Lost & Found. Kitty Neale

it, Ron. I’ve had enough. You’ll never change and our first night here has proved that.’

      ‘Look, if it upsets you that much, I won’t play poker.’

      With a shake of his head, Pete said, ‘Please yourself, Ron. I ain’t here to be your keeper and if you want to gamble your wages away every week, that’s up to you. I’m here to work, to earn enough to set up a decent future. I need a partner who’ll be reliable, one with a bit of ambition, and that obviously ain’t you. I’ll find someone else.’

      Bewildered, Ron slumped onto the side of his bed. All this bloody fuss about a penny card game! Yet even as this thought crossed his mind, Ron knew that Pete was right. As soon as he had a few bob, he’d planned to up the stakes, so sure that he could win. With a wry smile he looked up. ‘I don’t blame you, mate. I know I’m a lost cause, but I really do want to change.’

      ‘Yeah, so you’ve said, and so many times that I’ve lost count.’

      ‘Don’t give up on me, Pete. Give me one more chance.’

      Pete gazed back at him, about to answer when Gerry called out again. ‘Ron, do you want in on this game or not?’

      ‘Nah, sorry, mate, leave me out. Gambling’s a mug’s game.’

      There was a choking sound and then Pete began to laugh, doubling over with mirth as he gasped between guffaws. ‘A mug’s game. You said it’s a mug’s game. Blimey, Ron, you’re priceless.’

      Ron joined in his laughter, but as they sobered he appealed, ‘Don’t start up a business with someone else, Pete. We’re partners, you and me. Come on. Give me one more chance.’

      Their eyes met, Pete’s hardening as he said, ‘Yeah, all right, but it’s your last one.’

      He meant it, Ron could see that. This really was his last chance—he’d have to make sure he didn’t blow it.