“Beth,” he said, “it’s going to be you or me.” She looked up from her rice pudding. “Are you trying to psych me out?” He laughed. “No. I can beat you without that.” She went on eating and said nothing. “Look,” he said, “I’m sorry about yesterday. I wasn’t trying to hustle you.” She took a sip of coffee. “You weren’t?” “I just wanted some action.” “And money,” Beth said. Although that wasn’t the point. “You’re the best player here,” he said. “I’ve been reading your games. You attack like Alekhine.”
