AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tonight, like every other night, Frank held court by the free weights on the far side of the locker room. Samson was the last fighter, so the locker room was empty, leaving only Frank and the New York crew who flew in to bet and reap the profits of Samson’s wins. Only one problem, Samson got nothing for his trouble, and these were the very guys he and Nick wanted to avoid.
“Hey, hey, here’s the big winner.” Paulie broke away from Frank.
Paulie’s real name was Peter, but he earned the name because he resembled Paul Sorvino fromGoodfellas.The four gorillas who went to LA with them stood guard along with a few hangers-on. All in all, it looked like the soundstage ofTheSopranos.
Samson plastered a fake smile and nodded for Frank to break away from the group.
“Why don’t you guys get some seats while I talk to my boy.”
They all filed out except for Paulie, who rarely left Frank’s side.
“What’s up?” Frank’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t like anyone interrupting his reign of power.
“I’ve been fighting for three weeks straight. You’ve made a shit-ton of money off me, and I wanna know when my debt will be paid.” Samson put it out there with no bullshit, no show of weakness.
“Do you?” Frank sneered. “Here’s the thing. My guys are enjoying your talents, and I’m not ready to see it end yet.”
“So, another day, another week? Quit stringing me along, and give me a time frame.” That way, he could satisfy Lisbeth’s questions and calm his anxiety.
“Good question.” After another pause. “I guess I should ask you what you thought my favor was worth.” He leaned into Samson’s ear. “You think setting up that bastard Monroe was easy? Paying off the hotel staff for the surveillance videos, supplying that fucker with enough drugs to blow his mind, finding the right woman for the job, then having it all go down right? That kind of precision is expensive, but maybe it slipped your mind.”
And again, Frank regained control—and had him by the balls. “I just want a timeframe.”
“You’ll quit fighting when I say and not before,” Frank’s harsh whisper hissed between them. “That’s your fuckin’ timeframe.” He slapped Samson on the back harder than necessary. “Get yourself together and make me some money.”
Samson drew in two deep breaths, unzipped his duffle, and pulled out his fight clothes. The old anger and helpless rage coursed through him, and tonight, Frank’s face would replace his opponent’s.
“You’re doin’ good out there.” Paulie’s meaty hand gripped Samson’s shoulder. “Making the boys and me lots of cash.” He huffed out a deep chuckle. “Just like the old days, you were always a good kid.”
“Only one problem, I’m not a fuckin’ kid anymore.” Samson yanked his t-shirt up and over his head. “And this whole thing is bullshit.”
“Ahhh, c’mon, Frank said the whole scam with Monroe went down without a hitch.” Paulie’s big face split into a grin. “You know the deal. If you’re gonna play, you gotta pay.”
“Right.” Samson clenched his jaw so tight his teeth hurt.
“Here.” Paulie held out a vial of white powder. “It’ll dull the sting of taking a dive.”
“What?”
“More profit on the other guy winning tonight, so you’re taking a dive.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Samson glanced over his shoulder, trying to catch Frank’s eye.
“You know, you make it look good. Get in a few solid hits, dance the guy around, then let him take you down.” Paulie turned his head. “Hey Frank, looks like your boy is confused about tonight.”
“No confusion just forgot to mention it.” Frank sauntered over. “That’s not a problem, right?” Frank nailed Samson with a deadly look he’d seen many times.
Samson huffed out a breath. “No problem.”
Samson and Frank stared each other down, silently communicating their message.
“So, how about it?” Paulie held up the coke. “Take a hit of the good stuff, and all your troubles will disappear.”
“Nah, I’m good.” Samson eyed the coke as his brain fixated on the sheer pleasure it delivered. The same relentless pull made him weak. His logical brain told him this would be the worst idea ever, but what had playing it straight gotten him? Lisbeth was probably on her way out the door because she didn’t get the answers she wanted, meanwhile, he had to rig a fight he could’ve easily won because he sold his soul to the devil.
“Hey, Paulie, I changed my mind. Line that shit up.”
“I knew you couldn’t resist.” Paulie dumped the coke onto the metal table, chopped it up into three neat lines, and smirked. “Once a doper always a doper, right?”
