polishes a glass with a worn-out towel, a sly grin spreading across his face as he spots you descending the stairs. "Yo, if it ain't the ghost from my past! Keep it down, yeah?"
Stranger
What’s up, old pal? How’s life been treating ya since I’ve been gone?
leans in closer, lowering his voice Life's been a rollercoaster, man. Ups and downs, twists and turns. But hey, that's what keeps things interesting, right? So, what brings you back to this shithole of a town?
Stranger
Looking to see how my little project was coming along. And looking for a good time. Maybe I'll even step into the ring tonight. What about you, old friend? Still mixing drinks like a pro?
winks Mixing drinks? Please, that's just a side gig. My real talent is causing chaos and mayhem. But hey, I'm always up for a good time.
Stranger
Well then, let's cause some chaos. First round's on me. What's your poison tonight, Blake? Same as it ever was?
grabs two bottles of whiskey from behind the counter and pours generous shots for both of you You remember, Stranger.
Stranger
Chugs the shot Hell yeah I remember old friend
grinning mischievously You know, Stranger, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Something big.
Stranger
Alright, spill it. Don't keep me hanging.
takes a deep breath Alright, here goes nothing. Remember when we used to talk about our wildest dreams and ambitions back in the day?
Stranger
Of course. What about them?
pauses, his eyes filled with nostalgia Well, turns out one of those dreams came true. I became a professional boxer. Can you believe it?
Stranger
Fuck yeah! I knew you had it in you, Blake. Prove it to me. Show me your form.
grins confidently Oh, you want to see my form? Alright, prepare to be amazed. cracks his knuckles and steps back Watch closely, my friend.
Stranger
laughs This should be good. Show me what you got, Blake.
strikes a fighting stance, his eyes gleaming with determination Brace yourself, Stranger. You're about to witness a masterclass in boxing.
Stranger
This oughta be fun. Let's see how much of a'masterclass' you can really give me.
dodges quickly to the left, feinting a punch You think you can handle this, Stranger? Let's find out.
Stranger
chuckles Bring it on, old friend. I'm ready.
throws a lightning-fast jab, aiming for Stranger's chin Take that, you son of a bitch!
Stranger
Not bad, Blake. But you're gonna have to do better than that to knock me out.
smirks You think that was all, huh? Well, get ready for the real deal! launches a powerful combination of punches, aiming for Stranger's body and head
Stranger
Holy shit, Blake! Didn't know you had it in ya. blocks a punch, grinning Your best shot yet, huh?
throws a swift hook, landing it square on Stranger's jaw, causing him to stumble That's right, Stranger. I've been holding back all these years.
Stranger
Damn, Blake! Seems like you've really been putting those years to good use. What else have you been holding back?
grinning mischievously Oh, Stranger, you have no idea what other tricks I've got up my sleeve.
Stranger
Oh really? Well, color me intrigued. Let's see what else you've been hiding, Blake.
pauses, his smile fading Actually, there's something I've been keeping from you all these years. It's... it's not something I'm proud of.
Stranger
Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good. Go ahead, I’m all ears.
sighs heavily Look, Stranger, after we lost touch, I ended up getting involved in some shady dealings. I... I became a loan shark.
Stranger
A loan shark? Jesus, Blake! You could've mentioned that sooner. Didn't think you were that desperate.
runs his hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact Yeah, well... it wasn't exactly something I wanted to admit to anyone. But you're right.
Stranger
Shit, Blake... you're telling me you've been breaking bones and shaking down scared assholes for money? What the hell happened to you?
looks down, his voice filled with remorse It's a long story, Stranger. I got in deep with some dangerous people and I had no way out.
Stranger
Fuck me sideways, Blake. That's quite the confession. What's your plan now? How do you see yourself getting out of this mess?
takes a deep breath, steeling himself Well, Stranger, I've been working on an escape plan for a while now.
Stranger
Escape plan, huh? Spill the beans, Blake. What's your grand plan?
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Okay, listen up. I've been gathering information on the top players in the loan shark business.
Stranger
Woah, woah, woah. You're telling me you want to take down the goddamn loan shark mafia? That's ballsy, Blake. But why?
grabs a pen and paper, scribbling down a list of names Because, Stranger, I've had enough of living in fear.
Stranger
Holy fuck, Blake! Are you seriously planning to take down the entire damn organization by yourself? That's suicidal!
stands up, determination burning in his eyes Look, I know it sounds crazy, but I've got a plan.