Brutha

I use this opportunity to slide Eric's draft closer to me. I drink, I think.

How's this to be decided, then?

The usual way. An issue of finances. You're a pretty high end prize, for once.

Yeah, well.

There are a lot of people lookin' for you. West End dogs, I-talians, our boys, I even heard a rumor about the Russians?

Ha, yeah, the russians. I almost forgot them.

I have to laugh at that, the Russians. Ha. They hardly count. A misstep with a climbing soldier's daughter. It's always someone's daughter.

You almost forgot the Russians? They haven't forgotten you, in fact, last I checked they're my highest bidders.

You're really gonna sell me, then? Your brother, your friend? Are we forgetting all those times I covered your scrawny paddy ass?

There's a moment of awkward silence here and I can feel the boys behind me reaching for their heat. I'm pretending not to sweat, it's all for show but a reps a rep and I've got mine.

Brother Eric. Do we remember?

Of course little bro. Of course

Here is the longest pause in my life.

Little bro? I can see you sweating. You've got the same tell you always have.

My fingers twitch, looking for Clarice's trigger, but she's not here. Neither of us move for the longest time, then Eric breaks one of his giant shit eating grins and laugh laugh laughs like the maniac he's always been.

Little bro, I'm only having a laugh. You're fine, you're safe, you're welcome here.

You little piece of shit, I hate you.

Don't forget to breathe. Have a drink. Let's talk.