Leon Smith transferred the big Cohiba Siglo VII cigar from one side of his mouth to the other and curtly asked, “Are you in?†Jefferson Hanks glanced at his hand, and threw his cards down in disgust and replied, “Nope, out.†The members of the Small Cabal watched Leon sweep the pot to his area of the poker table while a grin slowly formed across his face.
The Small Six Cabal Club was formed in Las Vegas on a whim by a diverse group of six especially short little people (known as “three footers†since none are above four feet tall) with the primary goal being to unite and help other group members. The secondary goal is to support the little people amongst each other's friends and family whenever necessary and possible. If there was an unofficial third, fourth, and fifth purposes, it would be to play poker, smoke giant cigars, and get into blistering arguments. Leon Smith is an agent for little people actors, unarguably the boss of the group in every way, and is considered short even by little person standards. Jefferson Hanks works a variety of odd jobs which can include but is certainly not limited to: magician's assistant, slapstick comedian's patsy, and leprechaun mascot. Jefferson is known for being a jack-of-all trades in the talent department and is unusual in that his head appears to be that of an average-sized attractive male, while he has the body of a little person. Todd Styles is the funniest and most charismatic member of the Small Six Cabal and is envied by the rest of the group since he managed to marry a rich model, and only occasionally works for fun as a standup comedian. Prior to marrying well, he worked as the head EMT for a large hospital. John Slattery, considered the most normal of the Small Six Cabal, has a “straight job†as a successful tax attorney and has the distinctions of being the only member of the group with a family as well as the only one who is overweight. Ron “Brass Ones†Grossman is the enforcer since he is by far the strongest of the group and more importantly, a black belt in jujitsu. He currently works as the head bouncer for a large bar/restaurant on the Vegas strip. The only female member of the group is Jade Jones; a minority many times over as she is a mixed, female little person who also happens to be lesbian. Jade works as both a manager and part-time dancer at a Las Vegas strip club known for “novelty†acts, while she pursues an MBA at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Jefferson Hanks put down his Swisher Sweet cigar, and while dealing asked, “I know you guys are doing alright, but times are kinda tough for me right now. So Leon, is casting still open for the little person character in…†and was cut off by Leon who replied, “Sorry kid, for some reason they went with a non-midget. They took a five foot seven adult and shot him at weird angles and used blocking techniques to make him appear like us. They wanted a big name, and since both Troyer and Dinklage are busy, and Baker is too old…Well, like I said sorry kid.†Jade mumbled curses, raised the pot, and fired off, “Back in the old days of Hollywood, Westerners would take the roles of Asian characters. Today that is considered horrible casting at best and racist at worst. I know our style is to buckle down and work rather than complain, but I think this kind of crap warrants a response!†She then loudly chopped off the torpedo head of her Punch Champion cigar with a guillotine cutter as an additional exclamation point.
Ron Grossman bit off the head of his Gurkha Ninja cigar, spit it out in Jade's direction, and replied, “Pointless! And all it does it make the studios mad. I've said it before Jade…Work hard, take care of your little brothers and sisters, and stop whining about forces beyond your control!†Jade ashed her cigar, glared at Ron, and yelled, “Blow me Brass! The times have improved for people with my skin color and sexual preference, but since I'm little person all of that is negated. So instead of being on the receiving end of racist jokes, I get the “Nice top, was there a sale at Baby Gap?†and “Go back to your rainbow!†material. When is it going to be our time to…†Ron cut her off with, “Stop it! Look I came here to play poker and shoot the BS! Not whine about midget jokes or being exploited or…†and was himself cut off by John who held up his hands and interjected with, “Guys! Please… We know there are prejudices, and historically we have combatted them by hard work and sticking together. On the other hand…While nobody wants to hear lengthy diatribes about our plight in life, there is nothing wrong with attempting to make society aware of the especially ridiculous situations like this one. So I think Jade does have a point.†Ron sighed, but then cracked a small pursed lipped smile, which caused everyone else at the table to fold.
