OLD CONNECTIONS CHAPTER 39- OLD CONNECTIONS LARRY " Way to choose a secluded place , " I said , sarcasm laced in my voice . Victor just let out a chuckle . He's the one who's bent on making sure that we don't go to a public area but went ahead to choose a bar instead . Classic Victor . " I mean , the bar is dimly lit and it took you almost three minutes to find me . So , don't you think it's quite secluded ? " He concluded . I ignored his statement and slowly shook my head . " So , do you know what you're here for ? " I went straight to the point , taking a seat on one of the stools next to him . He looked at me with a confused expression on his face and replied , " You're the one who called me here and suddenly , you're asking if I know what I'm here for ? " Before I could continue , a waiter approached us with a small smile on his face . " Gpod day , gentlemen . What can I get you two ? " He asked . " I want a bottle of whiskey , " I told him . Victor said he wanted the same thing , so he left to get our order . I wasn't usually the type who liked alcohol but I needed to clarify my head . The waiter returned soon after with two glass cups and a bottle of whiskey . He served us and I muttered an appreciation and watched him walk away before speaking . I started , " I know you've heard about the incident circulating around me . And you've probably heard that I've been suspended too . " He nodded slowly . " Wasn't it because you falsely accused your ex wife , " he laughed . " The news has been so juicy and I gotta ask man . How is it possible for you to leave your wife who's practically a ten for someone who's mid ? " I clutched my drink , trying my best not to lose control and accidentally punch him hard on the face . " Can you just mind your business ? " He raised his hands . " You need my help , but want me to mind my business ? How ironic . " I ignored his statement and gulped down the whiskey in my glass cup in one go . This was the only way I've been able to stay sane nowadays with everything that's going on . I continued , " The person I need you to work on is Marvin- Maya's brother . He's hell bent on destroying me and I want to show him that I'm not someone to be messed with . " Victor tilted his head at me , swirling his drink lazily in the glass . " So , " he said after a moment , " you want Marvin out of the picture ? Just like that ? " " Not just out of the picture , " I said , leaning closer so no one else could hear . " I want him discredited . I want him destroyed . I want his name in the dirt so bad he can't even show his face in public without people laughing . " Victor's eyebrows went up slightly , but he didn't look surprised . " That's heavy . You sure you're ready for something like that ? " I took a slow sip of my drink before answering . " I've never been more sure . This isn't just business , Victor . This is family . He stuck his nose where it doesn't belong , and now I'm going to show him what happens when you cross me . " Victor smirked a little , leaning back on the stool . " Family honor , huh ? That's what you're calling it ? " 1/2 OLD CONNECTIONS +25 BONUS " That's exactly what I'm calling it , " I said firmly . " He's been walking around acting like he can protect her , like he's better than me . I'm done letting him run his mouth . " Victor tapped his finger on the table slowly . " Alright . But let me be straight with you - this won't be cheap . And it won't be safe . Marvin isn't stupid . You make a move against him , he'll fight back . And when he fights back , it's not gonna be pretty . " " I don't care about pretty , " I said . My voice came out sharper than I intended . " I care about results . " Victor stared at me for a long second . Then he poured himself another drink and took his time sipping it before answering . You're serious . " " Of course I'm serious , " I said . " Do I look like I'm here to play games ? " " You'd be surprised , " Victor muttered . " Half the people who come to me think they're serious until things get messy . " I leaned forward , my eyes locked on his . " Victor . I've lost enough already . I'm not losing again . I don't care how messy it gets . " He chuckled under his breath , shaking his head slowly . " Messy . That's one word for it . " He leaned closer now , lowering his voice even more . " Alright . I'll do it . But you have to understand - once we start , there's no way to stop . No ' oh , I changed my mind . ' No pulling out halfway . This will ruin him completely . His name , his work , his life ... gone . " " That's exactly what I want , " I said without even blinking . Victor watched me for another moment , like he was still trying to figure out if I was bluffing . Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small folded piece of paper . " This , " he said , sliding it across the table , " is the list . Everything I'll need from you to make this happen . Information , documents , contacts ... and money . A lot of money . " I picked up the paper , not even opening it yet . " Money's not a problem . " " It's always a problem , " Victor replied . " But fine . You say it's not ? Then we'll see . " I set the paper in my jacket pocket and finished the last of my drink . The whiskey burned going down , but it kept me calm . " How long will it take ? " " As long as it takes , " Victor said . " Could be a week . Could be months . You'll get updates when I have them . But remember- once I start pulling strings , the whole thing will move fast . There's no undoing it . " I nodded slowly , meeting his eyes . " Then pull them . " Victor let out a low whistle and stood up , tossing a few bills onto the counter for the drinks . " Alright , Larry . You asked for it . Just don't cry to me when you see how far this goes . " " I won't cry , " I said , standing up as well . " I'll be watching . " Victor gave me one last look - half amused , half serious - before walking out into the night . I stayed a few moments longer , the paper still in my pocket , feeling the weight of it like it was a weapon . And I knew exactly where I was going to point it . yh