“Call,” said von Liegnitz.
“Three eights,” said Mike, flipping his hole card.
Von Liegnitz shrugged, folded his cards, and watched solemnly while Mike pulled in the pot.
“Vaneski wants to play showdown for a fiver,” said Keku.
Mike the Angel frowned at the ensign for a moment, then relaxed and nodded. “Not my game,” he said, “but if the Answerman wants a chance to catch up, it’s okay with me.”
The four men each tossed a five spot into the center of the table and then cut for deal. Mike got it and started dealing—five cards, face up, for the pot.
When three cards apiece had been dealt, young Vaneski was ahead with a king high. On the fourth round he grinned when he got a second king and Mike dealt himself an ace.
On the fifth round Vaneski got a three, and his face froze as Mike dealt himself a second ace.
Mike reached for the twenty.
“You deal yourself a mean hand, Commander,” said Vaneski evenly.