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JACK'S LEFT BROW trembled. His hands were slick with sweat, the cards almost slipping through his hand. He tapped his right palm against the wooden table, drumming his fingers to create a fake sense of confidence. He blinked, watching the man across the table chuckle obnoxiously. He tilted his head, cracking his neck. Why did his scarf suddenly feel tighter?
Darius pinched the end of his moustache, a smirk lining his lips. Jack, so dearly, wanted to wipe the smug look off the man's face.
"He's right, Uncle," Jack began. He sighed, swallowing, before pressing on. "I gave him my word. I have been risk-drunk my entire life. I always knew I'd end up here. So, before I face the inevitable, may the last use of my hand be to shake yours? For, I know you to be a gentleman of honour and you have taught me a lesson I will take to my grave."
Jack loomed over the table, an almost untrusting smile resting upon the lower region of his face. Darius hesitantly stood, reaching over to shake the Doctor's hand. Jack's eyes brightened. He clenched his jaw, his irises twinkling with deja vu. Much to his annoyance, his heart finally started to spark again. This was him.
Fagin coughed, allowing Jack to untraceably reach further up Darius' arm to set off his contraption. The ace of hearts flew into his hand. As quick as it had been done, he had sat down, his new card slid in with the rest. Darius, in a state of confusion, narrowed his eyes and slowly reached for his chair.
Darius tried, but alas, the card he'd hid up his sleeve never travelled down. He stomped once. Nothing. Twice. Still nothing. Three, four, five times, yet his hand remained empty. He felt like tearing his shirt open, screaming into the night and cursing at the world. Yet, he couldn't, because then his spotless reputation would be exposed for what it truly was.
Fagin moved closer to the table, leaning beside Jack. He almost laughed.
"Got the cramps, have you?" He asked, faking concern. Darius merely shot him a look, a look that said it all. It told him everything he needed to know. "Yeah, I get them."
