8-The Hard Con

8

The Hard Con

Sidney

They were sitting in a large, old-school Cadillac across the street.  Sidney had made them a half an hour ago when she had gotten home.  Once inside her house, she had snuck to the window to confirm.

Two men in the front seat, the Thugs who had visited Bob a couple of days ago.  In addition to them, there was a third man in the back.  It was early morning and the shadows made it hard to see the person in the back seat.

Sidney had a good guess as to who it was.

Sidney figured they were waiting to make sure she didn’t have anyone about to come over and that she wasn’t going anywhere else.

Then they would make their move.

Sidney had just enough time for a drink.  She reached for the hard stuff, Glenlivet Scotch.  She poured herself three fingers and took a hard swig.  This next part was the hard part and she needed to be loose.

****

Tobias

The door swung open into a dim candle lit setting.  As Tobias stepped in, he cursed himself.

It was Friday.

He walked in and saw his fiancé, Linda, passed out on the couch, a half empty bottle of wine on the coffee table and the Netflix up on the television.  He sighed and covered her with a blanket then went to the refrigerator.  Tobias pulled out a beer, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold.

He needed to get the taste of The Corner Pocket’s cheap brew out of his mouth.

He poured the beer, evenly, into a pilsner and walked out the back of the condo onto the patio.

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Tobias pulled it out and answered it as the he sat down to watch the sun rise.

It was Hank on the other end.  “This is fucking boring.”

Tobias chuckled.  “Never said it would be all action and girls.”

“Yeah,” Hank said with a yawn.  “But this is really fucking boring.”

Tobias frowned.  “Was that a yawn?  You better not fall asleep on the job.”

“Fuck off Tobe.  I got this.”  Hank came back, slightly angry.

“Good to hear.”  Tobias replied as the adrenaline started to wear off and he started to feel his fatigue.

“So Tobias, what’s the deal with Sidney?”  Hank suddenly asked.  “How do you know her?”

Tobias was taken aback by the question.  “Where did that come from?”

“I want to know who I’m working with.”  Hank answered.

Tobias knew that was bullshit.  Hank wanted to make sure Tobias wasn’t pulling one over on his sister.  “It’s not like that.”

“Then what’s it like?”  Hank fired back the question and Tobias took a deep breath.

Tobias was going to tell hank the story…

****

Sidney

In minutes, the three men would get out of their car and walk to the front door of Sidney’s house.  They would knock, hopefully, and Sidney would answer.

That’s when it would begin.

This was the true test of a con.  She would have to take truly hostile elements, and turn them.  They would be here to scare her, hurt her, and possibly even kill her.  Her job would be to pull a 360 and convince them that she was not only harmless, but that she was a friend.

The hard con.

She finished the scotch with the second drink and almost on cue, the doorbell rang.

No Fear, No Fear, No fear No Fear…

She repeated the mantra over and over in her head.  She couldn’t show weakness.  Had to make them believe this was all part of the plan, had to stare down the barrel and laugh.

She poured herself another small amount of scotch and walked to the front door…

…She took a deep breath and opened it.

****

Tobias

“The real Sidney was born on her eighteenth birthday.”  Tobias began the story.  “On her Eighteenth birthday, her dad left her and her mother, and when he did, he left a note for her.  It said ‘Live and learn’.”

“So her dad left, big deal, happens to a lot of people,” Hank said, unimpressed.

“True,” Tobias replied.  “But this was different.  You see, Sidney’s dad had been a great dad to Sidney and a good husband to her mother, at least for the most part, or at least they thought.  In all actuality, though, he was using Sidney as part of a con.”

“A con?”  Hank asked.  “What kind of con uses your own kid?”

“If you went out right now and opened a savings account with over five hundred dollars they would send you a W-2 because you have to pay taxes on the interest.  Nowadays who gives a shit?  After all, the average interest rate on savings accounts is about two percent.  Back in the year Sid was born, it was a totally different story.  The interest rate was around ten percent.”

“Okay, but how does that fit in with Sidney and her dad?” Hank asked, still confused.

“Minors don’t pay taxes on interest.” Tobias stated.

There was a silence as Hank tried to put it together.  “So her dad opened an account in her name?  When she was a kid?”

Tobias took over.  “When she was born.  The day after.  He also got a damn good interest rate, probably closer to twelve percent.  He put all his money from his side cons and whatever else, into it and just raked in the cash over eighteen years.”

“Damn,” Hank said, now impressed with the scam. “How much did he make off with?”

“I’m not sure, I never saw the numbers, but he walked off with a lot.  What’s worse is he waited till the last second to take all the money out, so she turns eighteen and he leaves with the money.  But the government wants the taxes on the interest now…” Tobias left it hanging.

“He left her with the bill?”  Hank said shocked.  “That’s cold.”

“As cold as they come, Hank,” Tobias said with a dark infliction in his voice.

