Chapter 3.14 How I Could Just Kill a Man

Now, it must be confessed that after the night at Excalibur, Tuck found himself sampling his own wares more than once.  Between working for Dante, keeping Ramona happy and caring for his children, he felt over-extended.  Being high helped with that.  So when Rusty told him that Dante would front a ball or so, the two couldn't resist partaking. 

What followed was a night of pure fun.  First the karaoke bar...

...then at some crazy, underground night club where Rusty DJ-ed part time. 

Their bromance was one of epic proportions.  Rusty was really the first friend Tuck had since Zane.

They finally crashed at the amphitheater, faces aglow from the evening's hijinks.

"Man, I forgot how good this feels," Tuck laughed.  "You have a family, Rusty?"

"Nah, just me."

"You're lucky," he told his buddy wistfully.  "I love Ramona and the kids but to be on your own with nothing but the wind on your back...I feel like I can do anything."

Rusty snorted.  "That's probably just the coke talking."

"Maybe you're right.  But I feel like...I feel like this is the first time in my life where I don't have to worry, where I can laugh and do anything I want.  I've never felt like this.  I know why---" he faltered.

"Why what?"

Tuck sighed, thinking of his mother.  "Never mind." 

 They both must have drifted off to sleep then because the next thing Tuck knew, was he was back in the house he grew up in.  It was daytime but the living room was dark and the curtains were drawn.  He was once again a small boy and his mother lay napping on the couch.

 

 

"Just a few more minutes, Tucker," she sighed, rolling over on her side.  "Mommy isn't feeling so well today."

 

The eight-year-old version of himself kicked the carpet angrily.  When did she ever feel well?  Remembering how all of the times she disappointed him stirred up old feelings of resentment. 

 

 

He probably would have hated her had there not been a few, brief moments where she had bestowed upon him an ounce of motherly affection.  Recalling those rare occasions made him cry out.  But instead of his mother, Tuck woke up to find Rusty staring at him curiously.

"Dude, we gotta get you home before Ramona wakes up."

Tuck yawned, not quite himself.  "Okay, man, ready whenever you are."

*       *        *       *       *        *       *

 

After that night, the two friends developed a fool-proof plan to supply their increasing drug habit.  After all, Dante never touched money or merchandise, so that he would be free of any incriminating evidence.  Tuck was the Holder of the money and Rusty was a Worker.  They would get fronted an ounce, take a ball, skim off a small amount, cut the rest with baking soda and separate it into 6 grams then sell each gram for a third of the price for a ball.  It was a "free" habit.  The trouble was, as time went on, their cut grew bigger and bigger, and they couldn't peddle baking soda without Dante hearing about it. 

 

"Don't worry about it," Tuck assured Rusty.  "I got this."

 

But Tuck had no idea just how deep he was in and even worse, how much further he was about to fall.

 

 

*       *        *       *       *        *       *

"Have you seen my necklace?" 

Tuck walked over to Ramona's vanity, scratching his head.  "What necklace are you talking about?"

She frowned.  "You know, the one my grandmother gave me.  I wanted to wear it but it's not in the drawer."

He shrugged his shoulders.  "Don't worry, Ram.  I'm sure it will turn up soon."

She smiled.  "I'm sure you're right, Darling."

*       *        *       *       *        *       *

 

Six months in and Tuck and Rusty owed $6,000 to Dante.  They had no idea how the amount had accumulated so rapidly, but the truth was, they weren't even selling these days.  Every bit of product was going up their noses.

 

 

"I don't understand.  Where the fuck does $6,000 disappear to?" Jay demanded.

Tuck's eyes widened, hoping he didn't have any telltale white residue in his nostrils.  "Umm...Rusty says his customers are good for it and will pay some time this week."

"Why do yous trust these shitheads?  Dante wants his fucking money."

"Relax," Tuck told him.  "Everything will be fine."

"You sure as shit better hope so.  Yous don't want to get on his bad side."

Tuck grinned.  "Just leave everything to me."

*       *        *       *       *        *       *

 

"I'm so glad you made it, Rosalind," Ramona hugged her friend. 

 



"Of course, Darling.  How in the world have you been?  How is your vacation going so far?"