Todd Styles twirled his Playboy Robusto cigar with one hand, began dealing with the other, and said, “Wouldn't it be great if a character was filmed the other way? I mean Jefferson has the melon of an average Joe, so if he took an average guy role and was strategically shot maybe along with some decent CGI...†Leon took the cigar out of his mouth, blew smoke into a perfect ring above the poker table and offered, “Not bad at all…You know actually it might work as a gimmick. I'll talk to my people and see if there is interest, and insist that Jefferson gets either the lead or a major supporting character.†Todd replied, “Jefferson will have to check his schedule first of course, I mean he wouldn't want that to conflict with his duties as Santa's Elf or God forbid if that offer would prevent him from popping out of a magician's hat.†Jefferson leaned over and flicked his cigar ash on Todd, and said, “Oh I'm good to go as long as it doesn't get in the way of me banging Mrs. Styles.†Todd chuckled and then raised the pot by two dollars, and everyone called.
John Slattery very carefully and precisely notched a hole in his Montecristo Edmundo cigar with a bullet shaped cutter. While trying to read the faces of his friends (and current opponents), he took a torch lighter out of a cedar lined box, put the cigar in his mouth, and slowly rolled it over a flame. He puffed until the business end glowed, at which point he only had determined that Ron held a crappy hand. Jade raised the pot yet again by five dollars, which caused everyone to fold except John and Leon who both called. Their hands were beaten by Jade's full house, which was immediately followed by her performance of the butter churn victory dance.
Jade Jones continued a mellower version of the butter churn as Leon put down his cigar and dealt a new hand. He gulped down a swig of club soda and said, “Glad to see Jade in a better mood… Alright, no more bickering tonight kids. We've got official Small Six business to discuss.†Jefferson took the round with a pair of fours due to everyone else having World class level junk hands.
The game was paused, and everyone turned their attentions to Leon who said, “That fella we thought was done harassing Jefferson is back…Or at least, the problem has returned in a different way. Brass talked to him, to the tune of a lot of broken and dislocated fingers along with a twisted ankle, but to no avail.†Leon glanced over to Jade and continued with, “Jade presented him with some compromising photos from one of many visits to her joint, and that still had no effect…†and he moved his head in John's direction and said, “…and finally John had one of his partners threaten legal action which we thought solved the problem.“ Leon took a puff on his cigar, and went on, “So this slimeball was still claiming that Jefferson owed him money. We all know that Brass personally handed the guy the amount of the original loan plus an extra five thousand - before he took liberties with the guy's fingers - but this jerk was alleging that the full interest was never paid and has accrued over time to ridiculous number. He also added the hospital tab from having his fingers and ankle fixed. That bill is gargantuan by the way, thanks to Todd having one of his old sawbones pals at the hospital jack up the cost while extending the painful finger resetting process to longer than average.†Todd shrugged and queried, “Why does it matter? This was like five years ago, and this Chili Palmer wannabe is nobody. Hell I don't even remember his name.†Leon nodded at Jefferson and offered, “Well this jackass recently sold what he seems to believe is a real debt to a somebody. Kids, this is a no-joke somebody.â€
Looking down, Jefferson spoke, “Once again I've dragged you guys into my problems…I'm sorry.†Everyone assembled at the table literally waved it off using hand motions as he further explained, “The debt was sold to Sonny.†John clarified, “You mean Sonny Broncha?†Todd quipped, “No Sonny Mellencamp. Yes of course THE Sonny Broncha.†Ron had hotboxed his cigar, and so the stogie was nearly done as he crushed it with his hands sending hot embers of tobacco and wrapping all over his right arm, which he simply shook off onto the floor. At the same time John and Jade both lamented, “Sorry Jefferson…†John finished, “My firm won't touch him. It would be too risky both professionally and personally.†Jade added, “Yea this is bad Jefferson.â€
John asked, “By exactly how much is Jefferson in arrears to Mr. Broncha?†Leon replied, “Tell him.†and Jefferson said, “Eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars.†Several quick inhalations of breath could be heard around the table when, as if on cue, two large men with briefcases walked into the poker room of Leon Smith's house. Ron knew there was no opportunity to make a move at this point, and so he didn't go for any of his hideaway weapons. Leon could see that the pause in the poker game would continue much longer than he had originally expected.
The men set down the briefcases and blocked each exit, as the Small Six Cabal members looked on and â€" with the exception of John and Todd, neither of whom is a man-of-action â€" hoped for a moment to make some kind of move in response. Todd glanced at the money on the table and exclaimed, “Do you know who you are robbing!?†and then looked at his fellow Small Six members and said, “I've always wanted to say that.†The man blocking the entryway from the kitchen put his finger on his ear and said, “Secure.†The other suited bodyguard grabbed an extra chair and placed it at the poker table.