****

Sidney

The hand hit her throat and lifted her off her feet.  The strange looking white guy shoved her backward into the wall.  She choked and gasped for air as the grip tightened.  For a second, Sidney got to look directly into the eyes of her attacker and she saw…

…Nothing.

The well-built, black man followed in behind his partner with a grin on his face.  Directly behind him was a broad-shoulder, dark skinned man who, for some reason reminded Sidney of those old ‘Candyman’ movies.

Leroy Simpson.

“Ernie, close the door would you?” Leroy said in a sweet and full voice.  “Ease up, Bert? I don’t want her dead.  Not yet, anyway.”

The muscled black man named Ernie shut the door behind them.  Bert reluctantly released Sidney’s throat.  She coughed and sputtered for air.

Leroy was wearing a tweed suit, as if he was trying to be well dressed, but failing.  He smiled.  “Sidney Thompson.  I’m Leroy Simpson.”

Sidney was starting to catch her breath.  “Hold on Leroy, I’ll be right with you…”

No Fear, No Fear, No fear.

Sidney pulled herself upright to stand up straight.  Her eyes were on Bert who stared back with a hungry look.  She then, never taking her eyes off Bert, downed the glass of scotch she still clung to in her hand in one gulp.  She smiled at Bert before winging the rock glass into Bert’s eye with a snap of her wrist.

The glass struck Bert’s eye with a sickening wet thud before dropping to the floor and breaking.  Bert staggered, grabbing his eye.

“Fuck you, Bert!” Sidney yelled.

Ernie stepped in and back-handed her with such a force, she saw stars.  Sidney stumbled and hit the floor.  She tried to shake it off.  Bert pulled himself upright, his eye already starting to swell.

Bert came up with a small sharp scalpel in his hand.

“Enough!” Leroy yelled and the boys calmed themselves.

Sidney began to stand, shrugging off the epic slap.  “That’s right boys, Leroy wants me alive.”

Leroy’s jaw worked.  “You have some balls, but people tend to call me, Mr. Simpson.”

“I’m not people.” Sidney said with anger in her eyes.

“I’ve have had all I can take from you,” Leroy began, his rage visible.  “I found out from some people that you have been asking around about Bob Stanoski.  I want to know why?”

****

Tobias

“So he used her to make a fortune and left her with the bill?”  Hank asked, as Tobias finished the story.

Tobias nodded his head even though Hank couldn’t see him.  “Basically, she was born as a con.  Sidney is the product of her dad’s greatest con.”

There was silence on the other end.

“I’m the only person she ever told,” Tobias said quietly.  “She has trust issues.”

“Can’t imagine why,” Hank said, sarcastically.

There was a pause and then Hank seemed to figure something out.  “So, where do you come in?”

“I knew her before, and I just happen to be good at taking things.  I started helping her with her cons in order to pay off her debt.  Once it was paid, we were in deep.  It’s almost like it just became what we did.  We became friends.  Best friends.”  Tobias answered.

“Friends huh?” Hank asked accusingly.

Tobias sighed, “Friends, Hank.  Just friends.”

****

Sidney

“Everything I need to know about Stanoski, I have.”  Sidney began, “You however, want the information I have.”

Leroy raised his eyebrow.  “You’re trying to sell me information?”

Sidney scoffed.  “Come on, Leroy.  You didn’t come here without researching who was after your precocious Stanoski, did you?  So, let’s assume you know what I do for a living?”

Leroy still looked skeptical.  “So you are saying that you were trying to get me to come to you?”

Sidney smiled.  “Worked, didn’t it?  I have always liked the home field advantage.”

Leroy looked unhappy with that statement.

“Three grand.  Cash.” Sidney stated the price.

All three of them laughed out loud.  Leroy waved his hands and his thugs quieted.  “So, you want three grand for information on Stanoski?  With absolutely no insurance?  Let’s face it girl, your alone.  If I wanted the information I would beat it out of you, and that’s only if I trust what you say to be true.  And, by the way, I don’t.”

Sidney didn’t blink.  “Bob is going to flip the restaurant out from under you.”

Sidney dropped the restaurant bomb and Leroy’s face became death. “Listening now?”

Leroy thought about it and Sidney knew he had him on the fence.  “I can prove the information I have.  Sure, you could beat it out of me but I assure you it’s cheaper to pay me.”

Leroy contemplated her original price.  “Two grand.”

Sidney nodded.  “Deal.”

Leroy had Ernie walk out to the car and get the cash.  Sidney looked at Bert.  His eye was swelling shut.  He was staring at her and frothing at the mouth.  Sidney winked at him.  He growled.

Ernie returned and gave her the money.  She looked at the stack then playfully grinned back at Leroy.  “Do I have to count it?”

Leroy had had enough.  “Don’t be stupid.”

She began to explain.  “Bob’s going to sell the restaurant and collect the cash and walk.  He has no intention of laundering the money you gave him, he’s just going to turn it into profit and run.”

“You said that.”  Leroy was not impressed.  “But he can’t, I have a signed deed.  If he tries, I can have it filed.  It’s dated for the day after he bought the place.”