They got their drinks and sat down at a small table.  Ramona pursed her lips.  This wasn't going to be easy.  For the past month, their home had been receiving crank calls and threatening letters in the mailbox.  She was scared, even though Tuck had told her there was no reason to be.  Going with her gut instinct, she had invited Rosalind Savaglio out under the pretense of "vacationing" in Lucky Palms for a weekend.

"So why is my family being threatened?"  Ramona blurted out.

"What?"  The blonde lady feigned surprise.  "What ever are you going on about?"

"Oh don't play dumb with me, Rosie.  Not when my family's safety is at stake.  Spill everything you know."

*       *        *       *       *        *       *

 

So, thousands of dollars were missing and Savaglio was convinced that Tuck and Rusty were responsible.  Rosalind seemed quite confident that her husband would not hesitate to kill the two men if he did not receive his money.  However, driving around Lucky Palms after her meeting with Rosalind, Ramona realized she had one more ace up her sleeve.

 



"Why, Ramona Whitney, I must say this is a pleasant surprise," Jay Caldwell drawled.  "What are yous doing in my neck of the woods?"

"Jay, I know that Tuck really fucked up and your men are out for his blood and I promise I can fix it but I need some time.  Could you please give us a few weeks to sort things out?"

He scratched his head.  "What do yous take me for, the Red Cross?  This ain't no charity.  Your husband fucked up and will have to pay one way or another."

Ramona gulped.  Okay, time to switch up strategies.  "Jay," she smiled flirtatiously, "maybe we can work out a solution of our own?  I know that there must be something I can offer you."  She worked at the collar of her trench coat, allowing him a brief glimpse of what lay underneath.

 

He narrowed his eyes.  "You'll let me fuck you in return for Tuck's safety?"

 

"I know you've been wanting me for a long time now, and I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure my family's safety."

 

"You'd really do that for that shithead."

 

She nodded.  "I really would."

 

However, all of her bravado failed once he had led her into his bedroom.  Standing before him in nothing but a lacy bra and panties, Ramona felt quite exposed.

 

 

Grabbing her and throwing her roughly on the bed, Jay climbed on top, straddling her.  "This isn't going to be quick and you're not going to enjoy it.  You're asking for a big fucking favor and I plan on milking this for all it's worth.

 

 

Closing her eyes, Ramona thought of her husband and prayed for it to be over soon.

 

*       *        *       *       *        *       *

 

"What do you suppose they want?" Rusty asked Tuck as they walked over to the warehouse in Lucky Palms.

 

Tuck shrugged.  Jay had simply said on the phone that he was up for negotiations. 

 

"Evening, gentlemen," Andrey sneered at them.  "We're here tonight to relay a message from Dante.  He wants his fucking money."

 

Rusty had a bad feeling about all of this.

 

 

"Just get it over with," Tuck demanded.

"As you wish," the Russian snarled. 

Lightning quick, the gun was whipped out of Andrey's jacket and aimed straight at Rusty's chest.  For one moment, he glanced helplessly at Tuck and before he could be saved, the trigger was pulled.

Tuck gasped.  "Weren't we supposed to be negotiating?"

Jay cackled.  "You said to get it over with.  He dies and you live.  You have one week to get the money."

Andrey smirked.  "Pleasure doing business with you."

Andrey and Jay slinked into the shadows, leaving Tuck with the dying man.

Tuck held his only friend as the life quietly faded from him.



Chapter 3.12 I Got 5 On It

The next evening, as the cab pulled up to The Stardust, Ramona's stomach took an unexpected lurch. She turned to her husband, suddenly apprehensive. “Tuck, tell me why we have to be here again?”

He took her hand in his, giving it a small squeeze. “We're just meeting some friends of Jay's. It'll be fun. Besides,” he grinned, “we're in Lucky Palms so why not?” And with that last remark, he strode confidently toward the double doors.

She shook her head. Tuck's smooth talking ways may have gotten him out of all sorts of scrapes in his past but it was his overconfidence and bravado that had landed him there in the first place. Becoming a husband and even a father had done little to change that. Still, Ramona followed him, ever the dutiful wife.

