Games Of Fools

air felt neither too hot nor too cool, a perfect kind of in-between where the world seems to hold its breath. Shadows stretched long across the streets of Pherros, painting the pavement in stripes

ted across the horizon

ready anticipating the familiar burn of whiskey at the back of his throat. His fingers had just curled around the door handle of his ca

ugh the receiver, urgent but not panicke

car, already bracing him

g into that no-nonsense business tone Jake knew all too well. "I can't meet him-thi

ar on the corner. "Dad, I'm heading out for a drink. You know h

miss this opportunity. You're the one there. The m

uld almost hear the unspoken p

ke. I'm telling you. Yo

t his lips. His father had a way of making refusal impossible. "

into his pocket with a grumble. He wasn't sure if he was more annoyed at

d sent, and after a few rings, a s

land spe

d, this is

boss has asked you to choose a meeting spot. He doesn't

ull Bar. "How about the Bull Bar?

t will work. Mr. Sullivan

-

illed beer and tobacco lingering in the air like an old friend. The place was a sanctuary in its o

tender, who jerked his

he bartender said

ter bubbling up between sips of beer-and into a narrow hallway. At the

ht. At the far end, a middle-aged man in a gray suit sat behind a laptop, typing with brisk efficiency. Beside him, another man-lat

ared his

ledged him, but the other man set his glass down

" His voice was warm,

nd. "Yes, that's

chair across from him. "Please, sit. Do

o the table. "My father couldn't make it, but I'm here to discuss

yes studying Jake with quiet

timization, livestock care. He spoke of past successes, of clients who had seen their profits double under their

n his mind lifted slightly, replaced by the familiar rhythm of business talk.

ugh the documents. "I'm impressed. I'll have Mr. Rowland sen

ow much he'd needed this small victory. "Than

leave, Sullivan

e Ki

ned. "Ye

eye. "I knew who you were the moment y

"You've... wat

to Becoming a Perfect Man. It was... enlightening. I learn

pected this-not here, not now. "You n

t I'll be honest-I was impressed when I realized who I

aged, his voice rough

his luck, bankrupt, no hope left. He was about to throw it all away when he saw a movie playing in a shop window. There was

yebrow. "Motivat

told the actor, 'Life isn't made for enjoyment. After sweet comes sour,

on't know... seems

this because I see something in you, Jake. You're going through a rough patch. Maybe yo

ords hitting closer to hom

e real key is... you have to want to change. To

get it. Thanks for the

"No problem. I'll

-

st time in months, he didn't stop for a drink. He didn't text Devin or Luke. Instead

ur comes

ybe, there was

home, the weight on his chest