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?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’d forgotten I even mentioned antique cars were one of his passions. You wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble to track down that car if you didn’t have a plan how to use it.”

“Of course not. Passions are important, but it’s just the lure. That car means a lot to him, but it still isn’t enough for him to give me what I really want. It will, however, bring him into my game.”

“Or you into his.”

“We’ll see, won’t we?”

“So what do you really want from him?”

He turned toward her and raised an eyebrow. “You helped me make out the list. It hasn’t changed. Can’t you guess?”

“Not at the moment.”

He smiled mischievously. “Then I guess you’ll find out the same time he does.”

“Tell me.”