“I wasn’t cheating,” she ground out.

“Sirs,” Mamie said as she stepped forward. Logical, reasonable Mamie, ready to save Florence from another disaster. Even as Florence appreciated it, she resented the need for rescuing all the same. “Let’s remain calm. My sister is quite accomplished at cards. I have never seen her cheat, not once.”

“Just because no one notices don’t mean it ain’t happening,” Donnelly said. “I’ve never known a woman to win that much from Biddle, even one as fancy as you.”

“Well, you’ve never met anyone like my sister.” Mamie sounded almost proud. “She’s been tutored by—”

“Mamie, no!” Florence said, but it was too late.

“Mr. Clayton Madden,” her sister finished.

Donnelly’s jaw fell as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Wait, this little blonde thing right here has been tutored by Clayton Madden? The Clayton Madden? Of the Bronze House?”

Florence closed her eyes. The last thing she wanted was to drag Clay into this mess. It was mortifying enough that she’d been accused of cheating. To have Clay witness this humiliation would multiply her misery tenfold.

“Yes, that same Clayton Madden. Tell them, Florence.” Mamie elbowed Florence in the ribs.

“She’s mistaken,” Florence told Donnelly. “Clayton Madden doesn’t know me.”

“Why are you lying?” Mamie asked. “You told me that the other night he agreed—”

Donnelly held up his hand to the sisters and addressed his guard. “Send a note over. Let’s see if this story holds water.”

“That’s not necessary,” Florence told them.

“Oh, I think it is,” Donnelly said. “It’ll prove if you’re a liar as well as a cheater. Have a seat, ladies. You’re going to be here awhile.”

Chapter Seven

The wait was unbearable. Florence and Mamie sat in Donnelly’s office, silent, speaking only with their eyes, as Donnelly counted money at his desk. Mamie was apologetic for evoking Clayton Madden’s name and Florence let her know she wasn’t upset. The wheels had already been set in motion and now they had to see how the night played out. Florence apologized for leading them here in the first place and Mamie waved that away. It was amazing how much the two sisters could say to one another without words.

Florence wanted to die from embarrassment. Clay would admonish Florence for being careless. She should’ve paid more attention to the dealer, keeping her winnings reasonable so as not to attract notice. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Finally, after what felt like years, the door opened. Jack walked in, a derby held tight in his fist. She blew out the breath she’d been holding. At least it wasn’t Clay who’d arrived.

Jack’s gaze swept the room until it landed on Florence. When he saw her, his shoulders relaxed just before he gave her a quick nod. Had he been worried about her?