Page 70 of Bad for You

Aldo simply smiles.

We get in, and he punches an address into the GPS. It’s an hour away. Once he selects his playlist of classical tunes, we’re off.

I don’t make small talk.

I wait to be spoken to because this delivery is a test.

“There is a fight organized for tonight.”

I nod.

“You don’t ask a lot of questions,” he says lightly, eyes on the road.

“I didn’t think I needed to.”

Aldo chuckles. “You’re not curious?”

“Not really, no. I know we’re not here to waste one another’s time.”

“You’ve not told me anything about your brother. I mean, he’s the reason you’ve put your trust in a stranger.”

“Oh, I don’t trust you,” I correct firmly. “And I know you don’t trust me. But I hope to change that soon enough.”

“You are a smart young man, Lennon,” he says, his accent thick. “I wonder why it is you need me.”

“Because you are nothing in this world without someone you can trust. Me, I only trust two people, and one of them is me.”

“And the other?”

I don’t reply as he knew I wouldn’t.

“This is a business proposal we both benefit from. I’m not proposing we become friends, but I think we want the same thing.”

“And what’s that?”

I mull over his question. I want to be as honest as I can. I need to be because time is of the essence.

“To be the best in every possible way and eliminate anyone who stands in the way.”

Aldo doesn’t say a word.

When we arrive at a derelict building in the middle of nowhere, I know things are going to get messy.

Whether this is where I prove my loyalty or I’m to be taught a lesson, I don’t know.

I follow Aldo, not expecting a single thing. The old factory is a squatter’s paradise, but there’s no one here…bar the man tied to the wooden chair in the middle of the room.

He’s blindfolded, his wrists and feet bound.

“To be the best in every possible way and eliminate anyone who stands in the way,” Aldo says, repeating what I said in the car.

Seems I was right after all.

“Sucks to be him,” I reply without feeling.

Aldo simply laughs.

Glenn appears from the corner, gun in hand. “He swears he knows nothing.”

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