The Devil of Downtown (Uptown Girls, #3)

by Joanna Shupe

“Have you ever bet on the races before?” “I haven’t. That’s more Florence’s tastes than mine.” “How do you know if you’ve never tried it?” She lifted a delicate shoulder. “I fail to see the appeal. So, a horse comes in first, second or third. What is the fuss?” Jack lifted a hand and beckoned one of the young boys. He withdrew five dollars. “The lady wishes to place a bet in the next race.” Addressing Justine, he pointed to the board. Bets were being taken for the fifth race at Sheepshead Bay. “Pick a horse.” “Do we really have time for this?” “There’s as much time as you need. Choose a horse.” “Number three. It’s my favorite number.” The boy wrote on a small slip of paper then handed the betting receipt to Justine. “Race is being called in a few minutes.” She continued to watch the crowd, so Jack cast a surreptitious glance over his shoulder and caught the eye of the bouncer behind the counter. He dropped a twenty-dollar bill on the wood then held up three fingers behind Justine’s back, his brows raised meaningfully. The bouncer accepted the money and stepped out from behind the counter, hurrying toward the screen in the corner.