“It’s a long night. No ill will. Just trying to get you what you need and get him out of your hair. That’s it.” Austin held up one hand, palm out.

“How many times are you going to bail him out? This has to be like the fourth time.” Julian moved around the chair and slid into it.

“It’s five. And this is the last time.” Austin started to snake his hand into his jacket.

“You said that last time, I’m pretty sure.” Julian tapped his temple with his index finger.

“I probably did.” Austin shook his head and pulled out a thick yellow envelope.

“You only work to bail his ass out?” Julian held out his hand and Austin set the envelope in it.

“Maybe, Julian. There’ll be more there than you need—for interest.” Austin stepped back as Julian opened the envelope.

“Yeah, today I’m going to need a bit more.” He looked me directly in the face.

“This is what you get. This is what you always get.” Austin’s tone got darker.

“You saying you didn’t bring this girl by for a sample?” Julian put his index finger between his teeth.

“No, you said you wanted to look at something pretty. Just no. We’re leaving. And she’s my girlfriend, so no.” Austin pulled me even closer.

“You into girls now? I thought you and he were married?” Julian pointed in the direction of the big round bed. It was then I noticed that there was a foot sticking out from underneath.

Austin pulled me with him and we both studied the floor. Endgame was passed out, his shirt pulled up to reveal his stomach. Austin stooped low so he could cover him. It was a tender motion. A caring gesture.

Endgame had to have been at the losing end of a fight. His black and white face ink had more color where bruises had formed. One of his eyes was swollen shut.

I kneeled down and took his pulse, a trick I learned over and over at my first aid classes for my lifeguarding job. He was alive. I felt relief but also more concern. He was very much unconscious, and I had no idea how Austin and I'd get him out of here—if we were allowed to leave. Julian had the money and we had nothing to show for it really.

Austin brushed Endgame’s hair off his forehead.

I whispered to him, “Will they let us call an ambulance?”

He gave me a short shake of his head. Of course not. No ambulance would be let in here.

“You sure this is the last time?” Julian was over my shoulder now.

“It’s the last time,” Austin confirmed. There was a finality in his statement that seemed to have a ring of truth to it.