‘I said, get off me!’

He drew back and rose to his feet, pulling me up with him and keeping hold of my wrists.

‘Who the hell do you think you are to jump on me?’ I demanded, trying to kick him again but not managing it this time.

‘I’m a man who doesn’t like being stolen from, even if it is just petty cash.’

‘I haven’t stolen from you,’ I raged.

‘But you were trying to. Why else were you hiding in the bushes? I’ve been crept up on before. I know the signs.’

‘Oh, really?’ I seethed. ‘You’re so clever, aren’t you? But you’ve got it wrong this time.’

‘Why are you soaking wet?’ he asked suddenly.

‘I’ve been swimming,’ I flashed. ‘I thought it would be good for my health. Ow!’

I’d actually managed to free one hand by then, but in the same moment I trod on something sharp.

I yelled and hopped about, and then found myself actually clutching him again to steady myself. That really annoyed me.

He was looking down at me with interest.

‘You’re not wearing very much,’ he remarked.

‘Ten out of ten for observation.’

‘Well, I’m funny like that. When a girl’s wet and half naked I tend to notice, especially up close.’

I abandoned politeness. ‘Bully for you! And I am not a thief.’

‘Well, you sure looked like one, skulking in the bushes until a victim came past. You think anyone who walks out of the casino must be a millionaire-’

It was madness to get into an argument with him, but I couldn’t stop myself.

‘Well, that’s all you know,’ I snapped. ‘I’ve been in enough casinos to know that people walk out poorer than they go in. If they didn’t, all the casinos would close down.’

‘You really know the subject, don’t you? I’ll bet you have been in casinos! I expect your accomplice is still in there-’

‘What accomplice?’

‘The one who signalled you that I’d had a big win-’

‘So you say! Every loser says he’s a winner.’