Sonny Broncha strolled into the room and sat down on the chair placed by his henchman. He then proceeded to punch a hole in a Cohiba Behike cigar. The most powerful man in the West side of Las Vegas pulled out a small antique derringer pistol and briefly waved it in Jefferson's direction before pulling the trigger to reveal a flame, which he used to light his cigar. He holstered his lighter in a vest pocket, ran a hand through perfectly groomed hair, and then asked, “How are you gentlemen this fine evening?†There were a few audible groans interspersed with nods. Sonny went on, “Ron, or Brass Ones as is your “nom de guerreâ€, I recall you did a few minor jobs for me many years ago when I was coming up. Jade, you unknowingly worked for me during your stint as manager of the Purple Nurple. Leon, you managed some talent that I had a piece of a few years back. And Todd here does semi-regular gigs at the Cackle Factory which I part own…etcetera, ad nauseam. My point is that I know who you guys are.†He leisurely puffed on his fancy stogie for about a minute, and then said, “I honestly respect your little motley group. You work hard, enjoy cigars, and I've been told that you watch out for each other “all-for-one and one-for-all†Lollipop Guild style.†Jade grinded her teeth as the speech went on, “The good news for you gents and lady is that I'm above murder at this point in my career. There is too much REAL money at stake to risk a murder rap. So unless any of the magnificent six here makes a move on me, you will all continue breathing and yes that includes Jefferson. What I can do is ruin you, financially and otherwise. A few phone calls to either friends of mine or people that owe me favors, and you are all instantly broke and in jail. I'm aware that one million dollars is too rich for you…†Leon interrupted by saying, “What?†Sonny resumed with, “Yes, the figure has gone up to a million dollars. Interrupt me again, and I will put my cigar out in Jefferson's face. And then relight it using his hair.†This challenge was met with complete silence. Ron quietly studied Sonny's henchman, and could make out bulges in their suits where large handguns were obviously holstered. He also noticed calluses on their knuckles and well as on their palms, which he knew meant that they both boxed and lifted weights regularly. Sonny took a few large puffs off of his luxury cigar.
“So as I was saying, a million is a tall order - no pun fellas - and not a realistic thing to ask Jefferson and/or your club to handle. If I did ask for monetary compensation for the debt, and you didn't pay, then you know what I would need to do to maintain my reputation. Basically, I'm not going to ask for money because then we both lose.†Everyone else at the table peered at each other dumbly; their cigars were now just barely lit from lack of attention.
Sonny appeared to examine the even burn at the end of his cigar while resuming, “Instead I'm offering Jefferson a chance: One seven-card draw poker game for double or nothing. If he beats me, the debt is cancelled. If he loses, then each of you will owe me a favor to be called in at the time of my choosing AND for two years Jefferson will be perpetually dressed in a clown outfit as part of his new role as my young son's personal toy. He would be put up in my guest house for the duration of his term, and his new life will revolve around and be subject to whatever my son's whims or demands are at the time. Remember the plot of the old Gleason picture called The Toy? It is like that and Jefferson would be the Pryor character.†Jade's face turned dark, and Ron was cracking his knuckles. John and Todd both held their heads in their hands. Leon sighed deeply while shaking his head.
Jefferson meekly suggested, “In the event of a loss, I'll do three years if it means they don't have to do you favors.†Sonny replied, “No I like them owing me. But to put your mind at ease…I won't ask any of them to murder someone directly, as I've got more qualified operators to take care of the dirty business. And as I said, I don't like doing that anymore because it is too risky for a man in my position.†Sonny ordered, “Trunk, get the cards and situate the table.†The henchman known as Trunk snapped to attention and opened a briefcase which revealed a deck of cards along with poker chips. The table was cleared and arranged for the most important card game with the highest stakes that Jefferson Hanks had ever played.
