The 'Wildly Illogical' Collection

God knows how many hours later it was when they arrived. Nicholas had been covered with a tarp to keep onlookers away. They stopped a few times, he knew that much, but there's very little you can actually do when tied at both your arms and legs.

Seems his little athletic act had made them more careful about tying him up. Though what was he gonna do if his legs were free. Jump out of a moving truck? And.. Well, once the tarp got removed, Nicholas noted that they had tied THAT down, too.

Screaming? The towel in his mouth had stopped that from happening. It was clear to Nicholas these guys knew what they were doing, and regret started to kick in. But.. He was out of cash, and fools are everywhere.

They dragged him into a house and it wasn't until he had a good look around that they started to untie him. Yes, a good long look at the weapons the men around him were carrying. He wasn't really intimidated, but even Nicholas realized that it wasn't gonna be easy to get out of this one.

"Well boys, throwing me a surprise party? Mighty kind of you, but I feel like this party needs a bit more music, maybe some snacks.. Who was responsible for this, maybe I can give them some tips for the next time." Nicholas joked.

"Very funny, but I believe that you owe us some money." Nicholas raised an eyebrow at that comment. Was this really about that? "Allow me to explain.. You see, my associates were looking out for you. They were stalling for us to get there, but, well.. Not all of the men at that table were working for me." Oh no. That man.. HE is here?

".. Ah. I see." Nicholas recognized the second voice almost immediately. "Though I'm not sure what you're talking about. I recall I paid off my dues with your cartel. Unless you're talking about last night, but even if you were letting me win, that's still a legitimate win."

The first man raised his gun and seemed to want to shoot Nicholas for that comment, but the second man dissuaded him from doing so.. By bursting into laughter. "Aahahahaa! Ahh.. I needed that for a moment. You seem to honestly believe that, but.. Allow me to inform you that everyone here knows that you cheat."

“And secondly, Mr. Kestrel.. You should also be aware that your.. Dues, as you put them, also had an interest rate. And considering you neglected to pay those for a while, you've racked up a considerable new debt." Nicholas stared at the man. There was very little he could do but scowl.

"But rejoice! We have a plan in motion that will settle your debt quite nicely, if it all works out. Your skills, your cheating.. That is a skillset that we require at this time." Goddamn. Nicholas knew where this was going. "You'll be a distraction. Continue winning, flaunt your cheating if you have to. You can keep your winnings if they, well, let you walk out. Meanwhile.. Well, that's none of your concern."

Even if it was left unsaid, Nicholas knew exactly what they were planning on doing. They were going to rob a goddamn casino, and he was going to have to be a distraction, bait and the fall guy.