Breaking Elle (54 page)

“Morning, sunshine.” The guy with the dirty boots mocks. My eyes burn from the lack of moisture and my mouth is dry. I squint. I remember him now. He introduced me to Jerry West when I needed financial help. “You’re making me look bad with the boss, ya’ know. You need to honor your deals with Mr. West.” He leans in closer to me, and I smell coffee and cigarettes on him. “He hates when people waste his time and take his hard earned money.”

I know there’s nothing hard earned about that money he loaned me. He knows it, too.

“So, is this what this is all about?” I reply sarcastically. “I just thought you missed me, Leon.” I chuckle, staring him in the eye.

“Don’t test me, you arrogant piece of shit,” he says reaching for a bat that sits next to the bed. “I won’t hesitate to use this Louisville slugger on that famous knee of yours.” He winks, tapping the bat against the palm of his hand. “But Mr. West still thinks that could be a money maker, that’s if he wants to keep you around.”

I smile. An eye for an eye, a knee for a knee, I chuckle to myself. What difference does it make anymore? I’ve used up all of my chances. I grimace in pain as the other guy reaches up and roughly grabs my wrist from the bed post to untie it. Talk about fucking uncomfortable. He sneers at me when he grabs my broken arm and pulls some cuffs out of his back pocket.

“So, who’s your sidekick over here?” I grimace at the guy fumbling with the cuffs. He crosses my good arm in front of me, and then clamps the cuffs on too tight, pinching the skin on my arm. I bite down on my lip, watching blood appear, and glare at him as he smiles sarcastically.

“Oh, Ben here. He’s the silent type. He doesn’t like to waste any time with this kind of shit. You should have kept your end of the deal. Right, Ben?”

The big guy stops what he’s doing and glares down at me. He reminds me of the Michelin man, pasty white skin, three or four layers of fat on his arms, shirt strained around his gut, and brown teeth. The chipped front one looks like a dagger.

“So anyway, enough with the small talk.” Leon rests his chin between his thumb and forefinger, and smiles deviously as he puts the bat back down. I silently breathe a sigh a relief. He walks around the bed to the window and pulls open the blinds. The bright Texas sun instantly blinds me and I turn away. Big Ben pulls me roughly up from the bed and clamps down on my shoulder so I don’t fall.
How fucking sweet of him.
The action makes my hangover headache rush forward and collide with my skull, pounding my temples.

“Beautiful Texas morning, ain’t it?” Leon laughs wickedly. “You might want to enjoy it because it may be your last.” Leon turns to leave, and Big Ben grabs me from behind and pushes me out the door behind him. We shuffle down a dark hallway and out the door that leads to a garage where Big Ben proceeds to stuff me in the black Suburban.

I fucking hate being powerless.

I watch the Texas landscape slide right by me, and I can’t help but think about my family and Elle and how I’ve let them down. I shut my eyes and beat my head against the back of the padded leather seat. At least they let me sit in the backseat with my seatbelt on. I was almost home free with this trip. I had one more day. I should have lain low like I planned. I knew that this would happen, that someday it would catch up with me. But, who could have told them I was here? How did they know where I was going to be? I don’t think I’m going to get any answers.

We arrive at Jerry West’s office, which is located in a sprawling mansion outside of Arlington. (I read the highways signs, and try to avoid thinking about whether or not I’ll see another day). I guess he bought another place because I’ve never been here before. I wish it were under different circumstances like me handing him the cash I owe him, or maybe attending one of the big parties he throws for all of his friends. For a little while, I was on that list when the Dallas Cowboys wanted me. But when my injury happened, my situation changed.

They drag me out of the black Suburban like a sack of potatoes. Big Ben is not happy about this, and I’m not happy having to smell his damn cologne.

“Hey, watch the merchandise.” I chuckle, protecting my broken arm from any further damage.

“Come on, smart ass,” Leon says. He pushes me forward while Big Ben keeps his vice grip around my bicep.

“Damn, you guys get any vacation time from the boss?” I struggle to pull away from Big Ben. The smell of his cologne is burning my nostrils. “Because you seem a bit uptight,” I joke.

