Luc popped his head inside the kitchen door.

“Remi, it’s time.”

“Well, you’ve kicked my ass six ways to Sunday,” Jim said with a chuckle. “I reckon you’re ready to take on someone with more skill than I’ve got.”

“He doesn’t have talent. He has a lucky charm.”

“I don’t mess with magic or voodoo.” He made the sign of the cross over himself. “If I can’t cut it on my own, then, it either ain’t for me, or I need to work harder to get better.”

“Oui.” Remi nodded and said, “Are you gonna stay for the game, Jim?”

“You couldn’t pay me to miss it! I’ll be on the front row, trying to learn.”

“Come on. I’ll get you some of the Bellerive reserve liquor.”

They made their way to the cardroom. It was packed, and the air crackled with excitement.

“I’ll stand in the back, Remi.”

“Non.” He looked around and called out, “Henri! Another chair, s’il vous plait!” He pointed to a spot that would still have a good view of the table. “Here.”

After Jim was seated, Luc addressed the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re thrilled that you’ve come tonight, but we must make space for the other player and his party. I need at least half of you to go to the library, billiard, or media room, please, where the game will be streamed live on a big screen. You’ll find ample and comfortable seating, with table service for drinks.”

At Luc’s statement, people murmured to each other in whispers.

“It’s hot in here.”

“The air is stifling.”

“I can’t stand in these heels much longer, honey.”

Seated at the table, ignoring them all, Remi focused his attention to a pinpoint, using his deck. Flopping one card after the other onto the table, he counted them, picturing the different ways they could fall for him once the game began. But that was the smallest part of poker. To him, the real contests were in the mind. He was an expert at that and planned on using his entire arsenal on his opponent.

“Paulette,” Remi said, jerking his head towards the bar. “Would you get it for me?”

“Of course.” She hurried off, as the room began to empty. When she returned, she set the black tumbler on the table and patted his shoulder. “Michelle has met someone. It seems destiny has hit twice!”

“What? Are you serious? That was quick!”

“Oui! She met the man she was born to be with. I just know it!”

“Tell me about him. What do you know?”

Paulette took the next few minutes to explain to Remi what happened the last time she went out with Michelle, including the Legendary Hunger which she had stumbled upon as she’d researched the insatiable Thirst affecting him.

“Ethan? From The Directive?”

“That’s the one.”

“He was at my place earlier, sniffing the boxes of her things I’d packed, and then he asked who they belonged to. He seems like a good guy, but are we sure she’ll be happy with him?”

“Oui, very much so. You don’t need to worry any longer.” She looked around. “Where is your opponent?”

Thinking of the call he’d received, Remi glanced at the clock on the wall and sneered, “Where the fuck could the coward be?”

“I don’t know, but he’s allowed a 15-minute delay before his entrance fee is forfeited.” She laughed and wiggled her eyebrows, as she took her place at the table. “But don’t get any big ideas about what you’re going to do with all that money. You split it with the house, half and half.”

Remi snorted and took a long drink, and then Luc wandered over and pulled his wife to him for a kiss.

When they parted, he said, “I love you, Paulette.”

Placing her hand on his chest, she said, “What was that for? I know you do.”

“All of this... the Thirst. If it comes for me, I won’t leave your side. I’d refuse.”

“How can you worry about that? We’ve been married for over 50 years. Why would the universe choose to split us up?”

“I doubt it will, but regardless.... If you had thought of it—the chance of it, as I have—I want you to know... I won’t continue on this earth without you at my side, no matter the consequences. Nothing will take you from me. I’ll walk into the sun before that happens.”

“With me holding your hand to greet the day.”

Watching them, Remi hoped that he would have the same passion with Sophie.

“He’s here!” someone called out. “TripleAce!”