Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-26130256-20150408000748/@comment-26130256-20150408075119

"Ah, so it's a bribe, then," North replied with an approving tone. "That's a different matter entirely."

"But if we're all doing it, and we all agreed to it," Copperfield added in a stage whisper, "Can it really be called crooked?"

"Exactly," agreed South, draining his mystery liquor without batting an eye. "I, for one, would rather try and cheat folks who agreed to it than some guy off the street who doesn't know better."

"And besides, it's only fellow experts who appreciate the nuances of stuff like this," Azulius confessed as he gestured at the table.

As the game progressed, Azulius grew mildly annoyed. Not only did this bartender successfully see through everyone's slight of hand, but it looked like North and South had devised a way to pull out good cards back from the discarded tricks as they slid them off to the side. Looked like a version of the Kermit-Johnson Palm, but Azzie would need to do some research to be sure.

Thanks to their new trick, the score was 9:4 in favor of North/South, but they still needed this last trick to avoid the penalty for not making their bet from the beginning. All Azulius had left was a King of Diamonds, which he placed almost reverently on the table. South responded with a Ten, and Copperfield gave Azulius a little more hope with a Three of Spades, the trump suit. North ran his fingers through thin gray hair, scowled, and dropped his last card... a Two of Spades.

"Hahaha!" Copperfield exclaimed, standing up to shake hands with his opponents. "And with that, the duo of Cardoso and Copperfield emerges victorious!"

"You miserable cheats," South replied, his voice dripping sarcasm while he shook hands with Copperfield and Azzie. "I should shoot you where you stand." He smiled, then added to Azzie, "Great game though, it's been too long since I've seen a young gun who appreciates the old techniques like you."

"Quite right," agreed North, checking his scroll again. "I'd love to swap pleasantries some more, but the missus needs me back home.  Take care of yourselves!" With that, North and South left to an awaiting taxi.

Copperfield sat back down, dividing the victor's spoils. "Vermont!  A mint julep, if you would be so kind.  And something for my partner."

"Dr. Piper and rum, on the rocks," Azulius decided. The big game had been won, so it was time to celebrate a little.