The time for Kinsey to leave was approaching quickly. Two more days and she would be on a train bound for Philadelphia to meet a grandfather she hardly knew. Today Scott had taken Kinsey for another long ride through the valley; something she had pestered him to do every single day since she arrived.
“Can we go now?”
“I need to finish balancing these bills first.”
“How long does it take you to add up a few numbers?”
“Usually not this long.”
“So what’s the problem?”
Scott glanced up. “I’m looking at it.”
However, this ride had been different. Usually talkative, Kinsey seemed quiet and reflective. When they stopped by a stream to let the horses drink Scott reached out and put his hand on her forehead.
“What are you doing?”
“Checking if you have a fever.”
“What makes you think I’m sick?”
“The lack of your constant chatter.”
“Quit being a goof.”
By the evening meal it appeared Kinsey had snapped out of her blue mood and was back to her animated self. Soon after the last bite of dessert, Murdoch excused himself to travel to a neighboring ranch for a Cattlemen’s Association meeting. Teresa, wanting to visit the man’s daughter, tagged along. Settling in for a quiet evening,
Scott picked up the novel in which he had made very little progress in since his cousin’s arrival while Johnny tried to engage Kinsey in a game of chess.
“You don’t seem to be paying attention to the game, kid.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You’re making a lot of dumb mistakes.”
Kinsey sat back in her chair and agreed that she was not a good chess opponent this evening. And then a smile appeared. “I know what we could do! Cards! Let’s play poker.”
Johnny raised his eyebrows and flashed a sly grin.
Scott never looked up from his book to speak. “No.”
“Why not?!”
“Proper young ladies do not play poker.”
“And what would you have me play? Old Maid?”
“Yes. Less for me to worry about.”
“I see. Johnny, you’re not afraid to play a game of poker with me are you?”
Johnny stared at the ceiling trying to come up with an acceptable answer.
Setting down the book he’d never get past the third chapter in, Scott rose. “I did not say I was afraid to play you in a game of poker. Do you even know how to play?”
“I do. I’ve seen others play. I’ve played occasionally.”
“I’m brave. I’ll play you darlin’.”
“Well, thank you, little brother, for your support. All right, Two against one. You win. I’ll get the matchsticks.”
“Matchsticks??” Kinsey held out her hands. “What am I suppose to do with a large pile of matchsticks in front of me once the game is over?”
Johnny let out a laugh. “Oh, so you’ve already decided who will be the big winner this evening?”
Scott raised an eyebrow. “You want to play for money?”
A small table was cleared, cards produced and coins stacked in front of the three players.
Johnny began to shuffle and deal. “Let’s keep this game friendly. Penny ante and nickel limit on raises.”
All agreed and threw in a penny. All stayed with adding another penny.
“I’ll take two cards little brother.”
“I’ll take four.”
Scott smiled. “Honey, if you’re throwing in four cards it usually means you have a lousy hand and you should fold.”
“Oh. I’ll take three cards.”
“Three cards to the lady and the dealer takes one.”
“One card? Are you sure that’s all you want Johnny? You must have a very good hand!”
This is going to be a long evening.
And then it happened. Kinsey reached up and started to twirl a loose strand of hair around her finger while biting her lip. The two brothers looked at each other and suppressed smiles. Kinsey’s first “tell”.
As the game continued the boys began making mental lists:
Twirling hair/biting lip – bad hand.
Tapping fingernail on front teeth – indecisive.
Raised eyebrows/crooked grin – good hand.
Big sigh – going to fold.
Humming – betting big.
Even with the cards stacked against her, so to speak, Kinsey was able to keep rallying back from poverty so the game continued into the night.
As Kinsey shuffled and dealt, Scott noticed her yawns were becoming more frequent.
“Last hand young lady and then off to bed.”
“I’m fine.”
Stubborn and competitive.
Johnny proclaimed his cards were garbage and threw them in. Crossing his arms he leaned back in his chair to observe the outcome of the deal.
Scott had a very good hand. In fact, the cards had been kind to him all night so the stacks of coins in front of him were substantial higher than Kinsey’s. Time to teach his cousin a lesson. “All in.”
Kinsey raised an eyebrow. “All in?”
“That’s right. I raise you all that I have in front of me.” And with that statement Scott pushed his money to the middle of the table.
Kinsey glanced down and started calculating the coins she had in front of her.
“It appears I’m a bit short.”
That’s not your fault half-pint. It’s just the way God made ya.”
“I’m not talking about my height Johnny! I’m talking about the current status of my finances. Wait! I know…”
Kinsey walked to Murdoch’s desk and retrieved a piece of paper, which she tore into strips, and a pencil. Seated she began to write…
Kinsey owes Scott one chocolate cake
and placed the strip of paper on top of the pile of coins.
“What’s that?”
“Collateral.”
Johnny felt the need to inquire. “Is that a two or three layer chocolate cake?”
“Three.”
“I dunno Boston. Three layers. That’s a call and a raise.”
Scott sighed. “I’m willing.”
Fetching a strip of paper, he began to write.
Scott will take Kinsey shopping in Stockton.
“I will see your cake and raise you a shopping trip.”
It was Kinsey’s turn to inquire. “Does that include carrying my packages?”
“It does.”
Johnny shifted in his chair.
Kinsey then penned...
Kinsey will clean out the horse barn
and submitted the bet for approval.
“I’ll see your shopping trip and raise you a horse barn.”
Scott settled back. “Would that be all the stalls?”
“Of course.”
Scott looked at his hand - a very good hand - and deliberated. The game needEd to end.
He studied his adversary. Where the hell are all her tells now?
Writing down his wager he placed the strip paper upon the pile.
“Call.”
Kinsey and Johnny leaned in to view Scott’s bet.
Scott will escort Kinsey to Philadelphia.
Johnny let out a low whistle.
Kinsey paused for a moment, met Scott’s stare and nodded.
“Call. May we see your hand Mr. Lancer?”
Scott turned over his cards.
“Four gentlemen…. all named Jack.”
Silence.
“Cousin I request you bake that chocolate cake first and then clean out the horse barn.” As Scott reached for the pile of coins and slips of paper, Kinsey cleared her throat. Scott froze.
“May I?” And slowly she revealed her hand.
“Four ladies….all named Luck.”
As Scott and Johnny stared at the cards, Kinsey gathered up the slips of paper and money.
“Gentlemen, I believe I was told it was my bedtime so goodnight. It has been a pleasure.” And with that statement Kinsey retired.
Johnny finally broke the silence.
“Boston. Pack your bags. Looks like you're going to Philadelphia.”