Part Two: The Exile

Chapter Eleven

I didn't have to wait long to see Macavity again. Our little group of housecats went to several different hot spots over the next few days. Nefertiti, who was my eyes and ears, overheard that Macavity was looking for a cat they called The Red Queen. Whenever I entered a room, the cats all seemed to stop and stare. They knew who I was—the cat that Macavity had unequivocally set his sights on, the scarlet-trimmed enchantress of the card table. I had become a bit of a celebrity, or an enigma—cats always buzzed to their friends that they had seen the Red Queen at this place or another. I had become the talk of the scene, and I loved every minute of it.

One night we decided to return to The Underground. The moment I walked through the door, I knew he was there. I could sense it. I made my way through the crowd, which was pulsing with the music, and sat at a table with George and Nefertiti. Marco was still somewhere in the crowd, talking to an old friend.

That's when Macavity appeared.

"I've been looking for you," he stood before me, a wry grin on his handsome features. Once again I was struck by how tall he was. I gave a sly grin, "So I've heard."

He extended his paw, "Play a game of cards with me."

I daintily gave him my paw and excused myself from the table. Macavity led me through the crowd, his paw on the small of my back. Once we reached the table, I looked around expectantly, "Where are the other players?"

"This is a private game," he said softly, his voice dipping into that gravelly low tone that I had come to adore. My eyes lit up, "Oh, really?"

Macavity nodded and pulled back a chair for me to sit. I felt a coquettish smile creep onto my face, "I thought you weren't a gentleman."

"Perhaps you have tamed me, Red," he chuckled. I was tantalized at the thought. I looked around the wildly flashing room, "This place is packed. I'm surprised you got this table all to yourself."

"Yes," Macavity began to deal the cards. "One of the many perks of being the owner."

My eyes grew wide with surprise, "You own this place?"

"And many others just like it," he replied with an air of nonchalance. I sat back in my chair, my natural charm taking over once more, "Just a simple businesscat, huh?"

"That's me," he didn't look up. He finished dealing and looked at me, "Ladies first, Red."

"First," I leaned forward, my eyes dancing with the glee that I always experienced with cards. "I want to know what the stakes are."

"You."

"I'm afraid I don't follow," I said innocently, although I knew full well what he was implying. Macavity gave a low chuckle, "You're a hard cat to catch, Red. Who knows when I'll see you again? You see, I'm not a very patient cat. I don't think I can wait another six weeks just to catch a glimpse of you again. So, let's play for the high stakes: if I win, I get to spend one night with you."

"And what happens if I win?" I asked, adrenaline now pumping louder than the music.

Macavity shrugged, "Whatever you want."

"The Underground." I leaned forward. Macavity did not reply. I continued, "If I win, you sign over the club to me."

"Fine," Macavity waved the thought away carelessly. I laughed, "For a simple businesscat, you sure are taking a high risk."

"Maybe it's worth it," he looked up from his cards. His golden eyes seemed to shoot straight to my soul. His mouth curled into a wicked grin, "Besides, you won't win. I have nothing to worry about."

"How do you know?" I challenged playfully. He just gave another mysterious smile, "Because I'm too good at this game."

"I think you're underestimating your opponent," I gave an alluring smile. He returned the grin, "Oh, no, Red. I made that mistake once. But I learned my lesson. Now, stop tempting me with those gorgeous eyes of yours and play some poker."

I gave him a wink before turning my attention to the cards.

~*~

The game lasted long into the night. Marco and Nefertiti did not challenge my ability to walk home alone this time; George was once again too drunk to walk. They left Macavity and I to our game.

The lights had dimmed considerably since the bar was closed. The smoke still hung in the air like a thick grey blanket, but the cats and music were gone. The barcat was there, cleaning his glasses. Macavity was looking at his cards with mild amusement.

"Well, Red," he sat back, still pondering his next move. "I haven't seen that pretty face light up for awhile. You must have some bum cards."

"Or I just might have a better poker face than you think," I retorted, flashing him a grin. The conversation had been minimal; we were too focused on the game to talk. Macavity plunked a few chips on the table, raising the bet without a single word. I looked at my hand. I had a full house. I didn't think he had the cards to beat me, but was it worth the risk? Sure, I'd asked for The Underground, but that was only to see how badly he wanted me. Any cat willing to bet an entire club just for one night must have a little more than a crush on me. So, I did what any curious cat would do.

"I fold."

He looked up at me in surprise, "Are you sure?"

I smiled reassuringly, "You were right; I had a bum hand. But I'll get you next go-round."

He just shook his head with a chuckle and dealt a few more cards, "Final deal."

I nodded, leaning forward to get my cards, my torso stretching out the length of the table. Macavity gave a small smile of appreciation for my form. This was the last tango of the evening; I was going to drive him wild every second of it.

Within a matter of minutes, Macavity won the game. I smiled knowingly, "You weren't joking when you said you were good at this game."

"Strategically placed mirrors help, too," he motioned to the wall behind me. I turned to see a large mirror hanging behind me. I turned back to him, "The whole time?"

He nodded, a smug grin on his face, "I wondered why you would fold on a full house, but from the view I got when you leaned across the table, I'm certainly glad you did."

"Perhaps I didn't want to win," I said, my eyes zeroing in on his. A full beat passed. Never had Macavity met such a brazen feline; my bluntness seemed a bit off-setting. But he definitely seemed up to the challenge. He stood and smoothly made his way to me, "Well, miss, would you care to escort me home?"

I grinned like a little schoolkit at this, rising to meet him. Something about him just made me feel like light and giddy—as if a tom had never so much as looked at me. Despite the weakness I felt whenever I was around him, I relished every minute of Macavity's presence.

And Macavity was about to play a much larger role in my life than I ever dared to imagine.