“Maybe we will once you’re out of the picture. We’ve been working overtime to find you. We got a good lead on you this time around.” He smirks as he walks alongside me. Leaning in, he whispers, “Word of advice to ya,” he pauses, “but it may be too late.” He looks around and stops in front of the doors. “Don’t trust anyone around these parts or open your mouth when it’s not necessary.”

I stare at him for a second. I know there’s something behind his message, and I’m sure I’m going to find out real soon. Ben and Leon shove me through a pair of double doors into a large office with Cowboys memorabilia and expensive leather furniture. There’s a strong smell of cigar smoke and liquor. A voice comes from a leather chair behind the desk. I’d know that voice anywhere. Leon pushes me to one of the leather chairs facing the desk and shoves me into it. Big Ben stands next me to me keeping his mitt on my shoulder.

“Long time, no speak.” The throaty voice comes from behind the desk. Years of smoking and drinking have destroyed his vocal chords, and it looks like he’s been to one too many barbeques since I last saw him. He’s packed on a few pounds. “Didn’t think I could find ya, did ya Hunter?” He laughs as he hangs up the phone he was holding in his right hand.

“Hey, Mr. West.” I’m fucking scared as shit, but I’m not going to show it. I don’t know what I can say now that will make him give me more time. I’ve used it all up. I picture the little grains of sand falling, my time slowly slipping away, almost gone. I straighten up in my chair as best as I can with my hands cuffed in front of me. “All of this ain’t necessary,” I say, trying to move my arms in the cuffs.

“Let’s get one thing straight.” He leans forward, folding his hands in front of him with a wicked smile. “I make the rules around here, Hunter. You just keep your mouth shut.” He says, eerily calm. “Another thing, we’re past the mister stage, Hunter; we’re like family. Call me Papa West.”

“I don’t need your kind of family.” I hiss, clenching my fists. The cuffs cut into my skin. There’s blood.
I wish he would fucking stop calling me Hunter!

“But you needed my money!” He barks, causing me to flinch.

“I said I’d pay you back.” I grimace, twisting my wrists trying to figure out a way to get out of here, but I know that shit is futile.

“When? Huh? Tell me when, Hunter?” He growls. “This is the kind of shit I can’t tolerate. You young kids get hooked on the good life and you can’t pay up. You need to honor the agreement.” He gasps, struggling for air, pounding his chubby fist on his enormous desk. “Pay me back! I don’t believe a word you say anymore!”

“I’m working on it. I’ll get y’all the money.” I clench my fists, wishing I had his neck in my hands. I’m fucking pissed for getting involved with this guy.

“Listen, I’m not into monthly installments. I told you that before. I ain’t no credit card you pay off. I got a business to run and I need cash. I need the cash from you. You got that?
Or
we may have to escalate this and involve some other folks. Do you understand what I’m getting at?” He roars breathlessly.

“Keep my family out of this.” My heart leaps to my throat and I feel helpless.

“I would love to keep your family out of this. So pay up!
That’s how this business works, remember? We made a deal, and you owe me a lot of money,” he says calmly.

“I understand. I’ve paid you back before. If I can get you the money earlier, I’ll do it. But I need a little more time,” I reply. My jaw hurts from clenching my teeth. I’m so mad I can barely get the words to come out of my mouth.

“I’ve been nice because I know your story. You had a rough life. I get that.” He takes deep raspy breaths.

“Sure, Mr. West.” I reply.
You dick.
He laughs that annoying laugh and I get that urge to put my fist through a wall. I’m not trying to put anything over him. I know that’s what he’s probably thinking or what he’s heard.
He thinks I got hooked on the good life? Is that what he really thinks?
He doesn’t even know what he’s talking about. I don’t know what he’s heard, but the money wasn’t for that. That cash was necessary for my momma’s medical bills. I got what I needed, but then I couldn’t stop. It was like a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off. I admit that gambling got the best of me. I can understand the addiction now. The rush when you win and the desperation you feel when you lose. I’m no better than my father is. I should’ve got out early, but he’s right. Life was good when I was winning.

I came to him as a last resort, but now my situation is more complicated. I had to leave, use some of the money left after taking care of Momma to figure things out. Everything I planned for went up in smoke! I had no backup strategy if I didn’t play professional football. My luck ran out.

A knock at the door interrupts my last thoughts. Jerry calls them in and the answer to my questions walks through the door. I am a little surprised but not completely shocked by it. We kind of got off on the wrong foot a couple of nights ago. After my drinking, I probably opened my mouth and let something slip, and Campbell probably shared it all.

