Clay wasn’t surprised. Harris and Big Bill were of the same ilk, both on the take from every gin palace, brothel and saloon in the Tenderloin. Clay pressed his shoe deep in the carpet, which squished from all the liquid on the floor. “I honestly didn’t think he was this stupid.”

“Yes, well. Bill’s never been known for intellect. Thinks he has you cornered and can get more.”

They both knew Bill was wrong. “The question is, what do we do first? Share the evidence of his mistress with his wife or call in the note on the Brooklyn townhouse?”

“I vote mistress,” Annabelle said, a gleam in her eyes. “His wife will make his life an ever-loving hell.”

“Done. See that it happens, Jack, will you?”

“With pleasure. Shall we get a team of maids in here?”

Clay pointed at the mess. “Have the boys carry out the broken glass and wood first. Carpets will need to be replaced.”

Jack nodded but studied Clay carefully. “Hmm. I thought you’d be angrier about all this.”

“I am angry.”

“Are you? I’ve seen you angry and this seems quite different. Or perhaps next door with Miss Greene—”

“Stop. Do not finish that sentence.” Both Jack and Annabelle broke out into laughter, and Clay ground his teeth together. “Don’t you both have better things to do than stand around and irritate me?”

Jack held up his hands and turned to Annabelle. “I’ll leave him to you, Anna, while I try to get the club cleaned up.”

“No need for you to stay, either,” Clay told her.

“Nonsense,” she said. “You clearly need my help.”

“Do I?” He leaned down to pick up two large pieces of broken glass and set them on the bar. “Watch your feet.”

She bent to carefully retrieve a broken bottle. “So you and Miss Greene.”

He didn’t say anything. Replying merely encouraged Anna’s meddling.

“I know something happened in that tiny room tonight. You may deny it all you want.”

“Perhaps it’s none of your business. And why did you put us in there to begin with?”

“Because the police would never find that room should they come to search the brothel. And you’re welcome.” She placed another bottle on the bar. “Admit it, you both liked the show.”

Florence had certainly appreciated it, but Clay didn’t tell Anna that. “It was highly inappropriate.”

“I figure any woman who hires you for mentoring lessons can take watching a little slap and tickle. And you do seem . . . relaxed. I think I like this woman even more.”

“Me, too.” Unfortunately.

“I’m glad to hear you say it. Jack did mention that your plans for the East Seventy-Ninth Street casino are moving forward. I assume you’re putting off such plans for Miss Greene’s benefit, considering they involve tearing down her grandmother’s home.”