“Ah, yes,” Sidney said knowingly.  “The deed.  Which brings me to the proof.  You don’t deal in real estate much, do you?”

Leroy looked inquisitive.  “What?”

“It’s a fake.”  Sidney continued.  “He gave you a copy.  Take it to the recorder’s office and try to file it.  Tell me how it goes.”

Leroy stood and turned to Bert & Ernie.  “Get to Stanoski’s.  Sweat him.  I’m going to go get the deed and try to file it.  Fucking Stanoski.”

They turned and walked out.  Leroy pointed at Sidney.  “If I find out you lied, I’ll take more than my money back.”

Sidney’s smile was ear to ear.  “Thanks for shopping, come back again.”

****

Tobias

“So let me get this straight,” Hank said.  “You abandoned Sidney when you were the only person she had ever trusted?”

Tobias gulped and rubbed his forehead as the guilt returned.  “It’s not that simple, Hank.  I’m afraid of what I am around her.”

“Because you do bad shit?” Hank asked.

“No.”  Tobias sighed.  “Because when I do bad shit around her it doesn’t feel bad…”

“..It feels good.”

****

Sidney

It was over.  She had pulled it off.

Her adrenaline faded and she allowed herself to feel the terror of what had just happened.  She allowed herself to feel the maniac’s hand around her throat.  She allowed herself to feel the pain throbbing from her jaw where she had been slapped.

She felt it all now and she shook.

End episode 8

7-The Switch

7

The Switch

The Prep

“That’s another two hundred!” Justin yelled as he did a very cool, half-high-five hand shake clasp thing to a friend of his, whom Tobias has gathered was called, K-Money.

Justin had just sunk his last ball, giving him another win over Tobias and winning him another three hundred dollars.  They had played three games of pool, the first for a hundred, the second for two and now the third for three.

“Hey man, you hear me?” Justin said bringing Tobias’s focus back to the game.

Tobias was still wearing his suit.  He had removed the jacket and draped it over a chair. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up to forearm level.  He took another drink of his beer.  He sipped it, making sure to not get drunk.

“Wow, guess it isn’t my night.”  Tobias smiled, looking surprised that he had lost.

Justin worked his jaw.  “Does that mean you’re done?  I sure as hell hope not.  At the rate you’re going, I’m gonna put my kid through college, on you.”

K-Money snickered at the joke and Tobias mocked a smile.  “Of course not.  One more game, double or nothing?”

Justin nodded, excited. “Damned straight!”

Justin pulled out the $600 and placed it on the edge of the table.  Tobias opened his wallet and did the same.  “You rack, and winner breaks as usual.  I’m going to use the bathroom.”

Justin began the process of setting up the balls. “Yeah sure, it’s over there, by the stairs.”

Tobias’s attention turned back to the ten digit keypad on the wall behind the bar.  It was an out of date security system, probably low level motion sensor technology.  A person entering would have thirty seconds after tripping the alarm to move across the floor and put in a four digit code to disarm.  It had probably been installed in the Corner Pocket during its opening, years ago.  That was one of the benefits of being Leroy Simpson, the most feared criminal in Akron.  His reputation was his security system.  No one was stupid enough to fuck with him.

Until now.

The thought gave Tobias chills, but he decided to maintain his focus.  He was here to case the place for tonight and that’s what he was going to do.  Tobias put three fingers into the beer, then rubbed the beer on his neck.  He then walked toward the bathroom.

Tobias took a look around to make sure no one was looking at him then he passed the bathroom and climbed the stairs.  He slowly made his way to the upper level of the two story brick building.

The second level of what used to be an apartment complex had been converted to accommodate a card game setting, roughly eight double sized rooms.  Tobias peeked in one, a large felt casino-style card table in the center, as well as a mini bar to the right.

This is where Leroy would host his poker and black jack games.  He would skim off the top to make a living and even play in a couple of games to scam some more money out of the deal.

That would have been how he got Bob.

At the end of the hall was a double thick oak door.  It was closed and probably locked from the other side by a heavy dead bolt.

That was where Tobias needed to be.

He approached the door and put his ear to it.  He could hear voices from inside but he couldn’t make out the words.  Tobias quickly examined the deadbolt.  It was a heavy design, but just like the alarm downstairs, it was an old design.

It took Tobias a minute to bypass the lock.  He thanked his lucky stars that no one decided to exit or enter the room.  Slowly, he unlooked the door so as not to alert the people inside.

Tobias then slipped his picks back into his pocket and undid his tie slightly.  He had to psych himself up for the next move but there was no way around it.  The door obviously was the entrance to Leroy’s personal office, which is where his safe would be.

Tobias took one final deep breath.

He then turned the handle and threw the door open, staggering into the room.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” A hard black voice yelled as the room became tense with the shock.

Tobias took in the scene fast, trying to store as much information as he could about.  It was large but full of tacky furniture.  Pleather couches lined both walls.  In the far right corner sat Leroy’s desk, a large mahogany thing.  A well built back man and a pudgy white guy went rigid with Tobias’s entrance.  Behind the desk sat Leroy Simpson, himself.

