“Bald Jack,” Donnelly said as he crossed the room. “Thank you for coming.”

“Hello, Donnelly. Madden sends his regards.”

Florence cringed at the mention of Clay’s name. He must think her an idiot, even though she’d done nothing wrong.

“What seems to be the problem?” Jack asked as the two men shook hands.

“I caught the blonde cheating at cards. Sister says she’s been tutored by your employer.”

“She did, did she?” Jack cast Florence an enigmatic look. “What makes you think she was cheating?”

“I wasn’t cheating—”

“She was up four hundred on my best dealer. No one wins that much off Biddle.”

“Ah. It’s her skill you’re questioning.”

“Do you expect me to believe this girl could win four hundred dollars? Off Biddle? Even if she had been tutored by Madden, it’s impossible.”

“This is ridiculous,” she said. “I am an excellent card player.”

“She is,” Mamie put in. “I’ve seen her.”

“Madden has taken a shine to the girl,” Jack said. “She’s quite talented.”

“Are you . . . She and Madden?” Donnelly’s face slackened. “Are you pulling my leg?”

“No, I most definitely am not.”

Florence almost spoke up to deny it. After all, she and Clay were teacher and student, not lovers. They would never act on the attraction between them, not if Florence could help it. However, if Donnelly believed her under Clay’s protection then that could aid in her release. Surely Donnelly would not wish to anger Clayton Madden.

Donnelly frowned at Florence as if trying to figure this all out. “He didn’t send her here to steal from Mulligan, did he?”

“Careful,” Jack said, his voice laced with menace. “Think before you go making accusations. You know my employer has only the highest regard for Mulligan.”

Mulligan? Florence had no idea who they were speaking about.

Donnelly pointed at Florence. “Then what’s she doin’ here, counting cards in one of his clubs?”

“There we are, back to your accusations.” Jack folded his arms and rocked back on his heels. “Tell me, have you ever heard of Madden taking someone under his wing, especially a woman?”

“No, definitely not.”

“Correct. He’s not the charitable sort. Now, considering he has agreed to mentor her, does that not say something about the young woman’s skills? Do you honestly think he’d take on someone who wasn’t skilled?”

Donnelly rubbed his stubbled jaw. “Well, no, I suppose he wouldn’t. But I still can’t believe she won four hundred dollars off my best dealer. No woman is that skilled.”

She was tired of them speaking about her as if she wasn’t in the room. “Let me show you. I’ll prove my skill.”

“Good idea. Shall we test it?” Jack gave her a quick wink.

“How?” Donnelly asked.