Evelyn looked at Rick. “I’m not sure, you know Rick. I don’t think this is a good idea at all.”

“And why is that?” asked Rick.

“Because I don’t want any trouble.” Rick smiled at his wife. He knew that there would be sure as hell, no trouble. He faced the road again and carried on driving. He hoped he’d get there soon, so that he could go in, get the tickets, get the barge and laugh about this later. He hoped to hell that it would work out like that, but as his past experiences had shown him, nothing usually works out the way you hoped. He called over to Jonathan in the back.

“Where to now?”

“Take a left here--and here we go.” They pulled up outside a swanky looking club, the name “Lake of Luxor” stood out, and next to it had a line of hieroglyphics which portrayed the name in the Ancient language. Rick got out the car, and when Jonathan didn’t follow, opened the door and dragged him out.

“You, hurry up.” Then he looked to his wife and son. “You wait here.”

Evelyn nodded and said, “Get the tickets back, okay? and no trouble.” She turned to face her son in the back. Rick and Jonathan walked over to the front entrance to the club.

“Right-o, looks like no-ones in.” Jonathan tried to go back to the car. Rick grabbed him by the collar.

“No. You need to get us in. They do like you, right?”

“Yes, yes of course.”

“You owe them money, don’t you?”

“Just a tad.” Bloody hell! thought Rick. He knew that this was just gonna get better and better. He knocked on the door and was welcomed by a smiling blonde.

“Hello Mister-”

“Carnahan.” Butted in Jonathan, as he shook her hand. “Could we see Peter Monroe or Jake Waters please?”

“Yes, certainly.” She turned and began to lead them in. Rick glanced to the car and saw Evelyn with raised eyebrows.

“Mum, can I go in? Please...”

“No Alex. I don’t even agree with your Uncle even teaching you how to play poker, what on earth made you think I’d let you go in there?”

“I didn’t. I just felt like bloody asking. Sheesh.”

“Alex, watch your language.”

Alex gave up the battle he was going to loose, and hoped that his Dad and Uncle would hurry up.

Rick found himself in a wealthy establishment. He didn’t know that Jonathan had friends who were this well off. Everywhere he looked he could see gold.

“Probably stolen.” He thought to himself. Jonathan, on the other hand seemed to be enjoying the little visit. The blonde led them into a room complete with crystal chandelier and bar. A blonde man appeared and offered them a seat.

“Hello Mister-”

“O’Connell. This is my brother-in-law, Jonathan Carnahan. I believe you two already know each other?” Rick heard Jonathan gulp as soon as he said it. The man nodded.

“I’m Peter Monroe, owner of The Lake of Luxor. What can I do for you?”

“We’d like to speak with your cousin, Jake Waters please.”

The man looked surprised. “What for?”

“Just over a little...Business.” answered Rick. The man left and the blonde came over.

“Would you two sirs like any drinks?”

“Yes I’ll have a-”

“No. Thank you.” interrupted Rick whilst giving his brother-in-law a look.

The girl began to chat to Jonathan, who instantly brought out his charm persona. Rick stayed in his seat and looked over into another room. People were betting on Roulette. The place was big, even he had to admit it. His attention turned to a smartly dressed chap who had just entered the room. You could so tell that he was rolling in money. He smiled politely at the two men.

“Hello gentlemen. How may I help you?”

“I want our tickets back.” It was just like Rick to go in head-first-guns-blazing. (minus getting his friend shot in the ass. Evy would kill him if that happened to Jonathan!)

“I’m sorry, I don’t follow.”

“Stop trying to be smart, wise-ass. The Egypt tickets. Dated for today. You won them off my pal here.” The mans smiling face instantly went.

“Well if I won them, then they are now my property then, aren’t they?”

Rick hated snobby guys. And this one was getting right on his last nerve.

“Yeah, but they weren’t his to loose. They belong to me. And I want them back.”

“How about we play for them then?”

“Ah, a poker game. How about it Rick?” Damn it. Rick was cornered now. He’d have to play because Jonathan had basically agreed before he'd gotten a word in edgeways. It would be a repeat of the whole pretty wife fiasco. Damn-it!

“Oh, er sure.” Reluctantly, Rick allowed himself to be led into a smaller room, and then shown a chair. He sat down as did Jonathan, who had instantly relaxed. This was his show now. He was going to show Rick that he wasn’t such a reprobate after all. Jake Waters sat down and dealt the cards.

“Classic game, okay chaps? Winner gets the tickets.” Rick and Jonathan both nodded in agreement. Jake whispered something to Peter Monroe, and Peter left. “I’m afraid he has some urgent business to attend to. He apologizes for his leave.” announced Jake Waters. Rick new that they were up to something, and was immediately on the alert. Jake placed the tickets in the middle of the table. All four of them were there. Then the three gents began to play.

Evelyn sat impatiently in the perfectly kept Beauford. “Where are they?”

“Don’t ask me! I’m only 12 years old for cripes sakes!” exclaimed Alex with a grin. He loved acting like his Uncle, although he tended to do it without realizing. Evelyn then began to bite her nails; a sure sign that she was worried over something.

“Don’t worry Mum, I’m sure their fine. They’ll be out before you know it, and we won’t even miss the barge!”

Rick held his cards, and looked at the hand which he’d been dealt. He was okay, his hand wasn’t that crap, yet it wasn’t brilliant either. He just hoped that Jonathan was having more luck than him. He looked suspiciously over to where Jake was sitting. Rick had decided that he didn't like that guy one little bit. After taking a few more cards to improve his hand, Rick gave up. He placed out his cards to show that he was bust. His hand was so crap that he couldn’t believe that the old O’Connell had lost his knack at being remotely good at poker. And then realization hit him. The guy was cheating. Rick had just seen him slip a card into his hand. Having to keep his cool, Rick tried to signal to his brother-in-law that they were being taken for a ride. Jonathan was too busy to notice.

“I say gents, looks like the God’s favor me today-” and he placed a Royal flush on the table. Rick couldn’t believe Jake’s face! He looked as if he’d just been punched in the stomach. Obviously, Peter had guaranteed him a win. Before Jake could start throwing accusations-or even worse punches-Rick grabbed the tickets and Jonathan and ran for the door.

“What did ya do to win them? Cheat?”

“Well actually-”

“Oh Jonathan! Please tell me you didn’t!” But before Jonathan could answer, Rick had dragged him out the door and thrown him into the car. The hurl of abuse that followed them made Evelyn blush.

“Well I say-” Rick shouted over her.

“So’s ya mother, jackass!” He turned the key in the ignition, and hauled-ass away.