“Look who’s joined the Landon Hunter fan club.” Jerry laughs. “Let me introduce you to...” He pauses and taps his temple with his finger. “What’s your name again, boy?”

“It’s Caleb.” He turns to me and smirks. He’s not wearing preppy boy clothes today, just a t-shirt and jeans, and he’s carrying my bag.

“Caleb” I smirk and shake my head. “I guess you weren’t too pleased with the situation the other night with your lady.” I chuckle. “She couldn’t resist me.” He smiles and throws my bag on the table, unzips it, and starts going through it. I have nothing important in there, so I don’t give a shit.

“Yeah, Caleb here,” Jerry nods his head towards Caleb, “was very helpful and resourceful, and you were careless. You fucked up one of the basic rules. Never go to a place twice, especially if you got enemies. News travels fast.” Caleb looks up and directs his gaze to Jerry as he pulls out my gun.

“What do we have here?” Jerry snatches the gun from him and turns it over in his hands, checking to see if it’s loaded. I know it is. “Ever wonder what it’s like to stare down the barrel of a gun?”

No, I can’t say that I have asshole.
I’m tired of playing all of these damn head games. What the hell does he think I’m going to say? Yeah. A few times, it was fun. I’m an adrenaline junkie. I like seeing my life flash in front of my eyes.

He smiles. I squirm in my chair and shrug my shoulders as if what he’s saying doesn’t faze me, but it does. I’m scared shitless now. I know what Jerry is capable of, and what he will do to desperate fools like me. I’ve tried to talk my way out of it, but Ben presses down on my shoulders to restrain me from doing anything stupid. For some reason, I don’t have the energy to fight anymore. I’m outnumbered and cuffed. My chances of making it out of here are slim to none. He hands the gun back to Caleb. He walks over and stands in front of me with the gun at his side, but far enough away from me that I can’t reach him.

“I always get things handed to me like this. I don’t have to work for it or nothin.” He laughs. “I knew once Campbell told me your story I had something.” He sneers, shaking the gun in front of my face. Without warning, he takes it and hits me across the head, making the pain from last night resurface with the new injury. I taste blood in my mouth, and I see stars when I close my eyes.

“Motherfucker.” I hiss through my teeth, biting through the pain.

“Campbell doesn’t know I’m here doing this. I swore I wouldn’t speak of this to anyone. She still has this thing for you. Not sure what it is, but I can tell you right now that I don’t like it.” He chuckles.

I open my eyes and manage to lunge at him through all my pain. Leon and Ben are both trying to hold me back as Caleb staggers back, bumping against the desk. I chuckle at his reaction since it reminds me of the beating I gave him the other night. Even with my arms cuffed, the asshole is still scared.

“Stop with fucking small talk, Caleb,” Jerry says. He struggles to get up from his chair, rounds the desk, and grabs the gun from him. “Not sure why I’m being extra nice to you,” he mutters under his breath, pacing back and forth as he admires the gun in his hand. “I’m sure my money was what you used to buy this gun.” He smiles. I don’t answer him because he’s right. “You’ve shown me over and over again that you can’t make the money.” He pauses and turns his back to me. His black pinned stripe suit jacket is tight and wrinkled. His pants are too long and his shoes shine like hot black tar. With all his money, he should get a good tailor to fix his damn expensive looking suits.

I turn to Caleb, tilt my head, and smile. “So, what do you get out of all of this? God knows your family has all the fucking money in the world. You get shit handed to you on a silver platter.”

“I got offered some cash, but I turned it down. It’s ironic that it’s the same amount you owe. I could have taken it and let you borrow it.” He laughs. “But then I would never see it again. I get more pleasure seeing you like this.” He points at me, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Jerry spins and glares at me, waving the gun over his head. “I’m glad you got acquainted with the person that was responsible in getting you here. But I’ve decided because it’s my money at stake here, I think that I should have the honors? What do you think, Hunter?”

“My name is Reed,
now.”
I reply. “I’m sick and tired of hearing that name from my past.”

“Well, your past is what got you here.” He waves his hand dismissively. “Well, it doesn’t matter. I’ve decided your time here is up. No more chances.”