“With all due respect Mr. Broncha, how do we know that these cards aren't marked in some way so as to give you an unfair advantage?†asked John. Sonny smirked and said, “Yea you don't know do you. Nor do I know if the house cards are gigged. So we use mine. Would anyone present like to more directly accuse me of being a cheater?†Heads swiveled around amongst the group, including the henchman, and all were once again silent. Trunk prepared to deal the cards when Sonny put his hand up and said, “Now Leon…I want your assurance that should I win, Jefferson will honor his end and the other club members will abide as well. Failure on anyone's part would result in my reputation being damaged.†Leon scanned around the room looking for silent protest, and his eyes fell on Jade whom he raised his eyebrows at in a quiet plea. Jade finally nodded and Leon addressed Sonny with, “Yes. We will honor the terms.†Sonny nodded, and then became distracted searching his pockets for something and Leon used this opportunity to quickly check his phone. There was a text from Ron which read, “Signal me and at first chance its Thunderdome in here.†Leon frowned and then stealthily pressed a button on his phone. He then mouthed a word to Jefferson.
Sonny nodded towards Trunk who robotically stated the terms of the game, “This is a seven card draw poker game with only one discard round of up to two cards, and there are no wild cards.†The cards were shuffled and dealt, and both players examined their hands while everyone else in the room watched on the edges of their seat. Sonny rolled his cigar back-and-forth in his mouth while grinning as he debated. Jefferson could barely hold his cards due to his hands shaking. He had such a bad hand that a measly pair was looking like the best play, until he remembered that it was possible to discard two cards. Sonny only discarded one while Jefferson replaced two of his cards. Both players stared at each other. Sweat dripped down Jefferson's forehead as he agonized over his hand, which was lacking because the best he had now was three-of-a-kind. And then the power went out.
The room was pitch black and quiet for about six seconds. Sonny exclaimed, “What the hell!? Is this a trick?†and then after another four second pause the power was back on and so in-turn were the lights. Ron only had enough time to put on a pair of brass knuckles while Jade had removed a small Taser gun from under her shirt. Sonny's men had physically braced themselves, but took a relaxed posture after the lights were back on and they could see everyone. Leon intentionally didn't shut the power off for a lengthy period because he knew the situation could easily devolve into a fight, one that his people probably wouldn't win. He hoped that the brief outage was long enough.
“Alright, no more nonsense,†said Sonny as he glanced the stack of cards on the table to see if they had been tampered with somehow. They appeared to be unmolested. Leon shrugged and mentioned, “The power is unreliable around here; blackouts and brownouts aren't out of the ordinary.â€
Sonny plopped his four queens on the table, and looked directly at Jefferson who countered with four aces. Jefferson Hanks never would have guessed that his lengthy stint as a magician's helper doing card tricks would one day pay off.
The Small Six Cabal Club was formed in Las Vegas on a whim by a diverse group of six especially short little people (known as “three footers†since none are above four feet tall) with the primary goal being to unite and help other group members. The secondary goal is to support the little people amongst each other's friends and family whenever necessary and possible. If there was an unofficial third, fourth, and fifth purposes, it would be to play poker, smoke giant cigars, and get into blistering arguments. Leon Smith is an agent for little people actors, unarguably the boss of the group in every way, and is considered short even by little person standards. Jefferson Hanks works a variety of odd jobs which can include but is certainly not limited to: magician's assistant, slapstick comedian's patsy, and leprechaun mascot. Jefferson is known for being a jack-of-all trades in the talent department and is unusual in that his head appears to be that of an average-sized attractive male, while he has the body of a little person. Todd Styles is the funniest and most charismatic member of the Small Six Cabal and is envied by the rest of the group since he managed to marry a rich model, and only occasionally works for fun as a standup comedian. Prior to marrying well, he worked as the head EMT for a large hospital. John Slattery, considered the most normal of the Small Six Cabal, has a “straight job†as a successful tax attorney and has the distinctions of being the only member of the group with a family as well as the only one who is overweight. Ron “Brass Ones†Grossman is the enforcer since he is by far the strongest of the group and more importantly, a black belt in jujitsu. He currently works as the head bouncer for a large bar/restaurant on the Vegas strip. The only female member of the group is Jade Jones; a minority many times over as she is a mixed, female little person who also happens to be lesbian. Jade works as both a manager and part-time dancer at a Las Vegas strip club known for “novelty†acts, while she pursues an MBA at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Jefferson Hanks put down his Swisher Sweet cigar, and while dealing asked, “I know you guys are doing alright, but times are kinda tough for me right now. So Leon, is casting still open for the little person character in…†and was cut off by Leon who replied, “Sorry kid, for some reason they went with a non-midget. They took a five foot seven adult and shot him at weird angles and used blocking techniques to make him appear like us. They wanted a big name, and since both Troyer and Dinklage are busy, and Baker is too old…Well, like I said sorry kid.†Jade mumbled curses, raised the pot, and fired off, “Back in the old days of Hollywood, Westerners would take the roles of Asian characters. Today that is considered horrible casting at best and racist at worst. I know our style is to buckle down and work rather than complain, but I think this kind of crap warrants a response!†She then loudly chopped off the torpedo head of her Punch Champion cigar with a guillotine cutter as an additional exclamation point.
