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it was there, but a part of her didn’t want to let him go. “You should see the other rooms,” she said while taking a look around. “They’re so full, it’s a wonder this thing stays afloat. All the big games are in here for now, though.”
    â€œThat’ll change later tonight. The big money has a way of seeking out the smaller rooms.”
    â€œSounds like a man with plenty of experience.”
    Clint shrugged and gave up on trying to feel comfortable inside the expensive suit. Even though the clothes had been freshly cleaned and were waiting to be picked up by their owner, Clint couldn’t help but feel like he wanted to crawl out of them and get back into his old jeans. “You didn’t happen to hear about some little fellow running around with a knife, did you?”
    Mia furrowed her brow and replied, “No. Why do you ask?”
    â€œAnother long story. Since I didn’t come here to tell stories,” Clint said as he rubbed his hands together anxiously, “I might as well get down to business.”
    Before Clint could take two steps, he was stopped by a large man who stepped in front of him like a massive door being swung shut in Clint’s face. The big man was built like a fort, but dressed better than most everyone else in the room. In fact, his suit looked suspiciously similar to the one Clint was wearing.
    â€œYou can’t go in there like that,” the big man snarled.
    â€œIt’s all right,” Clint said. “I have an invitation.”
    But the big man didn’t move. “No guns allowed.”
    â€œThere wasn’t a problem before.”
    â€œThat was before. This is now.”
    Mia shrugged and said, “They came through while you were away and took everyone’s guns. With this many card games going on, it only makes sense.”
    Normally, Clint wouldn’t have a problem leaving his gun behind. In fact, he could see the logic behind the request very easily. Considering he’d just been attacked not too long ago on this very boat, handing over his weapon wasn’t such an easy thing for Clint to do. But the big man obviously wasn’t going to make an exception for him, so Clint unbuckled his gun belt and handed it over.
    The big man took the weapon, draped the belt over his arm and handed Clint a slip of paper with a number on it. “You can claim it whenever you leave, but there won’t be any more guns allowed in any card room.”
    â€œWhat about knives?” Clint asked. “Have you had any problems with knives being swung around here?”
    The man didn’t even flinch when he heard the question. He simply replied, “No knives allowed, either. If you have one, you should hand it over.”
    â€œWhat if things get out of line?” Clint asked. “Some gamblers do tend to cheat, you know.”
    The big man smirked and moved an arm to reveal the double-rig shoulder holster strapped beneath his jacket. “Anyone that steps out of line will be real sorry.”
    â€œI guess that’ll have to do,” Clint said.
    Once he had what he was after, the big man stepped aside and let Clint pass. Mia fell into step beside Clint and took his arm.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with you?” she whispered. “Did something happen that I should know about?”
    But Clint’s eyes were already roaming over the room full of poker tables. As he looked for any trace of the man who’d had the knife, he found himself also studying the gamblers. With so many people there and so many more on the boat, Clint knew that looking for the man with the knife was like searching for a needle in a very big haystack.
    â€œI’m just anxious to get into a game,” he said to Mia. “Do you have any suggestions on where I should start?”
    She smiled and nodded toward her own table. “I’ve been saving you a seat.”
    â€œGreat. Why don’t you let everyone know