The Duffster hadn't said a word the entire game. His hand was still full of cards, while Liddy had three left in his own. Big Bert had six cards tucked behind one palm, while both Shayna and Ray were both down to their very last.
"Duffy," Ray said.
The Duffster grunted.
"Oi, Duffy. Not lookin' good, is it."
The Duffster's eyes were more watery than usual as he looked at Ray. "Mind your own, Ray," he said slowly.
"I will. Just, you know, you still need both hands to hold your stack, yeah?"
The Duffster ignored the point. "Who's up?"
Big Bert cleared his throat. "Them nines are mine. So it's me." He put three Jacks down, and a seven of clubs. "There," he said.
Shayna nodded appreciatively. "Good one," she said. "No answer from me."
"Me either, Bert," Liddy said.
The Duffster put another set of cards down on top of Big Bert's. "Three queens and a king. Anyone?"
There was a general shaking of heads. Ray eyed the Duffster carefully.
The Duffster put more cards down, a large chunk of his hand. "Two jacks, two queens, two kings, two aces. Anybody?"
Again, no response. Ray's eyes were widening. "You sneaky plonker," he said.
The Duffster smiled. He laid out the rest of his cards. "Flush, nine to ace, two then the Joker," he said.
Big Bert swore properly. "And 'ere I thought you were done for!" he said, and cackled wildly.
"Right, right, fair go, matey," Ray said, and glared at Liddy, daring him to challenge. Liddy remained quiet. "So the Duffster is out and in the clear. Who you goin' to nominate, Duffy?"
The Duffster nodded at Shayna. "Ladies next," he said to the cool-looking woman. Who grinned.
She put down her last card. "Two of hearts," she said. She looked at Liddy, and winked. "You're up, Lids. And make me a cup of tea too, once you're done."
Ray straightened. "Bloody heck," he said.
Liddy meanwhile, grinned. "For you, Shayna, anything," he said, and dropped his last cards. "Three tens, and I'm off to make the tea." He looked at Big Bert, then Ray. "Bert, on you," he said, then to Ray: "Been nice knowing one of you."
He stood up and went to the kitchen.
