“Not in the least. I’ve got him locked down.”

Anna absorbed this information then slid off the crate. “I’m glad to hear it. I don’t need to remind you what my investment in this place means to me. It’s my chance at a retirement, at living in some nice house upstate, away from the filth and disease in this city.”

“I am perfectly aware, and I won’t fail you or any of the other investors.”

Her expression instantly softened. “I didn’t mean it that way. You’re more than an investment to me. You’re my friend. And I can’t be worried about you, too, in addition to the other multitude of worries in my day.”

He tossed the cloth to the ground. “You don’t need to worry. I have everything under control here.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

He flicked a glance at her before lining up for another swing. “What does that mean?”

“It means you never come down here unless you’re upset or bothered.”

“That’s not true,” he lied. Yes, this was one of the outlets he used to let off steam. These days, without a regular woman, it was either hitting baseballs or boxing. “And how would you know? You’re hardly here.”

“You are not the only one who gathers information, Clay.”

“In this case, your information is wrong.”

He continued his series of punches and hooks. When he finally stopped and turned, she raised an eyebrow.

“Does this have anything to do with your missing uptown debutante?”

“Fuck no. And she’s not missing.”

“What was it Shakespeare said about protesting too much?”

“I never read Hamlet,” he snapped, “and whatever he said was wrong.”

“Then how did you know the reference was from Hamlet?”

Growling, he faced the bag once more. “Aren’t there men next door, customers who need coddling?”

“They can wait. I’m too busy coddling a man over here.”

“I do not need coddling. Leave me alone. You’re as bad as Jack.”

She shook her head and started for the door. “I hope Miss Greene returns soon, for all our sakes.”

“No doubt your spies will inform you the instant she reappears.”

“No doubt. Of course, there is the possibility that she won’t. Jack said she left in quite a state.”

Clay’s chest squeezed, unwanted emotions burning at the idea that he might never see her again. It was an absurd reaction. He didn’t care whether she returned. There were more important things to concern himself with, like expanding his business. Getting revenge on Duncan Greene. Ensuring Big Bill fell in line. Discovering why the casino had experienced a flurry of cheaters in the past two weeks.

So, yes. He had far more pressing concerns than Florence Greene.

He forced himself to relax his shoulders. “Unless she’s changed her mind about opening a casino, she’ll be back.”