Ron Grossman bit off the head of his Gurkha Ninja cigar, spit it out in Jade's direction, and replied, “Pointless! And all it does it make the studios mad. I've said it before Jade…Work hard, take care of your little brothers and sisters, and stop whining about forces beyond your control!†Jade ashed her cigar, glared at Ron, and yelled, “Blow me Brass! The times have improved for people with my skin color and sexual preference, but since I'm little person all of that is negated. So instead of being on the receiving end of racist jokes, I get the “Nice top, was there a sale at Baby Gap?†and “Go back to your rainbow!†material. When is it going to be our time to…†Ron cut her off with, “Stop it! Look I came here to play poker and shoot the BS! Not whine about midget jokes or being exploited or…†and was himself cut off by John who held up his hands and interjected with, “Guys! Please… We know there are prejudices, and historically we have combatted them by hard work and sticking together. On the other hand…While nobody wants to hear lengthy diatribes about our plight in life, there is nothing wrong with attempting to make society aware of the especially ridiculous situations like this one. So I think Jade does have a point.†Ron sighed, but then cracked a small pursed lipped smile, which caused everyone else at the table to fold.
Todd Styles twirled his Playboy Robusto cigar with one hand, began dealing with the other, and said, “Wouldn't it be great if a character was filmed the other way? I mean Jefferson has the melon of an average Joe, so if he took an average guy role and was strategically shot maybe along with some decent CGI...†Leon took the cigar out of his mouth, blew smoke into a perfect ring above the poker table and offered, “Not bad at all…You know actually it might work as a gimmick. I'll talk to my people and see if there is interest, and insist that Jefferson gets either the lead or a major supporting character.†Todd replied, “Jefferson will have to check his schedule first of course, I mean he wouldn't want that to conflict with his duties as Santa's Elf or God forbid if that offer would prevent him from popping out of a magician's hat.†Jefferson leaned over and flicked his cigar ash on Todd, and said, “Oh I'm good to go as long as it doesn't get in the way of me banging Mrs. Styles.†Todd chuckled and then raised the pot by two dollars, and everyone called.
John Slattery very carefully and precisely notched a hole in his Montecristo Edmundo cigar with a bullet shaped cutter. While trying to read the faces of his friends (and current opponents), he took a torch lighter out of a cedar lined box, put the cigar in his mouth, and slowly rolled it over a flame. He puffed until the business end glowed, at which point he only had determined that Ron held a crappy hand. Jade raised the pot yet again by five dollars, which caused everyone to fold except John and Leon who both called. Their hands were beaten by Jade's full house, which was immediately followed by her performance of the butter churn victory dance.
Jade Jones continued a mellower version of the butter churn as Leon put down his cigar and dealt a new hand. He gulped down a swig of club soda and said, “Glad to see Jade in a better mood… Alright, no more bickering tonight kids. We've got official Small Six business to discuss.†Jefferson took the round with a pair of fours due to everyone else having World class level junk hands.