Leroy was calm, even in the face of surprise.  His eyes were narrow and searching.  He had a bald head and a hawk like nose.  Neither his face nor body showed his age, but from what Tobias had heard he was in his forties.

If Delroy Lindo and The Candyman had an evil baby, it would be Leroy Simpson.

“HOOOLLy Shittttt….” Tobias slurred his speech on purpose and tried not to look at anything with focus.  “You guys, do you guys, know where the FUCKING bathroom isssss?”

Tobias staggered into the room farther.  On the desk was a series of stacks of money, thousand dollar denominations.  The wall behind the desk had a safe installed in it.  The front of the safe was open and inside sat documents, money and what Tobias thought was a gun.

It was an old safe.  Tobias forced himself not to smile.

“How’s abouts here?”  Tobias asked stumbling around the room.  “I could piss on that couch, might improve the colors!”

Ernie turned angrily at Burt.  “What the fuck, Burt?  You said you locked the door!”

Burt frowned.  “I did.”

Burt’s look was one of dark hatred, one that came from madness.  He then pulled a knife and began to move toward Tobias.

Tobias’ hands went up, drunkenly.  “WHOA!  I take back what I said.  The couch is fucking fantastic!”

Tobias screamed on the inside, for a second he thought these guys were about to kill him over this.

“Burt.”  Leroy spoke one word and it was like silk, deep and smooth.  Billy Dee Williams would be jealous.

Burt stopped and turned toward his boss.  Leroy shook his head and Burt put the knife away.  Leroy then nodded at Ernie and flicked his wrist.

“Alright asshole,” Ernie said.  “You took one hell of a wrong turn.  The bathroom’s this way.”

Ernie took Tobias and dragged him out of the room and down the hall before shoving him back down the stairs.  “It’s around the corner, asshole!”

Tobias nodded and walked down the stairs.  Once out of eyeshot, he tightened his collar and walked back toward the pool table.  Justin looked agitated, “Hell of a piss, man.  What the fuck happened to you?”

Tobias smiled.  “Sorry, I took a wrong turn.  Did you take your turn?”

Justin and K-Money smiled in unison.  “Oh yeah.”

Tobias looked at the table and noticed that Justin had all but run the table shy of two balls.  He had previously played two games against Justin and knew that he wasn’t capable of that and had probably cheated.

“Wow,” Tobias said.  “That’s pretty good.”

“I was on a roll,” Justin said as his shit eating grin widen to his ears.

“So it’s my turn?” Tobias asked.

Justin nodded.

Tobias grabbed his beer and chugged the remaining half, since he would be leaving soon.  He had all the information he needed.

Tobias then proceeded to run the table, one shot after another.  In the course of maybe a minute, the game was over.

K-Money and Justin’s faces dropped as they watched.

Tobias picked up his coat, neatly folding it over his right hand then grabbed the stack of money.

“You gentlemen have a wonderful afternoon.”

With that, Tobias walked out the front door.

****

The Job

Real thieves don’t wear black.  The idea of any premeditated crime, especially this one, is to not call attention to yourself.  If people see a guy running around dressed like a Ninja, they tend to get suspicious.  Instead, you want dark colors, maroon or navy blue.

With this in mind, Tobias parked his car four blocks away and got out dressed in a dark navy blue dress shirt matched with a navy blue sport coat and navy blue Dockers.

It was his outfit.  Inside the coat were all of the tools he would need for the various crimes he would be committing tonight.  He also looked quite sharp.

Being a criminal is a reason to be an asshole, not a reason to look like an asshole.

He calmly walked across the streets and through the alleys of Akron at four in the morning.  He briefly thought about how cool the city was to look at, but not so much fun to walk through with all of its steep hills and inclines.

Reaching the front door, he reached into his coat and removed the tools he would need to open it.  He took a quick look around, then went to work on the lock.  He opened it in no time and entered, sprinting across the main hall toward the bar.

1. He reached the bar and vaulted over it, landing in front of the alarm system.

2. Tobias pulled a roll of masking tape from his coat.

3. He ripped a section of tape off the roll, about the size of the key pad.

4. He flattened the tape to the pad gently, so as not to press the buttons.

5. He pulled the tape away from the keys.  The buttons that had been pressed repeatedly would have grease and sweat and human remnants on them, which the tape brought up.

6. Comparing the grease marks to the keypad, Tobias saw that the numbers used where 4,5,6 and 8.

7. Tobias furiously went through the combinations, the first four were no good.

8. More failure.

9. Alarm disarmed.

Tobias smiled as the small digital readout said ‘DISARMED’ in big letters.  The rest was cake.

Tobias moved up the stairs and through the office door, pulling his lock picks again and making quick work of the office’s entrance.  Tobias moved into the office, fluidly replacing the lock picks and removing a stethoscope.

