Page 50 of Bad for You

I would much rather be comfortable in the silence than fill it with bullshit small talk. It’s not something that a lot of peoplecan do, and that’s because most people would rather engage in nonsense than face the reality that is their lives.

But men like Aldo, they are always alone.

They may come across as a social being, but it’s all for looks.

People are a means to an end. We all serve a purpose in someone’s story. If they think we will benefit them somehow, they offer us their time and energy because everyone wants something from someone.

We’re all in it for ourselves. Anyone who says otherwise is lying.

And when our purpose is fulfilled, then it’s thanks for the memories.

NEXT!

We live in a disposable world; sad but true.

But men like Aldo flourish in the silence, and when they find a fellow lone wolf, he sees in them what he does in himself, which is strength.

Although they work alone, they need an army of like-minded men who see that he too serves a purpose intheirstory and will do what they must to get what they want.

Never think anyone is doing anything out of the kindness of their heart.

Rookie mistake number one.

However, this is Aldo’s territory, so I show him the respect he expects.

“You fight with skill.” He crosses an ankle over his knee. “I won’t waste either of our time by asking who taught you.”

I nod, appreciating him not boring us with small talk.

“You’re here with purpose, so what is it? Please don’t insult me and deny it. Tell me what it is you want.”

I match his composure. “It’s only a matter of time until someone wants more because someonealwayswants more.”

Aldo listens intently.

“That dumbass you have fighting for you? He’s cocky, which makes him stupid. He thinks he’s untouchable, which also makes him dangerous.”

“Why is this your concern?” the guy whose name I still don’t know asks.

“Because I’m confident, not cocky. I know to never underestimate the underdog.” I make a point to look at him because I saw through him the moment I laid eyes on him. “I’m also a better fighter. I’m a better fighter than most.”

“And what good is that to us?” he questions while Aldo listens.

“I don’t want any enemies. I’m not interested in overthrowing your empire. I only want what is owed to me because of the work I put in. Let me fight for you, and you won’t need to rig any matches because I’ll win fair and square.

“At the moment, I assume you organize the fights to take place in these shitholes because you want to keep it low-key. But if I fight for you, we aim for bigger and better. And that means more bodies, more money…and more motherfuckers to sell your gear to.”

The guy reaches behind him to no doubt pull a piece on me, but Aldo shakes his head once.

“You’re a very clever young man. You got all this from watching?”

I nod.

Aldo mulls over my comment before brushing invisible dirt from his vest. I notice a gold pinkie ring with a purple stone. “If this young man was able to see all this, you failed at your job, Glenn.”

A laugh escapes me because his name isGlenn? For real?

Glenn knows better than to challenge his boss.

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