The cards were flipped - Dennis' hand couldn't beat two pair. They were wiped out.

"Sorry buddy, gotta have somethin' to play with to stay in the game," The dealer drawled.

Dennis' eyes flicked to Britt, a dangerous glint in them. She shrank back. Surely he wouldn't...

"I'm putting up my daughter here as collateral," Dennis announced, jerking a thumb at a shocked Britt.

"What?! No! You can't!" she cried. But the other men were already nodding and leering at her.

Dennis shrugged. "Sorry, hun. I have to keep playing — I just can't have Mom find out I gambled away our savings. Maybe you'll get lucky and I'll win you back."

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