Chapter 20: Thomas, Mark

Thomas was screwed.

"Bam! What I tell you? Read ‘em and weep, girls." Vaughn stood and displayed his cards.

Brenden and Nolan groaned while the other man gloated about his nickel-and-dime victory.

"Come on, let's pack it up," Nolan said.

"I got this. You guys go grab your bags." Vaughn scooped up the money and cards.

"You good to go in a few?" Nolan asked Thomas on his way to the door.

"Yup." Thomas had a small bag he'd as soon ditch as keep.

"Let's try to be out of here in five," Nolan suggested.

"It might take me more time to count my winnings," Vaughn said.

"You don't have enough fingers and toes for that." Nolan flipped Vaughn off, then ducked through the doorway into the adjoining room.

Close to ten minutes later everyone was packed and downstairs. Thomas tried to play it cool, to not let on that in minutes they could be putting an end to the biggest threat to his personal security. With any luck, Mark and another team would beat them to Erin's house, get her,