“Where The Players P(ar)lay”

“It’s the end of the road, Jack. You know that.”

“Ah, now, come on, Melvin; don’t bring that shit in here now. You know what the deal was.”

“Yes, dammit;” Melvin clenched his jaws. “And now, this shit is getting out of hand and now there’s rats sniffing around for cheese.”

Jack smiled. His thin lips would part, showing his teeth and all of that character; rubbing his nose and taking a deep breath. “Melvin, you know who we work for. Ain’t no way you think that I’m going to butter both sides of this bread; we’re not making a grilled cheese here. Just — let’s just hush our mouths and play the role we been — that heart of yours is gonna get us in trouble one of these days.” Jack rubbed his nose, again, smiled, and put a hand on Melvin’s shoulder; as Melvin stood, thinking.

“We have the cushion. You have got to let the rest of the guys know that they can chill tonight.”

“We’re gonna run up the score.”

“So long as it ain’t you.”

“I just need my thirty, Mel. Ten boards and one more three.”

“Gotta play twenty-seven minutes. Make sure Linbob gets you back in the game in that last three minutes to close it out.” Melvin sighed. “This is the night we need, and then this is all over.”