...[Monday August 13, 2004]...
Time was running out. I flew straight from Japan to the smeltering state of Texas. It was whilst driving in my rental car that I remembered my upcoming return match to CHZ in which I would begin my journey as a team with Adam Law. Fears of missing the match ran rampant. With sweaty palms I gripped my cell phone and punched in the numbers...
Sutton: How's it going, Adam?
Law: ...........
Sutton: Listen, I don't have very long. I'm calling to let you know I might not make it to WILD.
Law: ...........
Sutton: I know... I know...
Law: ...........
Sutton: No... This is something I have to take care of on my own.
Law: ...........
Sutton: I don't know what to tell you, man.
Law: ...........
Sutton: I will try... But I make no promises.
Law: ...........
Sutton: I have to go... I'm here.
Law: ...........
I pulled into Victor's favorite restraunt. A BBQ shack... An expensive one at that. Things like this make me wonder how people can live with themselves and sleep at night. I stepped out of my rental car and waltzed up to 'Bullseye Bob's Barbeque'. What a catchy name... Sounds like a hangout for some real civilized folks...
I got inside, immediately spotting my 'friends' in their usual location. I couldn't put my eyes on Victor, whom I figured to be hidden behind the mass of his entourage. I locked eyes to 'eye' with Drake Nathanial Dukes. He shot me a cold stare and I smirked at him, nodding. I took note of his fat lip. Victor had sorrounded himself with many that I did not recognize. I mentally applauded him for that. If intimidation was what he was going for, it was working to his favor.
I took a seat at the far end of the table and a few departed. It was then that Victor and I caught each other's glare. He sat with his hands locked in a thoughtful manner, wearing a fatherly smile.
Blood: Hungry?
Sutton: What the hell is it with you people and the small talk? I'm here for a reason. And I assure you, it's not to eat some pig slop dipped in ketchup and molasses.
Blood: That's exactly what I've always admired from you Josh. Dedication to the matter at hand.
Sutton: Is that an attempt at flattery?
Blood: Why the hostility? You're among friends here, Josh.
I scoffed at the comment. By the look on his face I could tell I had struck a nerve. I felt a slight sharpness pressing down against the top of my thigh. I looked under the table cloth and saw the inconspicuous blade of a knife. The jokes ended quick. I looked over to my right into the eyes of the holder... Jenova.
Sutton: Look, what the fuck do you want from me?
Victor ignored my question momentarily as he took another bite from his greasy plate of pork satisfaction. He wiped his mouth and cocked his eyes at me.
Blood: A little respect, for starters.
Sutton: Respect? For what? Dictating my life for the past 12 years?
Jenova: I would advise you to bite your tongue...
Blood: Settle down, Jenova. I'm rather enjoying this.
Sutton: Well the enjoyment factor for everyone is about to reach ground zero if we don't get to the fucking point pretty soon.
Blood: Ahem... Jenova... Drake... Would you excuse us?
Jenova: But Victor...
Blood: Do as I say.
Drake exited rather quickly, not looking to defy his boss. Jenova hesistantly left but not before executing her right to wave the knife around once more. I simply smirked and she stormed off. I turned back to Victor.
Sutton: Let's get this over with. I have match on Wednesday.
Blood: I'm well aware. Back with Chaos Heat Zone now, eh? How do you think I learned your whereabouts?
Sutton: Son of a bitch...
Blood: What's it going to take for you to stay with me? Money? Cars? Women? You name it, it's yours.
Sutton: This has nothing to do with material things, Victor. It has everything to do with happiness.
Blood: What do you know about happiness?
Sutton: That's my point, Victor.
I took great pride in making my 'mentor' choke on his own words. He looked to be in an unmistakable discomfort. He rebounded quickly with a burn of his own...
Blood: I made you everything that you are today. When your father...
Sutton: My father has NOTHING to do with this.
Blood: You see, that's where you're wrong.
Sutton: Enlighten me.
Blood: It was your father's dream to have you walk in his footsteps. To have you achieve great things. He came to me for help. Financial and otherwise... Before he passed away, he asked me to take care of you. I've been here for you ever since your sixteenth birthday...
I found it hard to swallow. As much as I hated to admit it, the old man was right. He had been for me.
Sutton: I do appreciate it. But I will have burden on my shoulders no longer, Victor. Every dog has its day...
Victor looked stunned as I arose from my seat. He caught me as I turned to walk out the door. He spun me around.
Blood: You can't leave me this.... Please.
Sutton: Let it go old man. It's over.
Blood: I can't do that, and you know it.
Sutton: You really have no choice. I will not be held down by fear anymore. Your power of entourage will no longer be power overwhelming to me. This is goodbye, Victor.
I turned again, walking. As I arrived at the door, I heard a click. I turned, looking down the barrel of a magnum. Victor gripped it loosely. Negotiations were far from over...