“You can’t do that,” Bill sputtered. “I am the second-in-command. You cannot take me down. Every copper in the city’ll have it out for you.”

One of the Giants hit a single up the middle and the crowd roared its approval. Clay cracked another shell and popped the raw peanut into his mouth. Maybe he’d get some popcorn next.

“Did you hear what I said?” Bill shifted in his seat. “If you try to hurt me, you won’t get away with it.”

“Maybe, maybe not. However, I’m not the only one with enemies in this town. I don’t think many would shed a tear over your downfall.”

“Speaking of enemies, I wonder what Duncan Greene would think about what you’ve been doing with his daughter.”

Clay froze, though he tried not to give any outward reaction. How had Bill learned of Florence’s visits to the Bronze House? “You’re mistaken. I’ve had no contact with any of Greene’s daughters.”

“You’re a bad liar, Madden. Word’s already gotten around about you and the middle daughter. Your staff has been talking.”

Not a chance in hell. The staff was unfailingly loyal. He would bet his life that Bill had bribed someone to watch the door to see who went in and out of the club, the prick. Besides, Florence was never returning to the Bronze House. “You’re going to look like a clown if you try to sell Greene on that story.”

“We’ll see about that.” Bill hefted his large frame out of the chair. “Call off the bank . . . or I’ll pay a visit to Duncan Greene myself.”

Clay tossed an empty peanut shell on the ground. “Good luck with the move.”

“Fuck you,” Bill growled and stomped up the stands.

Ten minutes later, Jack slid into the seat next to Clay. “How’d it go?”

Clay handed over the half-eaten bag of nuts. “As expected.”

Jack chuckled and reached in the bag for a handful of peanuts. “That must’ve been fun.”

“He knows about Florence. Visiting the club, I mean. Threatened to tell Greene.”

“Jesus. Think he’ll follow through?”

Bill may have insinuated something between Florence and Clay but he didn’t have proof. Still, no one ever said Bill was smart. “Hard to say.” The crowd cheered as a third strike ended the inning. Clay put two fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly. When the stadium quieted, he said, “Doesn’t matter. Florence isn’t coming back to the Bronze House. Any talk is speculation. There’s no evidence she’s ever been inside.”

“True. Even if he’s having the place watched, the witness could’ve been mistaken.”

“Exactly. I told him he was cracked.”

“It’s sweet that you’re still trying to protect her.”

Clay grunted but didn’t deny it. He crushed another shell. “Didn’t we talk about romanticizing this?”