>>5741946“Bah! Those in the gutter can’t look up at the firmament! Forget all that, I brought a pal in crime!” Helmaer moves away to showcase his invite…!
It’s… Gerard Luther! Yes, that Gerard Luther! And he’s here to take the tournament?! No! You can’t allow this buffoon to win! For Bradford’s honor, you can’t allow this fiend to take the trophy! Oh, and there’s a random bodyguard with them. You have seen him before near Ka-Shing.
“Where’s the ebullience?! The Sparkle?! The Passion?! Introduce me properly!” Gerard Luther demands more fanfare.
“What in the world are you doing here?” Richard can’t believe his eyes.
“Those should be my words, towards *him*.” Gerard points at you. He frowns! He doesn’t like you or your trusty little pocket.
“No, those should be my words about my MONEY! Spit it out, patches.” Sewel demands his cash from Gerard. They know each other?!
“Sorry, sir. My apology tour won’t arrive at your station until, let me see…” Gerard takes a notepad out and starts skimming through the pages. “A couple of weeks? You’ve been patient so far, why not keep it up for a little bit more, huh? Now out of my face, you unkempt rodent of a man.” The Judge actually recognized Sewel…?
“I’m not waiting, you piece of shit. I have bills to pay.” Sewel will get violent despite his injuries.
“Then win the tournament and I shall consider it.” Gerard closes his notepad. “In that vein. You’re Mr. Ruffus Hogg, correct? Sorry for killing your daughter. Quick, Gonzales, hand over one of the Apology Teddy Bears.”
“Right on…” Gonzales takes a bag out and pulls out a plushy.
“My daughter is not dead.” Mr. Hogg is horrified at what he’s seeing.
“Oh. That’s great news. Is she conscious? Of course, she is. Unless you’re a deadbeat dad. You might be if you’re hanging out with that lousy mechanic, but judging by your expression, no pun intended, she’s doing well!” Gerard opens up his notepad and scribbles on it again. “I’ll be paying her a visit next time. Sorry for the misunderstanding. It happens to the best of us. Like me.” He smiles.
Mr. Hogg is speechless.
“What an insensitive man.” Mr. Conti says.
“Bodyguard Gonzales is playing too.” Helmaer clarifies to break the awkwardness. “He’s actually off-duty. You know, not like you.” Helmaer squints his eyes as he stares at Jackson. The policeman laughs it off.
“Can I ask why you’re helping Gerard?” You ask the bodyguard.
“As a favor.” Bodyguard Gonzales is a nice guy. “And I like poker.”
“Then you’re welcome here!” Craig tries to maintain what’s left of the positive atmosphere. “Just try not to be dicks or you’re out. And trust me, the bar is really low here.”