The game was paused, and everyone turned their attentions to Leon who said, “That fella we thought was done harassing Jefferson is back…Or at least, the problem has returned in a different way. Brass talked to him, to the tune of a lot of broken and dislocated fingers along with a twisted ankle, but to no avail.†Leon glanced over to Jade and continued with, “Jade presented him with some compromising photos from one of many visits to her joint, and that still had no effect…†and he moved his head in John's direction and said, “…and finally John had one of his partners threaten legal action which we thought solved the problem.“ Leon took a puff on his cigar, and went on, “So this slimeball was still claiming that Jefferson owed him money. We all know that Brass personally handed the guy the amount of the original loan plus an extra five thousand - before he took liberties with the guy's fingers - but this jerk was alleging that the full interest was never paid and has accrued over time to ridiculous number. He also added the hospital tab from having his fingers and ankle fixed. That bill is gargantuan by the way, thanks to Todd having one of his old sawbones pals at the hospital jack up the cost while extending the painful finger resetting process to longer than average.†Todd shrugged and queried, “Why does it matter? This was like five years ago, and this Chili Palmer wannabe is nobody. Hell I don't even remember his name.†Leon nodded at Jefferson and offered, “Well this jackass recently sold what he seems to believe is a real debt to a somebody. Kids, this is a no-joke somebody.â€
Looking down, Jefferson spoke, “Once again I've dragged you guys into my problems…I'm sorry.†Everyone assembled at the table literally waved it off using hand motions as he further explained, “The debt was sold to Sonny.†John clarified, “You mean Sonny Broncha?†Todd quipped, “No Sonny Mellencamp. Yes of course THE Sonny Broncha.†Ron had hotboxed his cigar, and so the stogie was nearly done as he crushed it with his hands sending hot embers of tobacco and wrapping all over his right arm, which he simply shook off onto the floor. At the same time John and Jade both lamented, “Sorry Jefferson…†John finished, “My firm won't touch him. It would be too risky both professionally and personally.†Jade added, “Yea this is bad Jefferson.â€
John asked, “By exactly how much is Jefferson in arrears to Mr. Broncha?†Leon replied, “Tell him.†and Jefferson said, “Eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars.†Several quick inhalations of breath could be heard around the table when, as if on cue, two large men with briefcases walked into the poker room of Leon Smith's house. Ron knew there was no opportunity to make a move at this point, and so he didn't go for any of his hideaway weapons. Leon could see that the pause in the poker game would continue much longer than he had originally expected.
The men set down the briefcases and blocked each exit, as the Small Six Cabal members looked on and â€" with the exception of John and Todd, neither of whom is a man-of-action â€" hoped for a moment to make some kind of move in response. Todd glanced at the money on the table and exclaimed, “Do you know who you are robbing!?†and then looked at his fellow Small Six members and said, “I've always wanted to say that.†The man blocking the entryway from the kitchen put his finger on his ear and said, “Secure.†The other suited bodyguard grabbed an extra chair and placed it at the poker table.
Sonny Broncha strolled into the room and sat down on the chair placed by his henchman. He then proceeded to punch a hole in a Cohiba Behike cigar. The most powerful man in the West side of Las Vegas pulled out a small antique derringer pistol and briefly waved it in Jefferson's direction before pulling the trigger to reveal a flame, which he used to light his cigar. He holstered his lighter in a vest pocket, ran a hand through perfectly groomed hair, and then asked, “How are you gentlemen this fine evening?†There were a few audible groans interspersed with nods. Sonny went on, “Ron, or Brass Ones as is your “nom de guerreâ€, I recall you did a few minor jobs for me many years ago when I was coming up. Jade, you unknowingly worked for me during your stint as manager of the Purple Nurple. Leon, you managed some talent that I had a piece of a few years back. And Todd here does semi-regular gigs at the Cackle Factory which I part own…etcetera, ad nauseam. My point is that I know who you guys are.†He leisurely puffed on his fancy stogie for about a minute, and then said, “I honestly respect your little motley group. You work hard, enjoy cigars, and I've been told that you watch out for each other “all-for-one and one-for-all†Lollipop Guild style.†Jade grinded her teeth as the speech went on, “The good news for you gents and lady is that I'm above murder at this point in my career. There is too much REAL money at stake to risk a murder rap. So unless any of the magnificent six here makes a move on me, you will all continue breathing and yes that includes Jefferson. What I can do is ruin you, financially and otherwise. A few phone calls to either friends of mine or people that owe me favors, and you are all instantly broke and in jail. I'm aware that one million dollars is too rich for you…†Leon interrupted by saying, “What?†Sonny resumed with, “Yes, the figure has gone up to a million dollars. Interrupt me again, and I will put my cigar out in Jefferson's face. And then relight it using his hair.†This challenge was met with complete silence. Ron quietly studied Sonny's henchman, and could make out bulges in their suits where large handguns were obviously holstered. He also noticed calluses on their knuckles and well as on their palms, which he knew meant that they both boxed and lifted weights regularly. Sonny took a few large puffs off of his luxury cigar.
