Big Ed smiled his evil smile. Got anything else to offer, Johnny? If youre thinking of offering yourself, you can just forget it, Im not into that kind of thing.
Johnny sat there, a glazed look on his face. His mind was a confused jumble of random thoughts. Panic seized him. He had to get more money, but for the life of him, he couldnt even begin to think of a place where he would be able to get some. The only people he knew that had enough money to get him out of this jam were in that very room, and he could tell by their looks that more money wasnt going to be forthcoming. Benny had a claim on his wife while Big Ed had a claim on both his wife and daughter.
Gradually, the consequences of his foolishness seeped into his mind. The same question kept going around and around in his head. Why? Why had he kept playing? Why hadnt he quit when he was far ahead? Why had he offered his wife and daughter as collateral? Why, why, why?
Jessica had a quizzical look on her face. What does he mean, Johnny? What have you been offering? She didnt like the sound of what she had just heard.
Big Ed turned to her, still smiling. Do you want me to tell her, Johnny? He paused for a moment, and then added, Or do you want to?
Johnny felt sick inside. He tried to think of some sort of plausible explanation he could give her, but nothing reasonable came immediately to his mind. He knew he didnt want Big Ed to tell her of his deals, but he wasnt sure how he could stop him. He couldnt let Jessica find out that she and Lisa had been offered to these bums, as she would leave him for sure and take Lisa with her. They would never have anything to do with him again. Listen, Big Ed, Ive still got until six oclock this evening to pay you guys back. Nothing gets done until then. Ive got some contacts thatll help me out. Ill get you guys the money by then.
Yeah, sure, Big Ed said sarcastically. If you had any contacts you wouldnt have offered up your wife and daughter for those loans we gave you. Now its almost time to pay up.
Damn it, Johnny groaned inwardly, Big Ed had spilled the beans. Jessica now knew what he had done. He watched Jessicas face grow into a cauldron of fury, and then pitifully hung his head in shame.
You what? Jessica screamed. She couldnt believe her ears. You offered Lisa and me to these bums? Are you kidding me, Johnny? I cannot believe this. You have sunk to a new low. What did you think you were doing, you bastard. What are you, a pimp now? And Lisa and I are nothing more than your whores? Well, were not going to have anything to do with this, were leaving. Jessica boldly reached for her coat and started over to the chair to wake Lisa.
I dont think so, Big Ed calmly said, while Lenny stepped between her and Lisas chair. Johnny here has committed the two of you, so you ladies arent going anywhere.
Jessica stared into Big Eds face, noting the firmness of his jaw. She knew he wasnt kidding. She understood that guys like him didnt always play fair or by the law. There wouldnt be any going to the police with charges of rape, not if she wanted herself and Lisa to live.
Everything seemed so confused to Johnny. The long hours of playing poker, the losing hands, as well as the few drinks he had consumed had dulled his mind. Now, all he could think about was going to the room where Ray was, get his gun, and come back and kill Benny and Big Ed. Cautiously, he looked around, eyeing Lenny and the two large bouncers who were staring at him. He knew all three were heavily armed. What he was thinking was nothing more than suicide. Not only suicide for himself, but probably also for Jessica and Lisa, as well. No, there was no way he could risk their lives. The only way out of this was to get the money necessary to free his women. He wondered where he was going to come up with that kind of cash?
Slowly, Johnny backed his chair away from the table and pushed himself up. Ill get the money, Jessica, I promise you. He couldnt help it, but tears started to form in his eyes. The magnitude of the whole situation came crashing down on him. He knew only one thing, and that was he had to raise the money to free his wife and daughter from these thugs, no matter what he had to do to get it. He turned and made his way to the door. As he opened the door, he looked back at Jessica. Dont worry. Ill get you out of here, I promise. Ill get the money.
Well take good care of the ladies while youre gone, Johnny. I for one hope youre able to raise the dough, Big Ed called after him, a smug look on his face. Big Ed knew there was no way Johnny would be able to raise that kind of money in such a short time. Finally, Jessica was going to be his, and if he played his cards right, Johnnys daughter would play a role in keeping Jessica with him for more than a single evening.
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