Sweat already started to drip down Jefferson wrinkly, thick forehead.
He stuck a hand out, but Levi and Reese just stood there.
“What can I do for you?” Jefferson asked.
“Just checking on the books,” Reese said. “Making sure everyone is happy. Healthy.”
“Naked,” Levi said. “Paying up.”
“Right,” Jefferson said. “I owe you guys some money, don’t I?” Jefferson slapped his forehead. “Shit. Fuck me, right? I always forget the fifteenth of the month.”
Reese nodded. “It happens.”
“I can cut you a check,” Jefferson said. “I don’t have actual cash on hand.”
“A check,” Levi said. “So, I can take it to the bank? Tell them it’s my shake down pussy money?”
Jefferson laughed. “You’re funny, Levi.”
Reese moved forward and put a hand to the desk. Jefferson stiffened.
“What hand do you jerk off with?” Reese asked.
“What?”
“Answer the question.”
“What is this…”
Levi reached for his gun. “Jefferson…”
“Jesus Christ, okay. My right hand. I’m a righty.”
“Okay,” Reese said. “I want to help you.”
“You want to jerk me off?” Jefferson asked and laughed.
Reese and Levi didn’t laugh at all.
But Reese moved fast. He threw a quick punch, hitting Jefferson in the nose. He then snatched Jefferson’s right wrist and forced his hand down to the desk.
“What are you doing?” Jefferson asked, his eyes filled with tears.
“I’m going to cut the number fifteen into your hand. With my knife. So, when you jerk off… and you go to wipe your hand, you’ll be reminded to fucking pay us on time.”
“Holy shit, Reese,” Jefferson said. “Okay, okay. Damn. I’m a little late this month.”
“The last six months,” Levi said.
“Hey, this business is tough. I keep my girls happy. I keep a good customer experience. This isn’t some dive place. Okay?”
Reese took out his knife and slowly lowered the tip down to Jefferson’s hand.
He started to breath heavily, trying to pull his wrist away.
“Help me, Levi,” Jefferson said. “We go way back.”
“We do go way back,” Levi said. “And what I know is that you’re a scumbag. You make a buck and spend three. And now you’re fucking with my club.”