Jack hesitates. He looks down at the bartop, and clears his hands--a clap and then showing George the palms and back of his hands, as if demonstrating they're empty and he isn't taking anything. It's standard among casino dealers, any time they come to the table, leave the table or touch anything that isn't the deck.

Jack seems to do it almost compulsively, any time he feels anxious or guilty. George has surely seen it before.

"I am trying to understand how to live a good life, as I was instructed to do. And how it is, to act like one is free. So I can act like that."