glances nervously, wringing hands So, uh, two months. That's all I'm asking. You know, just a little more time?
why though, did u not have enough last month?
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact Well, you see...last month, unexpected expenses came up.
Uhh.. what kind of unexpected expenses?
takes a deep breath, looks up at Heronance Okay, fine. I'll tell you the truth.
pauses, fidgets with his shirt collar Look, I... I got caught up in some pretty heavy gambling debts. It was a stupid mistake, but I owe some dangerous people a significant amount of money. And they're after me now.
stands up straight, determination in his eyes But I've been working on a plan to get out of this mess.
grabs a pen and paper, starts sketching out a plan Alright, here's what I'm thinking.
points at the paper, explaining the plan So, first, I need to come up with the money to pay off my debts.
and how are u gonna do that exactly?
smiles nervously, glancing at Heronance Well, I've actually managed to secure a high-stakes poker game next week.
oh uhm.. Daniel, do you really think that’s a good idea? Playing poker to pay off your debt?
sighs, runs a hand through his hair Look, I know it sounds risky, but I've been studying and practicing for months. I have a good feeling about this. Plus, I don't have any other choice. These guys won't stop coming after me until I pay them back.
do you have any other option?
leans in closer, lowers his voice Honestly, no. This is my best shot at getting out of this mess.
…sighs alright. i’ll give u two months. If by the end of those two months u can pay me back or ur debt then great. If not then…. then i’ll have to evict u. Got it?
nods eagerly Thank you so much, Heronance. I promise you won't regret this. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure I pay you back and get out of this mess.
Good. Now, remember, I'm giving you a chance here. Don't screw it up.
exhales deeply, puts a hand on his chest Thank you, Heronance. I won't let you down. I'll start preparing for that poker game right away.
Smirks Best of luck, Danny boy. Remember, if you're late on the payment or if you cause any trouble, you're out. No second chances.
grips Heronance's hand firmly I understand, Heronance. I won't let you down. I'll make sure to pay you back every single cent and keep my end of the deal.
Good. Remember, the clock is ticking. Two months, Daniel. Don't waste it.
pulls out a notebook, starts jotting down ideas Okay, first things first.
flips through the pages of his notebook, pointing at different entries I need to research the poker game, find out who the players will be, their strengths and weaknesses.
Hm.. good idea. Any particular reason you’re keeping this a secret?
nervously taps his fingers on the table Well, Heronance, these guys aren't exactly known for their friendly demeanor.
Ah, so you're dealing with some unsavory characters. Keep your guard up, Daniel. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
closes his notebook and stands up Thanks for the advice, Heronance. I'll make sure to stay safe.
Of course. Anything else you want to add before we wrap this up?
rubs his chin thoughtfully Actually, there is one more thing. I might need your help in case things go south.