“So as I was saying, a million is a tall order - no pun fellas - and not a realistic thing to ask Jefferson and/or your club to handle. If I did ask for monetary compensation for the debt, and you didn't pay, then you know what I would need to do to maintain my reputation. Basically, I'm not going to ask for money because then we both lose.†Everyone else at the table peered at each other dumbly; their cigars were now just barely lit from lack of attention.
Sonny appeared to examine the even burn at the end of his cigar while resuming, “Instead I'm offering Jefferson a chance: One seven-card draw poker game for double or nothing. If he beats me, the debt is cancelled. If he loses, then each of you will owe me a favor to be called in at the time of my choosing AND for two years Jefferson will be perpetually dressed in a clown outfit as part of his new role as my young son's personal toy. He would be put up in my guest house for the duration of his term, and his new life will revolve around and be subject to whatever my son's whims or demands are at the time. Remember the plot of the old Gleason picture called The Toy? It is like that and Jefferson would be the Pryor character.†Jade's face turned dark, and Ron was cracking his knuckles. John and Todd both held their heads in their hands. Leon sighed deeply while shaking his head.
Jefferson meekly suggested, “In the event of a loss, I'll do three years if it means they don't have to do you favors.†Sonny replied, “No I like them owing me. But to put your mind at ease…I won't ask any of them to murder someone directly, as I've got more qualified operators to take care of the dirty business. And as I said, I don't like doing that anymore because it is too risky for a man in my position.†Sonny ordered, “Trunk, get the cards and situate the table.†The henchman known as Trunk snapped to attention and opened a briefcase which revealed a deck of cards along with poker chips. The table was cleared and arranged for the most important card game with the highest stakes that Jefferson Hanks had ever played.
“With all due respect Mr. Broncha, how do we know that these cards aren't marked in some way so as to give you an unfair advantage?†asked John. Sonny smirked and said, “Yea you don't know do you. Nor do I know if the house cards are gigged. So we use mine. Would anyone present like to more directly accuse me of being a cheater?†Heads swiveled around amongst the group, including the henchman, and all were once again silent. Trunk prepared to deal the cards when Sonny put his hand up and said, “Now Leon…I want your assurance that should I win, Jefferson will honor his end and the other club members will abide as well. Failure on anyone's part would result in my reputation being damaged.†Leon scanned around the room looking for silent protest, and his eyes fell on Jade whom he raised his eyebrows at in a quiet plea. Jade finally nodded and Leon addressed Sonny with, “Yes. We will honor the terms.†Sonny nodded, and then became distracted searching his pockets for something and Leon used this opportunity to quickly check his phone. There was a text from Ron which read, “Signal me and at first chance its Thunderdome in here.†Leon frowned and then stealthily pressed a button on his phone. He then mouthed a word to Jefferson.
Sonny nodded towards Trunk who robotically stated the terms of the game, “This is a seven card draw poker game with only one discard round of up to two cards, and there are no wild cards.†The cards were shuffled and dealt, and both players examined their hands while everyone else in the room watched on the edges of their seat. Sonny rolled his cigar back-and-forth in his mouth while grinning as he debated. Jefferson could barely hold his cards due to his hands shaking. He had such a bad hand that a measly pair was looking like the best play, until he remembered that it was possible to discard two cards. Sonny only discarded one while Jefferson replaced two of his cards. Both players stared at each other. Sweat dripped down Jefferson's forehead as he agonized over his hand, which was lacking because the best he had now was three-of-a-kind. And then the power went out.
The room was pitch black and quiet for about six seconds. Sonny exclaimed, “What the hell!? Is this a trick?†and then after another four second pause the power was back on and so in-turn were the lights. Ron only had enough time to put on a pair of brass knuckles while Jade had removed a small Taser gun from under her shirt. Sonny's men had physically braced themselves, but took a relaxed posture after the lights were back on and they could see everyone. Leon intentionally didn't shut the power off for a lengthy period because he knew the situation could easily devolve into a fight, one that his people probably wouldn't win. He hoped that the brief outage was long enough.
“Alright, no more nonsense,†said Sonny as he glanced the stack of cards on the table to see if they had been tampered with somehow. They appeared to be unmolested. Leon shrugged and mentioned, “The power is unreliable around here; blackouts and brownouts aren't out of the ordinary.â€
Sonny plopped his four queens on the table, and looked directly at Jefferson who countered with four aces. Jefferson Hanks never would have guessed that his lengthy stint as a magician's helper doing card tricks would one day pay off.