Inside, Jay was the one who greeted them. “Evening, Mr. and Mrs. Whitney,” he crowed, obviously pleased to see them. “Tuck, Dante is waiting for you, in that office down the hall and to the right. Ramona, if you'll come with me, I'll give you the grand tour.”

 

“I'm to go with you?” she sniffed. “Well, I can see how this evening's going to go.”

 

“It'll just be for a little, Bright Eyes,” Tuck reassured her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Why don't you go try your hand at some Blackjack.” He grinned at Jay. “Knowing my wife, we'll have to drag her out of this place.”

With a resigned sigh, she followed her tour guide for the evening up the stairs, somehow feeling more like a prisoner than a guest.

 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

 

“So you're Tucker Whitney.” Dante Savaglio was waiting for him when he walked into the ornately decorated office.

Savaglio was a handsome, Italian man, dressed to the nines with the bling to match.  Tuck suspected his demeanor was as slick as the immaculately groomed hair on his head.

"Guilty as charged."

His host grinned, revealing two rows of pearl-white teeth.  "Please...have a seat."

 

 

 

Dante sat down in a buttery, leather chair that probably cost a day's work at Tuck's garage.  He leaned forward, deep in thought.  "I suppose you know why I called you here?"

 

 

"I'm not exactly sure," Tuck had to confess.  "But I'm guessing it has something to do with Jay and our...business?"

 



 

"I'm a powerful man, Mr. Whitney.  I own three casinos and millions of dollars worth of commercial and residential property.  I'm more well connected than the pope."  Savaglio paused.  "However, even a well-oiled machine must depend on every screw, nut, bolt, and cog.  Even the smallest part is imperative to its operation.  And that, is where you come in.  Now I'm not here to blow smoke up your ass, but I'm told you are /very/ good at what you do."

"I've been working for Jay since I was a teen.  I just do my job," said Tuck, attempting to be humble.  He knew he was good. 

"My associates and I have recently acquired a large supply of cocaine.  It's premium and straight from Colombia.  However, the Grecos, my family's sworn enemy, have started to intrude on our turf here in Lucky Palms.  What I need is a new face, someone unrecognizable, to move some of these bricks, someone the Grecos don't know.  I'll see to it that you receive a higher cut than you're accustomed to.  You'll most likely be making more here than Pertha Hills, Yume no Shima and Hidden Springs combined.  I would advise you to think very carefully before accepting."
 

 

Tuck paused.  He wasn't in Kansas anymore, that was for certain.  These men were ruthless, cutthroat and were very, very serious about what they were doing.  Was a pay increase worth putting himself, not to mention his family, in danger?  However, one territory meant that he would no longer have to run back and forth between towns and it meant that Conner and Josie would have secure futures.

 

"I'll do it."

 

 

He was in it for his family.  Dante could see that, practically bet on it when Jay had first recommended Tuck.  Jay had insisted that they had the perfect man for the job.  Tuck Whitney was a straight shooter, a devoted husband and father who had come from practically nothing and would do everything to protect what he worked all his life to achieve.

 

"Excellent.  Jay will call you later this week with the details," said Dante.  "Rusty?" he called.  "You may come in now."

 

A man of slight build and copper hair ambled into the room.  He was quirky looking, a little awkward and had a crooked smile. 

 

"This," gestured Dante, "is your associate.  Rusty will be your wheel man, runner, errand boy, messenger, whatever you need."



 

 

 

"Pleasure to meet you," said Tuck, shaking the man's hand.

 

Rusty smiled crookedly.  "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Whitney."

 

Dante was confident in the recent additions to his team.  The Grecos would be forced to take their baking powder shit elsewhere.  He would dream of dollar signs tonight.

 

*     *     *     *     *      *     *

 

Ramona was by the Blackjack table when she felt something touch her ass.



 

 

 

She whirled around, furious.  "Jay?  What the fuck?" she demanded.  Before she knew what she was doing, she slapped him hard across his face.  

 

 

It was a stupid move.  Jay had killed people for less and for a moment, Ramona was afraid he might retaliate.  He scowled, touching a hand to his cheek.  "What's the big deal?"

 

She stood there glaring at him.   "I could ask you the same.  I am a married woman, Jay Caldwell."

He held out his hands.  "I'm sorry.  Jesus!  My hand slipped," he smirked.

