048

SCOTT

Like any other week after a week in LA, I was busy as hell, catching up on everything going on, all the work we had in Fresno, planning for the upcoming week away from home. This week seemed worse than usual. I was usually dragging myself home at least a half hour later than usual. I figured it was going to be end of July, beginning of August before I'd finally finish Thornhill's house and could quit making the weekly trek. I received a call from Bill himself on Wednesday.

"A problem with the house, Bill?" I asked.

"Not at all. I had a favor to ask."

"Can't promise anything, but I'm willing to listen."

"What are the chances I can get in the poker game on Friday?"

"I think they'd be reasonably good. Do you play?"

"Rich billionaire, lots of money to burn, a keen understanding of human psychology. What do you think?"

"I'm thinking we might have trouble winning a pot."

He laughed. "Maybe I'll let you win a couple just to keep it interesting."

"Regina is pretty good too. Made a regio