Al fingered the deck of cards in his hands and studied the man across from him. The strange man’s sudden appearance—and the ease with which he could incapacitate two of his guards—was perturbing, but if the diamond was real, and he suspected that it was, then the evening had just become much more interesting.
“If we are going to play, we should introduce ourselves. I am Alberto Campeau and you are...?” he soothingly coaxed.
“Adalard Ha’darra,” Adalard replied.
He nodded in acknowledgement. “Where are you from Mr. Ha’darra?” he inquired.
“You could say that I’m not from around here. Does this game come with a drink?” Adalard replied.
“I’ll get it. What would you like?” Gary anxiously asked.
“Jack will provide our drinks,” Al stated.
One lesson Al had learned was never to take a drink