She laughed humorlessly.  "I'm sure it did.  Your hand just managed to find its way to my ass and cop a feel.  Like that's the first time I've heard that."

"Enough!" a voice cried out.  "Jason Caldwell, is that any way to treat our guest?"

Ramona turned around.  A very pretty blonde had materialized out of nowhere and was now standing between them.



 

 

"Sorry," grumbled Jay.

 

"I should say!" the lady told him.  "I'm sure Dante wouldn't be happy to hear about this at all."  Turning to Ramona, she extended her hand.  "I am Rosalind Savaglio, Dante's wife and on behalf of the Stardust, I extend my apologies for the behavior of our staff."

 

Ramona offered a hand gratefully.  "Thank you for rescuing me."

 

Rosalind chortled.  "Oh it's just Jay.  He's just a man at the end of the day.  They all are.  They see a pretty lady and all the blood stops flowing to the brain and heads south."  She rolled her eyes.  "But enough of that, what do you say we go somewhere and have a drink?"

 

"I would love to."

 

 

The two ladies settled themselves into an intimate lounge with glasses of wine.  Ramona found Rosalind's company to be pleasant, especially after the evening's events and Rosalind was happy to have a female presence in the casino for a change.

 

"You have no idea how nice it is to have you here.  The other wives are dreadful cunts and besides, I rarely see them anyway.  I hope we'll be able to hang out more often once your husband starts working here."

 

"Tuck already has a job.  He's a mechanic," she told Rosalind proudly. 

 

"Oh?" Rosalind raised an eyebrow.  "But I thought that was why Dante invited you here tonight.  I'm probably saying too much, but Jay has been trying to get your husband into our business for awhile now." 

 

"And what, exactly, is your business?"

 

Rosalind looked down into her glass.  "Oh dear, I have made quite a mess of things.  You see, Tuck's been doing it for so long, I was sure you already knew."

 

"Rosalind, just tell me.  Please!" she implored the woman, standing up, her heart sinking to the floor.

 

*     *     *     *      *     *     *

 

Tuck was up $1,000 when he heard his wife behind him.

 



 

"A coke dealer?" she screeched, loudly.  "You've been a fucking coke dealer since you were sixteen and this is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing?"

"Ramona, please," begged Tuck, neither confirming nor denying.  "Can we talk about this back in our hotel?"

"No, we will fucking not.  We're going to talk about this right the fucking now.  We've been married for four years.  We have two children, Tuck!" she cried.  "We have a life together.  Had, at least, until I found out that I don't know you at all.  I've been married to a stranger."

Her eyes welled up with tears and he could see the pain thinly veiled under all of her fury.  He was on the verge of losing everything.  And this was one time he couldn't talk his way out.

 

"What are you going to do?" his voice cracked.

 

"I'm going home," she hissed.  "One of us has to be a parent.  One of us has to care about our family.  I don't even want to look at you right now.  We'll figure things out once you finish your business up here in Lucky Palms."

 

With that, his wife spun on one stiletto-clad foot and tramped out of the room, out of his life. 

He couldn't take it if he lost her forever. 

 

*     *     *     *      *     *     *

 

Downstairs, Dante and the strange Russian man conspired.

 

 

• Who is the Russian man?
• Will Ramona ever forgive Tuck?
• Is Tuck in over his head? 

Spoiler Alert!

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Chapter 3.13 Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang

 

"When will the blood begin to race

the sleeping bud burst into bloom?

When will the flames, at last, consume us . . .?" - PotO

 

 People who get "high" are often at the lowest point in their life.  Some are lucky enough to avoid addiction and illegal drugs are nothing but a fleeting fancy.  Others are not so fortunate and continue to use until they cease to be themselves and instead become identified by their addiction.

*       *       *       *       *       *       *

 

He was so good with Conner and Josie.  Whether it was because he wanted to give them the childhood he never had or because he wasn't much more than a child himself,  Tuck was a natural father.

 

 



Ramona had come home to Hidden Springs, emotionally and physically drained.  However, life did not cease to go on for a mere broken heart.  She still had a house to clean, bills to pay and babies to pacify.  At night, when Conner and Josie were in their cribs asleep, she reasoned that even if Tuck never came home, she could do this.  She could raise them all by herself.

