Page 47 of Queen’s Gambit

“It is.”

“How much of a discount?”

“Five percent,” I said.

He snorted, but I knew he wouldn’t go for that. This was a standard dance, the two of us going back and forth until we were both satisfied.

“Twenty-five percent.”

I laughed out loud at the ludicrous amount.

“Only a fool would take that, and I’m no fool. I’m in business to make money, just like you are. So how about I save us some time here. I’ll offer you seven percent, and you’ll come down to twenty. But we both know that is still a terrible deal for me. So, I’ll agree to ten, and although that is profitable for you, you want something sweeter. So we’ll go back and forth until I get fed up and, say, twelve percent, my final offer. We both know you’ll take it because that saves you millions a year. So…twelve percent is my final offer, or I walk and give this deal to someone else. Who knows? Maybe one day that person will become a competitor, and you’ll really regret not doing business with me.”

“Are you threatening me, Edmundo?”

I shook my head as he took a drag of his cigarette, the end glowing bright orange.

“I don’t need to threaten you with the truth. We both know how this business works.”

Carlo laughed and looked around at his guards, who all smiled.

“Can you believe the balls on this guy? Well, Edmundo, you are certainly living up to your reputation.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“As you should. Alright, consider me interested, but I will only sign on the dotted line if you can pass one test for me.”

Carlo drank the rest of his drink, set the glass down, and picked up his large knife.

“You put on a brave act, but I won’t deal with anyone who breaks under pressure or is afraid of a little bit of pain.”

My lip tugged up as I locked eyes with him. “Tell me what to do?”

“Lay your hand flat on the table with your fingers spread open, and if you don’t flinch, I’ll sign with you,” he said.

He had a maniacal glint in his eyes as he picked his fingernails with the tip of his knife. This was probably a horrible idea, but it was for me and Ana, and I’d do anything to be with her.

I placed my hand on the table. This was either a trust exercise, or I was about to lose a finger, and we were heading to the hospital next. Either way, it was worth it.

“You didn’t ask what I’m going to do.”

“Doesn’t matter. I won’t flinch.”

Smiling wide, he spun the blade expertly in his hand and then slammed the tip down between my fingers. The sharp knife stuck in the shitty wood while I stared, unblinking, into his eyes. He did it again and again, the metal skimming but not cutting as he went. Finally, he let go of the knife, leaving it between my middle and ring finger, the tip so close to slicing the skin open.

“Not even a single bead of sweat,” Carlo said, standing and buttoning his suit jacket.

He held out his hand for me to shake. I stood and gripped it tight.

“You have the heart of a lion, Edmundo, and the tenacity of a Tasmanian devil. I like it. Keep the knife. It’s my calling card for business. If I ever come to collect it, then I’m severing all ties, and sometimes more, depending on the reason.”

“You won’t regret this decision,” I said, and he nodded.

I grabbed the massive knife that could’ve easily gutted me with one swipe and left. The three of us walked out, and even though things had gone well, I kept my eyes open for anything amiss. I didn’t take a deep breath until the three of us were back in my vehicle.

“Fuck that was intense.” Marcus was the first to speak. “I thought for sure he was going to cut your hand off.”

“So did I,” I said, starting the SUV.