It took Tobias five minutes to get the safe open.  He frowned, realizing his time had slipped a little.

Tobias had to fight the urge to walk out with all the money in the safe.  It was instinct. Instead, he found what he was looking for and pulled out the document.  Before replacing it with the one he had brought.

Tobias then moved back down the stairs and re-armed the alarm before walking out the front door.

Tobias pulled out his phone as he walked toward his car.  The night had gotten brighter.  It was about six in the morning and the brighter sky meant the sun was threatening.

He dialed Sidney.  She answered on the fifth ring.  “Hello?”

Her voice was groggy with the sleep that Tobias had brought her out of.  He spoke.  “It’s done.  I have the document.”

“Good.”  Sidney began to wake up.  “Good.  Bring it over.  Things are going to happen fast from here on out.”

END EPISODE 7

6-The Game

6

The Game

The game had been long and tedious.  It had started with eight players and was down to only three after almost four hours of play. Bob, Tobias and Savannah remained.

Bob couldn’t be happier.  He was high stacked on the table, which meant he was the chip leader.  This would allow him to really throw his weight around when the time came to go heads up, one on one, with whomever remained.  Even the cards were dropping his way tonight.  He was on the roll of his life.

He was so close to beating Savannah Burton.

He worked to keep the excitement inside as Tobias and Savannah dueled in epic fashion.  He had folded out early in the hand, not feeling secure with his cards.  This put Bob in an excellent position to watch, and he had been doing so for quite some time.

His focus was on Savannah.

Bob was smart enough to not get sucked in by the obvious beauty angle that Savannah worked.  Instead, he had been learning her tells.  Bob thought he had it down to a science.

“Eight thousand,” Savannah said as she pushed the proper chips forward.

 “Call.” Tobias said without emotion.

That’s when Bob saw it again.  Savannah pulled on her earring.  It was so blatant, Bob could hardly believe it came from such a renowned player.  Every time she had bluffed, she had pulled on her earring.  If Bob was right, she had nothing.

The dealer dealt the flop, a two of hearts, a seven of clubs and a four of spades.

Not a whole lot anyone could do with that unless they were holding two of a kind in their hand.

“Sixteen thousand,” Savannah said and pushed the chips forward and tugged at her earring again.

Tobias shoved forward the chips needed to call.  “Call.”

Bob realized Tobias had seen her tell too, and was going for the kill.  Tobias was good. Bob was not looking forward to playing him at the end, but Savannah would never get there with an obvious tell like that.

“All in.”  Savannah said and Bob had to keep himself from gasping.

Savannah was high stacked.  To call, Tobias would have to go all-in.  She was playing ‘chicken’ with him.

“Call.” Tobias said with confidence.

Tobias’ chips where pushed to the center.  He had to win or go home.  There was no longer any reason for secrecy and both players showed their hands.

Tobias had a four of clubs and a seven of hearts.  He had two pair.

Savannah had a two of clubs and a three of diamonds.  She had a pair.

Tobias smiled because he was the clear favorite.

“My stars, Tobias.  It seems I have met my match.”  Savannah said, frowning.

“It’s all in the cards.”  Tobias responded.

The dealer flipped the fourth card, a three of hearts.

Savannah now had two pair, but they were lower value then Tobias’.  He had the victory almost assured.

The dealer flipped the fifth card… a two of diamonds!  Savannah had pulled out the full house on the river!  Tobias cursed and Savannah smiled.

“The river can be strong, got caught in the under-toe Mr. Snyder.  Until next time.”

Tobias took a sighed deeply.  “That was everything I had… damn, Savannah.”

Savannah scowled.  “I am appalled by your language.  Now give us a hug and go see Marshall.”

Tobias nodded, surrendering and hugging her before walking past Bob.  “See you in the car.”

 Bob scoffed at that.  He had Savannah right where he wanted her.  He was going to win the pot and walk out of here with enough to pay off Simpson in full.  Then, he could reap the profits of the restaurant.

It was Bob’s lucky day.

“Just you and me, Mr. Stanoski.”  Savannah said with a grin.

Bob grinned back.  “Indeed, it is.”

They put in their blinds and the dealer dealt the cards.

Bob had pocket aces!  An ace of hearts and aces of clubs

Bob came out shooting.  “Twenty four thousand.”

Savannah was taken aback.  “Strong bet.”

Bob shrugged.

Savannah thought about it, then called.  The dealer dealt the flop, the four of hearts, the four of clubs, and the seven of hearts.

Bob had two pair!  He had the best hand, unless she had another four.  Bob watched her as she stared at the cards.

She didn’t touch her earring.  He couldn’t be sure, so he checked, placing no bet. Savannah followed suit and the fourth card dropped.

The ace of diamonds!  Bob had a full house.  Bob’s hand improved and so did his chances.  She now needed to have pocket fours in order to win.  Only four of a kind would do.

Bob watched her closely.  Nothing.

Bob checked.

Savannah checked.

The fifth and final card was dealt.  It was a two of hearts.

