Big Steve Underwood was rumored died by starvation several years before the event in Book 2. Alex Curtiz was one of many Sunset Valley's residents who knew, or at least, heard about him. However, Big Steve actually alive and well, living inside the mysterious old mine for years while the one who died was his brother, who had identical appearance with him.
Big Steve discovered two young children and a teenager sneaked into his "house" in order to search a Rainbow Gem. Big Steve challenged Alex to play poker if he wanted the Gem.
Alex accepted the challenge and miraculously won after he tricked Big Steve with his play. Big Steve admitted his defeat and gave the Gem to them, even though he later discovered that Alex was tricking him. Despite this, he praised Alex's braveness and hoped they would play poker again someday.