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It wouldn’t cover his entire debt, only a third But that was just the beginning Having found the right Achilles’ heel, he’d capitalize on it, expand the creative services he provided And that would mean subsequent payments

In the meantime, fifty thousand dollars would be a healthy first installh to keep Ardian Sava, his bastard of a bookie, froo-ahead to break a few of his body parts

Phil glanced at his watch Nine-thirty pm Too late for even Ben to still be at work

He called him at home

Ben answered on the first ring, dropped the receiver twice, then put it to his ear “Hello?” he mumbled

“It’s arbled toneBut no such luck

“Phil—finally I’ve been waiting for you to—”

“Here’s what I want you to do,” Phil interrupted “Go stand in the shower under a cold spray of water until you sober up Then call that nener of the e between him and us”

“Us?” Ben ht be drunk, but he wasn’t unconscious “I can’t do that”

“Why not?”

Silence Whether it was because Ben had a legiti to clear his mind, Phil wasn’t sure

“Why can’t you do that?” he pressed

“Because…” Another pause “What do you want me to say—that ing down his prices so I don’t go bankrupt, and so he holds off sending over a thug to bash my head in?”

“Just tell him I’m your partner, that I handle the co business proposition for hiency”

“Phil, this isn’t a guy you want to screw over”