The river, neither helped nor hurt anyone.

Bob watched.  Savannah’s hand slowly went to her earring and tugged.

I have her!

Bob knew she had nothing.  It was now or never.

“All in.”  Bob said and pushed forward the chips, smiling.

“I call.”  Savannah said immediately, without hesitation.

Bob raised an eyebrow.  Why was she so confident?  She had used her tell.  She shouldn't have squat…

Savannah grinned and flipped her cards…

…The four of diamonds and the four of spades.

She had four of a kind.

Bob went pale and looked from the cards to her.  She was grinning, as if she knew all along that she was going to win the hand.

Savannah suddenly feigned concern.  “Why, Mr. Stanoski, you look like you have seen a ghost.  I know it’s hard to lose when you are positively sure that you are going to win, but, like I said… no one plans to lose.”

Bob gritted his teeth and became enraged.  “You… You set me up!”

Bob stood and raked the chips off the table in anger and they crashed to the floor.  “This is bullshit!  You think you can-”

Bob’s thought was cut off by Marshall, who had moved into the room and swooped in behind him.  Marshall twisted Bob’s arm backwards with one hand, then used his other to slam Bob’s head to the table in front of them.

Bob whimpered as the fight left him, replaced with only desperation and fear.

“I do think I can, Mr. Stanoski.  To answer your accusation, of course I set you up.  Did you really think that I would have a tell as obvious as that?”

Savannah walked around to his side of the table where Marshall had him pinned.  “Now, there is the matter of the money that you owe me.  Twenty thousand dollars?”

Bob was nearly sobbing now.  “Oh God, I’m sorry.  I’m so sorry.  I don’t have it.”

“You don’t have what?”  Savannah asked, inquisitively.

“I don’t have the money!  I don’t have any money.”

Savannah bent down into his face.  “Well then, let’s talk about what you do have.”

Marshall let go of Bob and he seemed to calm down.  He then looked at her.  “I have a restaurant, but I can’t give it to you.”

Savannah grinned.  “Oh, a restaurant.  I have always wanted to own one of those.”

Bob shook his head.  “You don’t understand, I seriously can’t give it to you!”

“Now, that’s just silly talk.  I mean, what else do you have that I would want?” Savannah questioned.

Bob took a deep breath.  “I can’t give it to you because I don’t really own it.  Leroy Simpson does.”

Savannah raised her eyebrow, “Now that is confusing, do explain.”

“I owe Leroy Simpson a lot of money.”  Bob began.  “Simpson is an all around terrible criminal who extorts money, loan sharks, and runs illegal gambling games and casinos around the city.”

“I don’t need his biography, dear.”  Savannah directed him to stay on track.  “I need to know why you can’t pay me.”

Bob nodded and continued.  “I’m flat broke.  My bitch ex- wife took me for everything I have and I have been floundering ever since.  I’m up to my ears in debt.  So I had to try and strike some kind of deal with Leroy.  I came up with an idea to launder some of his money.  I look for a good standing restaurant, with an owner, desperate to sell for whatever reason.  Then Leroy gives me the dirty money.  I buy the restaurant in cash, then sell it to a corporation and dump the funds into Leroy’s account.”

“And the money dumped into his account is clean?”  Savannah asked, nodding.  “Not a bad scheme, but the problem is that Leroy Simpson is not here right now.  I, however am, and so is Marshall, and I want my money!”

Savannah yelled the last part and Bob recoiled.  Marshall stood, every inch of his body oozing violence.

“I can’t!”  Bob yelled, almost blubbering. “Simpson isn’t stupid, and he has insurance!”

 “What kind of insurance?” She asked, interested.

“Leroy doesn’t want his name anywhere near this, but he’s not stupid enough to give me the whole she-bang, so he had me deed the restaurant to him.”

Savannah put it together.  “So if he thinks you’re trying to pull one over on him, he takes the deed to the recorder’s office and the restaurant is his.”

Bob nodded.

Savannah seemed to consider this.  “Alright, here’s how we do this, I am going to tell Tobias to go home and my friend Marshall, here, is going to drive you.  Then he is going to stick around and watch you, because you are officially under my protection now.”

“What about the restaurant?  What about Simpson?”  Bob whined.

“Stop trying to sell the store.  Take it off the market.  Call all your potential buyers and tell them the deal is off.  I will deal with the colored gentleman.”  Savannah answered.

Savannah turned and left the room before Bob could ask any more questions.  Marshall bent over and gripped Bob’s shoulder, forcing a small timid yelping noise from him.

“Let’s go, Bob.”

****

Once out of the room and out of Bob’s sight, Sidney grabbed the blonde wig and pulled it off, quickly undoing the tight hair net and pony tail that restricted her brown hair.  It tumbled down over her shoulders.

Sidney took off her shoes with a sigh of relief and went into the kitchen grabbing a scotch.  She turned and jumped slightly when she saw Tobias sitting at the counter, a glass of water in his hand.

