Chapter 7: Rule Nine

"This room is closed," the inspector said again. "Everyone out."

Nobody stood up.

Pearl folded her hands over her case and gave him the smile she used on drunks.

I rose slowly from my chair.

"What's your name, sir?" I asked.

"That's not relevant."

"It is if I'm filing a complaint about you."

His eyebrows went up.

"Rule Nine of the Nevada gaming code," I said, "prohibits Omegas from public high-limit tables. The word public appears in the opening line."

"You're not a lawyer."

"I'm a woman who has read that rule on every flight to every casino for six years. I'll quote the rest if you like."

He shifted the clipboard to his other arm.

"This is a Halcyon back room," Rafe said from beside Pearl's chair.

"A private invitational game.

"Every seat was invited in writing.

"The list is on my desk."

"A casino can't classify a room as private to avoid the ban."

"Subsection C," I said.

"A private game is one with a closed guest list, no house rake and no public wagering.

"Mr. Zielinski's room has all three."

The inspector looked at Rafe.

Rafe nodded.

"I took no rake," he said. "My name is on the invitation, and hers is next to it."

The man in grey looked around the room.

At the champion, who had gone back to straightening his cuff.

At Pearl, who raised her eyebrows at him.

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