Griffin MacAlister was led down a long corridor, each step's echo, bouncing off the cement floor, walls and ceiling. In spite of the fact that he was wearing sneakers. A gift from the state, since his steel toe Grinders, weren't exactly "prison friendly", he hated those shoes and walking down that dreary passage, they called to his attention all the more. The contrast was jarring and the unrelenting fluorescent light, glaring down from above only enhanced the effect. To make matters worse, it seemed like the journey to his destination, took forever but perhaps, that was only the uncertainty of the situation, playing tricks on his thoughts.


He didn't understand how he came to have a lawyer, that wasn't merely an inept public defender, it didn't make sense and yet, he prayed for it to be real. "Please don't be a mix up", he thought to himself... "for once in my life, don't let me draw the short straw. I don't want to spend the rest of my life behind bars, locked away in a cell." Which was true, Griffin didn't want that fate. He would have done anything to avoid it. You know what they say, be careful what you wish for, it might just come true. And Griffin wished for freedom, with all his might. It was naive and foolish, still desperate moments could bring that out of folks and facing an impending court date, trial and sentencing for murder when you didn't commit the crime, was a rather grave set of circumstances.


After walking for several minutes, Griffin and the prison guard that fetched him, stopped outside of a simple, oak door. Griffin swallowed hard and took a deep breath, not knowing what to expect. The guard pushed the door open and held it, so that Griffin could enter. On the other side of the door, there existed a long metal table, with a steel bench on either side. Griffin was instructed to sit down, his handcuffs were secured in place; in front of himself on the table, with the aid of a metal ring and then a door on the opposite side of the room opened. Allowing a man that Griffin never encountered before, access to the room.




"May I have a few words with my client? Alone?"


Barely had his foot in the door, didn't even take a seat yet and he was already making requests. Although his tone of voice was far from questioning. Instead his inquiries came forth, like they weren't really questions at all and there was only one answer to give. Whatever he wanted to hear. In other words, the reply that best suited his needs and fuck off if you thought you actually had a choice in the matter.


"That's against protocol. For your safety, I need to stand by. Just in case. You never can be too careful."


"Yes, well as warm and squishy as that makes me feel inside, I believe I'll be fine."


"But sir, he's being tried for murder."


"And he looks like a strong gust of air could knock him over."


The man briefly glanced Griffin's way.


"No offence."


Then turned his sights back to the guard.


"Not to mention the fact that he's handcuffed to a table. Look, if it's a fear of a lawsuit, you can tell the warden not to worry, I am fully aware of the risk and I insist on taking it. Thereby wavering my rights of protection, that would have otherwise been upheld by this fine correctional facility."


"Alright. I still; at the very least, need to stand outside the door."


"I suppose one must be grateful for small allowances."


The guard progressed out the door and shut it.


"Now that, that nuisance has been eliminated... somewhat, lets grant ourselves some real privacy."


Reaching up, the man disconnected the security camera and strolled over to the metal table.


"And a small bit of freedom."


Where he retrieved a handcuff key from his left trouser pocket and released Griffin's wrists from their shackles. From there, the man proceeded to the other side of the table and sat down. All the while, Griffin looked bewildered and when the man noticed, he chuckled. Clearly amused.


"Can you do that? Are you able to do that?"


These questions were posed while Griffin allowed his focus to jump from his free wrists to the man, sitting across the table.


"I'm able to do anything I want. Maxwell Maximus, at your service."


A friendly smile and an outstretched hand, Griffin didn't see any reason not to accept the gesture, so he did exactly that and the two shook hands.


"Griffin. Can I call you, Griffin?"


"That's my name, so sure knock yourself out."


"That's quite a powerful name that you've got there, from the perspective of legend and lore, anyway."


"It's also a shoe polish."


This comment delivered with equal parts of sarcasm and candor, summoned laughter from Maxwell as he settled back in his seat.


"Indeed."


"With all due respect, Mr. Maximus."


"Please, call me, Maxwell."


"Maxwell."


Pause.


"This is all kinda weird."


"How so?"


"For starters, why do you want to defend me?"


"Because I don't believe that you belong behind bars."


"You don't? A murderer shouldn't be locked up?"


"Alleged murderer."


"Hey man, if I could be so bold and ask. What makes me different? Everyone claims to be innocent, that doesn't mean that they aren't guilty and you don't know me. Not personally you don't, I'm some dude, sitting across the table from you. No more, no less."


