The Golden Nugget cafe was crowded with its usual clientèle of merrymakers. In one corner, four men were playing cards for high stakes. Don Richie, the man with the largest number of chips before him, was smooth shaven and pale. His eyes were the only live part of his mask like face, and his hands dealt the cards with the ease of an experienced gambler. Jed Reed, an older man, was sitting to Don's right, and was a stark contrast. His face, leathery and worn, told of an outdoor life, and his hands were bony and calloused from working.