Jack's redemption

ng a stomach stitch, but laughter was hitting him hard. "By the time we fished

alls were a solid white but for the paintings framed in elegantly simple, smooth framework. The paintings themselves were of dark th

? He preferred white walls

s was also sitting on the couch across from Jack,

become quite lean and strong, Julias was a big, built man. He was tall, with broad shoulders and pale complexion. His hair was blond

a really nice suit. Far nicer than Jack's own, that was for sure. He had at least undone the jacket and loosened his black tie,

ook her home and she missed

took h

minutes of getting her home, she

y to not spill his drink as he sipped it. Jack doubted it would have r

wall and wall-window view overlooking the city. He paced a little as he looked over the building

te anyon

next to him. He hadn't made a sound. Those shoe

ment's embarrassment passed, Jack looked back out the window with his hands in his pockets. His own suit was a p

this was all about. You wa

well,

u're not the weak little piss ant you were five years ago. Thought you'd have some co

e conf

at's the

ace and the stupidity of

on the internet developi

, tha

ulias was cool, suave, smooth and built. Jack was a lean little guy with a bitte

before looking at Jack. He put his back to the window and leaned against it w

d with a shrug. "Apparently, I'm good at making people

to your will." Julias's sarcasm was almost dripping f

e hired me didn't he, r

ecause he knew you'd be cheap. He'd have to pay twice what he pays you to get that job filled by someon

r man with a slow squint,

doesn't realize one of his partners is looking to branch, and neither of them realize

is plan he'd have a secure and stable future. He'd get his jobs, his promotions

s good,

ur ducks in

to thi

s?" Juli

ow. I mean, why w

it, it likely means something or someone is sto

aven't found anything w

lass and walked toward his kitchen. The apartment was a seamless connection of entryway to living room to kitchen to stairway to bedroom. Sur

you ha

mething worth ta

campaign?" Julias leveled his gaze on his small friend, and waited. His eyes were steel, cold

depend on how I fe

aign." Julias licked his teeth again and offered another grin before sipping his red. "Some of them

at's a lot of risk f

hatever you want. With whoever you wanted." He beckoned for the small man, and Jack came. He didn't plan to, didn't ev

s this abou

the qu

y, you're ask

k. The air around Julias seemed almost darker, as if the lighting had dimm

't mean to answer that question, but he couldn't stop. "I ... for

at the counter, and the younger one sat obediently. He felt small, very small. Al

ing about some fantasy world where I'm a goddamn monster. I'm

and with netted fingers, put his chin on top of his knuckles. He wasn't playing, or kidding o

ulias he knew. Th

trust. I need someone who will ha

und his grin fading when Julias did not smile back. The man across the counter from

He stopped. He didn't explain himself. He just left the stateme

...

enting him aimlessly. He wanted something; all the signs of a business proposition were apparent. Jack saw them, and Julias knew he saw t

make enough money to buy ten

And you are far better at

an

fucking tiger might before the kill. "But to my point, I need a friend, and

t is

ll

t here." Jack knew his words would frustrate Julias, bu

l have a new place to stay, and you will be powerful ... very powerful." The fact Jack's mouth had dropped open did not stop Julias. "The money is great, the power greater, but it's not about that. Well, not just about th

with his words, but his cold gaze never left Jack. The smaller man couldn't help but take quick g

r, my good friend. You will have ever

't know! I mean, just .

ng you'll keep from your

as! My mother, my sister, my

es me, and you know you're not close wi

to a stool at the counter. "Holy fuck Julias. This i

thing, b

on I tell anyone about this and I'll have snipers at my back." Jack let

s ... p

ck, I didn't believe it