Page 114 of Home With You

"What you talking about?"

"That bullshit about other people having to pay. My dad was in sales," I lie. "I know the techniques. Give people a free sample and hope they come back for more. You're not giving me a deal. You offer everyone the first one free, and the second, and probably the third. Am I right?"

"Yeah? So? Ain't nothing wrong with that. Like you said, all sales people do it."

"But you lied about it. Tried to make it sound like I was the only one getting the deal. Makes me not want to trust you."

"I ain't got time for this shit. You want it or not?"

"Let me see it." I take it from him and hold it up, noticing the markings on it. "It looks legit."

"Because it is. You want it or not?"

"Yeah, I'll take it." I slip it in my pocket. "What about the other two?"

"You have to come back to get the next one. We don't give out all three at once."

"Who's 'we'?"

"We." He circles his hands in the air. "Meaning we who provide service to people like you."

"Dealers."

"I ain't a dealer. I'm a salesman, and a damn good one."

"When you'd start selling this?"

He eyes me, suspiciously. "Why you asking?"

"Because if you're new to this, you could be getting screwed over by your boss. It's just like any business. The people in charge take advantage of the workers. Cheat and steal from them, especially in your line of work."

"Yeah? So what are you saying?"

"That'd I'd be willing to help you if it comes to that. I'm a lawyer. If this guy ever cheats you out of your money or gives you bad product, I might be able to help."

"And why would you do that? I can tell you don't like me."

"I never said I don't like you. I didn't like how you were talking to Raine that night but I'm willing to let it slide as long as you don't do it again. As for why I'd help you, it's because I hate it when the big guys win. I see it every day and it pisses me off."

"If it pisses you off, why you work for guys like that?"

"Because it pays the bills. I got student loans that'll take ten years to pay off. So about this guy you work for, you think you can trust him?"

"Don't know. Just met him a few weeks ago."

"Is he local?"

"He wouldn't say. Said he travels a lot. That he'd check on me next time he's in town."

"When's that?"

Levi cocks his head. "Why all the questions about my boss?"

I shrug. "Just wondering. I heard stories about some dealer around here who was cutting his pills with filler so he could double his supply. The filler makes people sick, like they've got the flu. I wanted to make sure you weren't working for him because if this shit makes me sick, I'm going to be coming back to YOU, not him. And I get really pissed when I'm sick."

Levi looks to the side. "Who was it? You know the guy?"

"I'm sure you don't know him." I start to walk away. "I need to get back to work."

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