The Under Ring

Max: What’s the matter, man?

(looks at Max)

Tommy: Quiet down, nothin’s the matter. Did you bring it?

Max: Yeah. Max starts to pull out a brown bag when Tommy freaks -

Tommy: Whoa, whoa, put that away, what the hell are ya doin?

Max: It’s nothin -

Tommy: Just put it away. Max lowers the bag back under the table.

Max: It’s just ca -

Tommy: I know what it is. Tommy looks around again, paranoid.

Max: Tommy... are you in some sorta trouble, man?

Tommy: Just hand it to me under the table, okay? Max does. Tommy takes the bag under the table. Tommy hides the bag from the other customers and quietly looks in the bag

Max: It’s all there Tommy. I told you I got you. Tommy counts the money. He takes a small sigh of relief.

Tommy: Thanks, man. You just never know. See ya around. Tommy starts to stand -

Max: Wait a sec man, can’t you tell me what the hell is going on? You owe me that. Tommy sits again. He looks at Max, deciding. He’s right.

Tommy: I don’t want to get you involved.

Max: I just loaned you 5 grand, I’m involved whether I like it or not. But I deserve to know what I’m involved in.

Tommy: You ever hear of the “Under Ring?”

Max: Of course, but that’s just a myth. Why? Tommy stares at Max.

Tommy: It’s not. It’s real. Max lets that sink in.

Max: Are you telling me that you, and now my money, are involved in the biggest underground crime ring in the US? Tommy doesn’t know what to say.

Tommy: Me, not you. I’ll have your money back in 2 days.

Max: How? How can I trust you?

Tommy: Because if I don’t, I’ll be dead. Tommy starts to stand.

Max: Tommy, what’d you do? What’d you do? Tommy stares at him for a moment, but doesn’t answer. He stands and walks away. Max watches him go, scared. He sighs to himself in disbelief.