"This is very true. Except, I know that you didn't kill anyone. Disregarding our in depth personal standing or lack thereof, I know you're innocent and I believe you have a greater service to provide, beyond solely being yet another inmate. That's why there will be no trial."


"Excuse me? What the fuck did you just say? Sorry, my bad. What did you say? Did you say there won't be a trial? Are you serious?"


"That's correct. I said there will be no trial. Assuming you agree to certain arrangements."


"Arrangements? Like what?"


"Don't look so freaked out, there's nothing to be worried about, it's not like you'll be hunted for sport or forced to do anything demeaning. All that's required is that you sign a contract. For employment and some special training. This is a recruitment of sorts. You'll receive all the preparation and teaching that you will need to ensure that you are ready to fulfill your part in the grand operation. Which basically means that you'll be taught the ropes and shown what to do, in order to function within the dynamics of our day to day design. We think you're an ideal match and fit for the company."


"We?"


"The organization where I am employed, you have obtained their attention and managed to maintain it."


"I don't understand."


"We have eyes and ears everywhere. In all walks of life. Nothing surpasses our notice, not even mechanics running cons and committing crimes in the streets of Chicago, fall out of focus, if they are deserving like yourself."


"Why? What do I have to offer that's worth watching? Worth stopping me from rottin' in a prison cell?"


"Untapped potential. You have a very obvious skill set, it's crude and needs enhancement but once that's been done, there's no telling what you'll be capable of. One could site that it's nothing more than the spirit of youth but I usually have a knack for sorting out the special candidates from the gift of youthful vigor. A gift that will remain on your side, far longer than the normal span of time that others are granted it but only, if you come and work for us."


"I gotta be honest, none of this makes any sense."


"I'll put it straightforwardly for you. Go to jail, spend a large portion of your life there or come work for us and live up to your true potential, really make a difference. Not just anyone gets offered a position. We've been watching you Griffin MacAlister and while you're a tad rough around the edges, we think you're perfect. Every diamond needs polishing though, in order to establish its true shine. That's where the conditioning comes into play. Can't send someone out into the fray, without first making certain that they're prepared and ready to fight."


"So this is going to involve physical altercations? Fighting? Like a protection or security gig?"


"In a way, yes. You will be protecting and securing assets. That isn't all you'll be doing but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that it was an essential demand. Rest assured you will be given all the tools that you require, in order to perform your tasks."


"It all seems to good to be true but if it's not, I don't want to lose out and regret not taking the chance. At freedom. I'll do it... I'll sign the contract."


"Excellent. You won't regret it."


"You are going to tell me what's involved before it happens, right?"


"I can assure you, all your questions will be answered, in due time. Now lets get that contract for you to sign. I promise, it will be a life changer."


Nothing could possibly prepare Griffin for what would come next; however, it can be acknowledged that Maxwell Maximus, did not lie. After all his verbal side stepping and convoluted, partial explanations, he ended on a note of truth. This would be a life changer.

---

"So here I go, headfirst into battle. My opponent, Notorious Ned Kaye. Last Man Standing. It's a significant match to be had. No joke. This is the kinda fight that separates the folks that are seriously ready to throw down, from everyone else. Those guys that aren't afraid to test themselves and put their bodies on the line, from all the rest... in other words, the ones that don't really have what it takes."


"What does it take?"


"From my personal experience, you're the type that doesn't quit or give up, no matter what happens. The damage you take or the pain that you endure. Nothing stops you and you never surrender or go quietly into the night. You fall? That means you get back up and fight. And that's all I've ever done. People might question my career or my integrity, my worth and merit of character but no one can say that I don't get back up. Ready to charge forward, straight on into battle and fight. No one can say that I don't have the heart or perseverance, to continue onward."


"Now Ned, he has a history of putting down some of the best, will that change anything? Will it stop me from shinin' my boots and lacing 'em up tight, before I march on down to the ring and throw him one of my patent boot parties?"


"Nah!"


"Why? Because that's what I do. I stomp skulls and throw down, till I can't do it anymore. Although so far, I've always managed to get back up and rise to the occasion. Battles may be lost but I strive to continue and surge forward into the war, I still stand tall and that ain't ever gonna change. The day that I don't return, ready to fuckin' rumble, that's the day you know I'm dead and I do not plan on dying tomorrow night."


"You best take note of that Ned Kaye, this is the type of man that you're going to face and I have no fear, I will do everything in my power to put you down."