“Jesus!” she said.  “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

He shrugged.  “Sorry, it’s kind of a habit.  What’s the next move, boss?”

She frowned.  “Since when, am I the boss?  I thought we were partners.”

His face dipped.  “I don’t think that was ever true.  Not really.”

“I never screwed you over.”  Sidney frowned pointing at him, “You were the one guy I never tired to screw over.  The one person I could trust.  The one person who was always there for me, then you deserted me.”

Tobias’s jaw worked.  “I needed a change.”

Sidney’s eyebrow went up.  “That’s it?  A year gone and that’s the best you can do?”

Tobias couldn’t meet her eyes.  “What’s the next move?”

Sidney sighed and took the scotch like a shot.  “It’s on you.  We need the signed deed that Leroy has.”

Tobias nodded and Sidney knocked back the scotch before pouring herself another.  “You can’t get this with the family life.”

Tobias raised his eyebrow, “And what exactly is ‘this’?”

Sidney smiled and walked towards him, her demeanor going form outrage to seduction, “This!  The intrigue, the adventure, the thrill, the chase.”

Tobias responded, “Who says I want any of that?”

“Because I know you.  I know that this is who you are, not whatever you show Suzie Home Maker, or the people you work with, but this, right here.”

Tobias stood and snatched the scotch out of Sidney’s hand before knocking it back in one go.  He then stared into Sidney’s eyes.  “We’re all bad, Sid.  We’re just not all as okay with it as you are.”

Tobias walked past her and out of the kitchen.

She poured herself another glass in the silence of the kitchen and realized in that moment, she had not recovered her friend.  She realized that when this was over, he would walk again.  The only person she had ever let herself trust had betrayed her.

Maybe it was time to return the favor.

End Episode 6

5-The Setup

5

The Setup

Bob watched through his front window as Tobias’ car pulled up out front.  His stomach was upset with the idea that he would actually have to ride with the overzealous chef, but tonight would be a chance to a make a lot of money.

Bob needed money.

He came out the front door and walked to the car.  Bob opened the door and got in, shutting the door.  Tobias gently pulled away from the curb and they began the journey to the game together.

“We need to get something straight,” Tobias finally spoke after a couple of minutes.  “I’m only bringing you to this game in order to keep you from firing any more of my cooks.  We have a deal right?”

Bob nodded, irritated.  “Of course, no more cooks.  I’ll be selling it soon anyway, so it won’t matter.”

Tobias nodded, frowning, taking one hand off the steering wheel to pull a cigarette out of his pocket and put it to his mouth.

Bob looked over and shook his head as he did.  “I don’t smoke.”

Tobias didn’t even hesitate to light up.  “Good for you.”

Bob sighed, long and hard and rolled the window down.

Tobias’s frown turned into a smile.  “You have the money to play tonight, right?”

Tobias knew for a fact he didn’t have the money to play tonight.

Bob raised his eyebrow and turned toward Tobias.  “Of course.  What do you think I am?”

 “I think you’re an asshole.”  Tobias responded before pulling out his pack of cigarettes and raising them to Bob’s face.  “Would you like a smoke?”

Bob grabbed the pack and hurled them out the window.  “Keep this shit up and you can stuff the poker game and I’ll fire every God damned cook in the restaurant!”

Tobias nodded, still smiling.  “Alright, fair enough.”

****

It was a good forty minute drive into Shaker Heights and the nice tree covered houses that sat camped away from the road.  Tobias found the address he had been given earlier that day and pulled into the driveway.

Bob leaned over and looked forward, past the gate they stopped at to see what he could of the massive brick house at the end of the driveway.  “Hell of a house.”

Tobias turned and raised an eyebrow.  “It’s high stakes, remember?  You do have the money for this, right?”

Bob scowled.  “Ask again and the deals off.  Who are these people, anyway?”

“Savannah Burton is hosting.”  Tobias answered as he put the three digit code into the punch pad to open the gate.

Bob twisted toward him in shock.  “Did you say ‘Savannah Burton’?”

The gate lurched into motion, slowly opening.  “So, you’ve heard of her?  She’s in town on family business.  She decided to put a game together while she is here.”

Bob shook his head.  “How in the hell do you know Savannah Burton?”

Bob Stanoski liked to consider himself an underground poker scholar.  Savannah Burton, otherwise known as ‘The Red Queen’, was one of the bigger players.  She was the last surviving member of the Burton family, a kind of hillbilly mafia that originated in Georgia.  Savannah had taken the reigns and dabbled in the business from time to time, but for the most part, stuck to what she was good at, Texas Hold ‘em.  The idea that his lowly sous chef, Tobias Snyder, had an in with her, was beyond him.

Tobias smiled at Bob as he pulled the car through the gate and up the driveway.  “I’m pretty good myself, you know.”

Tobias continued to explain.  “I have been playing for a long time.  I was trying to earn enough to buy the restaurant and then you came along.”

Bob ignored the malice in Tobias’ voice.  “So you have played with Savannah Burton?!”