 



But that didn't make it easier.  All she could do was hope that he would return soon.

 

*       *       *       *       *       *       *

 

"Gentlemen, I want you to meet my associate, Andrey Igalov," Dante announced.  "Andrey and I have been friends for years.  Tonight was actually his idea."

 

 

It was Guys' Night Out in Lucky Palms.  Dante had opened a bottle of top-shelf tequila and moods were running high. 

 

Andrey, the physically imposing Russian, smiled at them.  His light blue eyes glittered like ice chips.  "I promise, gentlemen, this will be a night you will not soon forget."

 

Dante grinned.  "We better get started then, if we're going to make it to St. Claire by midnight." 

 

He led his guests into his study.  "The tequila was just the beginning.  This is where the real fun begins."  Dante gestured to the small white pile on his desk.  "This is from my own personal stash and there's plenty more if need be.  After we powder our noses, we'll be on our way."

 



 

Tuck glanced over at Rusty nervously.  No one present knew about his mother the addict and how susceptible he was to the drug.  However, Dante had a most domineering presence and there was something menacing in Andrey's smile.  He gulped.  Well, he had already fucked things up with Ramona and one little bender wouldn't hurt, would it?

 

*       *       *       *       *       *       *

 

An hour later, Tuck's mouth had gone completely numb, his nostrils tingled and his heart felt like it was going to at any moment, beat out of his chest.  However, he didn't care.  He could visualize his heart, marching out of his body and down the street, leading its very own vital organ parade.  The thought made him giggle.  When Dante had presented the private jet to the men, Rusty and Tuck's glassy eyes had gone wide.  Tuck already felt like he was on his very own roller coaster.  His thoughts were flowing fast and freely, his mind filled with optimism.  Life was grand.

 

They had finally reached their destination.  Tuck had never been to St. Claire, which to a Pertha Hills boy, was "the big city".  He was enraptured by the bright lights, twisting around in his seat and ogling the sights as a small child might.  "Where are we going?" Tuck shouted enthusiastically, although Dante was only two seats away in the luxurious stretch limo.

 

His host chuckled.  "I have taken the liberty of renting an entire nightclub out.  It's a club for gentlemen.  A gentlemen's club, if you will."

 

Moments later, as the limo pulled up to the club, Rusty pressed his face to the window.  "Excalibur," he breathed. 

 

The four friends strode past the metal detectors and bouncers.  Dante looked like a king in his castle.  There were two girls working, a blonde bombshell and a raven-haired beauty.  Tuck couldn't help but notice the way the blond's eyes followed him around the room.

 

 

While Rusty was getting drinks, Dante, Tuck and Andrey made their way to the center stage, where luxurious armchairs were waiting.

 



 

 

The girl with dark hair was on stage, sliding, twirling and spinning.  Between her moves and the bright lights, Tuck felt like he was in another dimension and barely noticed when the blonde suddenly materialized in front of him.

 

"Hi," she purred lasciviously.  "What's your name?"

 

"Tuck," he managed to say. 

 

"I'm Daisy," she giggled, bending down slightly so he could have a full view of her ample cleavage.

 

"How is your night going?"

 

"It's been a little lonely so far.  At least," Daisy batted her eyelashes, "until you got here."  She absent-mindedly traced the inside of her thigh with a manicured forefinger.  "I've been aching for someone to keep me company," she pouted. 

 

Tuck's gaze couldn't help but follow her finger up and down her thigh.  Daisy was well-versed in the art of seduction, from the way she pursed her lip-glossed lips to the way she leaned back and slowly, luxuriously rubbed her neck, then her shoulders, breasts and midriff.  To anyone who was watching her, they'd have to be blind to not be thinking about how they wished the hands on her body were instead theirs.  Blind...or an idiot.

 

"I-I can do that," Tuck blurted out. 

 

"Oh?  Well, why don't we go some place more private?"  She lent him a hand and he took it nervously. 

 

As she started to lead him to the lap dance room, his senses kicked back in and he stopped, suddenly aware and apprehensive.  "Can we...can we sit and talk for a moment?"

