Just When You Thought It Was Safe

“Check.”

“Raise… fifty.”

“Call and raise. Fifty.” Chips clattered into the center of the table.

A pause. “You’re up, Chaz.”

“I’m thinking!” Chuck peeked at his hole cards again. Sign of an amateur, he knew. The chips gleamed in the smoky light, taunting him. All he’d lost and more. Could he risk it?

“Step it up, partner,” sneered Joachim. “You’re guts-nothing anyway.”

“Busted,” agreed Copious Dave.

There was a splash, and a sound like a suitcase snapping shut. The remaining card players watched the fin disappear back into the carpet.

Joachim brushed the red from his cards. “Call,” he said.