A Life of Inches by Douglas Esper

Author:Douglas Esper [Esper, Douglas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781680581423
Amazon: 1680581422
Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC
Published: 2015-05-14T23:00:00+00:00

***

I slink back into the ripped vinyl booth, officially drunk. “Stubby’s heating more water for your tea and I ordered you a burger.”

The last time I felt this low and confused was during my hospital stay following my fight and expulsion back in college.

On the wall behind Delvin, Woodie slides across home plate in stunning HD on the fifty-five inch television. A certain lucky pendant bounces around his neck. When the dust settles, Woodie trots toward his dugout and points to the sky, offering his own final thoughts to Omar.

A teenager, all zits and insecurity, serves Delvin his tea water and then sizes me up. “You’re Ryan Kelly, right?”

Caught off guard, I blurt, “Damn, Delvin, was anyone on your team as ripped as this kid?”

Delvin snorts. “Not without help.”

I fix Delvin with what I hope passes for an intimidating expression. “He one of yours?”

Delvin clears his throat. “No. Now will you talk to the kid?”

The alcohol and emotions battle for attention and I just don’t know what to say.

Stubby’s son looks uneasy. “Coach Marv talked about you at practice and I’ve watched some of your film. Your slider is wicked good. I…I hope I can learn to pitch like you did, and play in the pros someday. Um, if you’re ever bored, maybe we could go out and throw together sometime?”

Though I’m quick to hide it, the boy sees my lips tighten as I fight the urge to cry. Uncomfortable, he backpedals toward the kitchen. “I’ll, uh, I have more cooking to do.”

Before I can apologize and explain, he leaves me to complete my deal with the devil.

I slam my drink and meet the unaffected gaze of Delvin Crowe.

“Would you just hand over the stuff and let me go destroy my body?” My voice croaks in anger and escapes my throat a little louder than Delvin would prefer. His right cheek twitches.

In the dim light of the bar, the cut on his face seems to move on its own. “Look, I’m not some errand boy or first-timer. I’ve made a career out of this. No matter who you are or how special you might’ve been, I do business my way or no way, got it?”

Put in my place, I give Delvin my full attention. I sway a bit and belch. “Maybe I could’ve skipped that last drink.”

“You haven’t needed the last three.” Delvin leans in, rubbing heavily jeweled fingers through his beard. “Do you understand the repercussions I face if this offer is a baited trap? How do I know this meeting wasn’t set up by the DEA? How can I be certain that you’re coming to me with a legitimate desire to strengthen your body and be the player I know you can be? If I was smart, I would walk out that door right now and lose your number.”

I chuckle at the absurdity of his comments. “Is it backend money you’re after, Delvin? Is that it? Do you think I give a rat’s ass what it costs me

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