 

 

By that time, he was starting to come down and was feeling more like himself.  His head hurt and he kind of wanted to go to sleep but didn't think he'd be able to yet.  The bright lights were hurting his head and the pretty girl in front of him wasn't doing much for his junk, which was a side effect of the coke.  However, he listened to her hustle, letting her do her job.  Daisy was very attractive, but it made him wonder how a girl ended up in a job like this.  He was zoning out when something she said caught his attention.

 

"...if you want, we can go in the back and do a little extra, if you know what I mean," she winked.  "And I think you do."

 

"Extra?" he blinked.

 

"You gotta pay to play, big boy.  So what do you say.  How bout you have your way with me.  I can make all your fantasies come true," she cooed, placing her hand on his crotch.

 

 

"Absolutely not."

 

"Huh?"  Not used to being rebuffed, she could only stare at him.

 

"Daisy, I have to confess I was less than sober when I walked in here but during the time that I've known you, I've found that you're pretty and charming.  What are you doing in a place like this?  Why do you make yourself so...cheap?"

 

She cried out, as if struck. "Cheap?"

 

 

"Honestly, I'd rather give you money to sit here and talk to me but you don't have to do anything else.  And you shouldn't.  You're better than that." By that time, Tuck's head was throbbing and he could only think about Ramona.  "And so am I," he said, looking around.  "I don't even know why I'm here when I should be home with my wife.  We had a fight," he confessed. 

 



 

He gave Daisy a hug and she surprised him with a quick kiss.  He doubted his little speech would change her life or make her quit her job.  However, even drug dealers have morals and Tuck missed his wife.

 



 

He slipped $100 in Daisy's hand.  "Your wife is lucky to have you," she whispered, before walking away.

 

 

*       *       *       *       *       *       *

 

The next afternoon, after the inevitable crash and burn, Tuck dragged himself out of his hotel room's California King-sized bed to let Dante know he would be returning to Hidden Springs.

 

When he walked in the door, he was met with a glare from his wife.  "Upstairs now," she whispered furiously.

 

"Where are Conner and Josie?"

 

"They're napping.  Which means you have exactly half an hour to miraculously make me forgive you or you can get the hell out of our lives."

 

He grimaced.  After last night, he was hardly in the condition to be dealing with this.

 



 

"What can I say to you that I haven't already tried saying, Ramona?  I'm sorry and I love you.  I can make all the excuses in the world but those are the only two things that are true."

 

"Arrrgh!" she yelled in frustration.  "I have been waiting for this moment for the past few days but now that it's here, I can't even come up with anything.  And as pissed off as I am at you, I'm even more mad at myself."

 

That got his attention.  "Why?"

 

"Because," she rolled her eyes, "because my father was an alcoholic and my mother was a cheater and they loved each other but gave up completely.  I grew up without either one of them and I would never want that for Conner and Josie.  Even if...even if..."

 

"Even if their father is a drug dealer?" he asked softly.

 

"Yes!" she cried.  "And I don't know if that makes me a romantic or stupid or pathetic, but even if my father never had another sober day in his entire life, the fact that he would be a part of my life would have been better than nothing.  It would have been better than losing him."

 

At this, she collapsed into his arms, violently sobbing.  "You made me love you, Tuck.  You made me fall so deeply and helplessly in love with you that I don't know how to not love you.  I don't know how to not be with you."

 

He swallowed.  "So you don't want to leave me?"

 

"No!" she cried.  "And it just makes me so mad, that I'm even telling you this and you get to do whatever you want because I'll never leave you."  Ramona sniffed.  "Now you'll just do whatever you want and I'll yell and then we'll make up and have hot makeup sex and then two days later, you'll just fuck it up all over again and..."

 

"Did I hear 'makeup sex'?" Tuck interrupted. 

 

She rolled her eyes.  "It figures that is the one thing you heard in that entire speech.  I swear..."

 

"Ramona!" he cut her off.

 

"What?"

 

"Shut up and kiss me already."

 

And she did. 

 

 

 

*       *       *       *       *       *       *

 





 

 That evening, as Ramona and Tuck put their babies to bed, Ramona couldn't help but think that despite the past week's events, everything she loved and held dear in the world was currently in that one room.