Tanner’s phone. “It’s stunning.”

“It can be yours by the end of the evening.”

Volkov stared at the photo for a moment longer. “Where did you find it?”

“Alberta, Canada.”

“Part of the Duffer collection…I’m familiar with it. It’s in remarkable condition. The Duffers had no interest in parting with it…They won’t even return my phone calls or emails anymore.”

“Like I said, it’s a matter of psychology.” Tanner put away his phone. “Are we doing this or not?”

He was still hesitating. “What’s your game?”

“Today I’m in the mood for poker.”

“Five-card stud?”

“I’m thinking Pai Gow. At that table right over there.”

Volkov turned toward a red-felt-topped table in the center of the room. An elderly Asian woman was dealing cards to four male players. “I’d have to move those customers.”

“Do it. We’ll wait. Oh, and Volkov…”

Volkov turned to face him.

“My key, please.”

Volkov tossed the key back to him and walked toward the table.

Lara smiled and spoke quietly. “When did you have time to track down that car?”

“It just took a phone call. I have very talented associates.”

“Obviously. But do you realize how good he is at almost every game he plays? He may not be a superstar like Sandrino or you, but everyone says he’s excellent.”

“I know what you told me, and I did some additional research on him. I’m surprised by your lack of faith in me.”

“He’s good, Tanner.”

“So am I.”

She rolled her eyes. “Dammit, I knew you were going to say that. So what’s this game you’re playing?”

“Pai Gow. It’s based on a thousand-year-old game played with Chinese dominoes. It’s been transposed to playing cards with many of the rules of poker.”

“And how good are you at this?”

He shrugged. “I’ve played a few times.”

“A few times?”

“But I’ve played poker all my life. In Pai Gow, each player is dealt seven cards. From that, the object is to create two poker hands: a five-card poker hand and a two-card poker hand. The object is to beat the dealer, who will have two hands of his own.”

“And Volkov is the dealer.” She moistened her lips. “Watch him carefully. He’s not only a skillful player but an even better cheater.”

“Stop trying to take care of me. Trust me, I know who I’m dealing with.”

Of course he did. She looked at him for a long moment. Tanner was clearly in his element here, engaged and totally in the hunt. “What’s your endgame?”