Tobias shook his head.  “No, but I know her.  She came through town once before and I met her body guard.  We all ended up drinking together and talking poker.  She decided to invite me when she came into town, so don’t fuck this up for me.”

Bob actually nodded as they pulled the car to a halt in front of the massive residence, “I won’t.”

Tobias and Bob got to the front door and Tobias knocked three times. Inside they heard movement and the sound of bolts being thrown before the door swung open to reveal a large heavy featured cowboy.  He wore tight jeans, riding boots, a button up shirt with a leather vest over it and was topped with an old fashion John Wayne Stetson.

Bob was a taken aback at the Spaghetti Western that had come to life in front of him. The cowboy stared at Bob for a long time while he took a canister of chew out of his back pocket and stuffed a wad of it in his front lip.

“What’s up, Marshall?  Long time, no see.”  Tobias said, breaking the ice.

“This is the guy?” Marshall, the cowboy’s, southern drawl infected his speech.

Tobias nodded, “This is him.”

“He trustable?” Marshall asked, the chew now distorting his speech.

Tobias shrugged.  “That’s debatable.”

Bob, who had become increasingly more nervous, turned and gave Tobias a hard look. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Tobias smiled, “Just being honest.”

“Come now Marshall.”  The new voice was female.  It had a sultry, heart-melting quality to it.

Marshall turned, his body moving with him and allowing Bob to see past him into the large welcoming hall.  The stairs to the second level started in the middle of the hall and slowly ascended.  The room had the look of something out of Gone With the Wind.

Adding to that, was the woman standing four steps up.  She was wearing a form fitting red dress that stopped just above the knees.  It was strapless, no doubt to show off her ample cleavage.  Beautiful, long, blonde hair dropped from her center and down either side of her head; a very liberal hair style for the southern belle type that stood in front of them.

“If any of us were trustable, we wouldn’t be here, now would we?”  The woman finished her statement and slowly maneuvered herself down the stairs, seeming to having some trouble with her high heel shoes.

Suddenly, she lost it on the last stair and staggered.  Marshall moved like a phantom and caught her before she hit the marble floors.  “You all right, ma’am?”

Tobias shook his head and Bob stepped into the hall, shocked.  Savannah stood back up straight.  “Oh my stars, I just bought these shoes and they are just giving me the darnedest time of it.”

Bob extended his hand and Savannah took it.  Bob then brought it to his lips and Tobias secretly rolled his eyes behind him.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am, I have heard nothing but the best about The Red Queen.”

Savannah smiled at Bob’s compliments.  “Oh that silly nick name?  I just hope a smart man like you isn’t hung up on my reputation.”

Bob smiled, “Of course not.”

Savannah flirtatiously smiled back.  “I do like your friend here, Mr. Snyder, and what should I call him.”

Tobias shrugged.  “Well, I call him plenty of different names, including but not limited to-”

Bob cut Tobias off before he could finish the insult.  “Bob.  My name is Bob Stanoski.”

Savannah shot Bob a heavy smile.  “Well, Bob Stanoski, are you ready to play some cards?”

Stanoski grinned.  “Of course.”

“Good.”  Savannah began to go into the rules.  “It’s simple no limit hold ‘em poker.  We are trying to be casual here, so the buy in is twenty thousand.  Blinds start at five hundred and one thousand and will increase by the hour.  The last remaining, gets the pot.  None of that second or third place pay out nonsense.  No money required up front but when you are out you will have to speak to Marshall directly about payment.  Did you get all that, sir?”

Bob nodded, “Of course, but I have to admit, I’m not planning on losing.”

Savannah grinned playfully.  “No one ever does.”

Suddenly, the sound of Marshall spitting broke the silence and called the room’s attention to him.  He had just spit in a plant on a table.

“Good God, Marshall.  How tactless can you be?!  Now hurry to the kitchen and get yourself a cup or something!”

Marshall tipped his hat.  “Sorry, ma’am.”

Marshall walked back into the house toward the kitchen and Savannah shot Tobias a look.  Tobias shrugged.

“Sorry about that.  Let’s go to the game room and get underway,” Savannah said and lead Tobias and Bob to the game.

Savannah led Bob to what would have been the dining room.  The long table in the center was surrounded by six other players, two women and four men, all well dressed and well kempt, so much that they put Tobias and Bob to shame.  The only other person was the dealer, classically dressed in a white shirt black vest and a bow tie.

Savannah introduced them all and told Bob to take a seat.

What Bob didn’t see was Tobias slip over next to Savannah.  “Nice job on the stairs, dumb ass.”

Savannah, frowned and whispered back to Tobias, “Fuck you.  I’m no good in heels.  What about ‘Marshall’ and his impromptu spittoon?”

“Who are the suits?” Tobias asked.

“Acting students.  Got to love their desperation.  They work for peanuts.  Now are you ready to do this?” She smiled.

 Tobias couldn’t stifle his grin any longer.  “Let’s do this.”

End Episode 5