Number 06 │ A Leverage Fanfiction

The Three Strikes Job | Part 2

[Outside the Ballpark]

The streets outside the stadium were a sea of chanting voices and hastily made signs, a passionate crowd gathering to fight for their beloved team. I stood among them, gripping my own sign high above my head, the bold letters reading: "SAVE OUR BEAVERS!"

Beside me, Parker and Hardison joined in the protest with exaggerated enthusiasm, their voices carrying over the crowd.

"We believe! You can't leave!"

The chant grew louder, "Louder, everyone!" I called out, raising my fist in the air.

"We believe! You can't leave!"

Parker, practically bouncing on her heels, cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "YEAH! BRING BACK THE BEAVERS!"

Hardison shot her a look. "Parker... they're not gone yet."

"Not with that attitude!" she huffed, throwing her arms up dramatically before turning back to the crowd.

<>

The stadium buzzed with excitement as the game carried on below, the cheers of the crowd rising and falling with each play. Nate and Tara sat comfortably inside the owner's box, "You know," Nate leaned back in his chair, casually swirling the drink in his hand, "it's a heck of a team you have here. How long have you owned the club?"

The owner, a middle-aged man with an easy smile and a glint of pride in his eyes, adjusted his tie. "Six years. It's been a real labor of love for me."

Tara, feigning curiosity, tilted her head. "Then what's all this about you moving?"

The owner chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, I don't know how those rumors get started. But, hey, if it puts fannies in those seats, what's the harm?"

"I like the way you do business," Tara chuckled.

Over the stadium speakers, the announcer's voice boomed, narrating the game. "Looks like the Beavers' pitcher is calling a powwow at the mound."

Down on the field, the players huddled. From the corner of his eye, Nate spotted movement behind the door. There he was,Culpepper, standing by the hall. He turned to his aide, muttering something.

"That's them with the owner," he muttered under his breath. "It's really happening."

Culpepper strode towards them, his expression eager yet controlled. Then, with a broad grin that barely concealed his urgency, he clapped his hands together. "Ah, Mr. Gitt! Good day for a ballgame, huh?"

Nate stood, shaking his hand like they were old friends. "Mr. Mayor! Couldn't have asked for a better one."

Culpepper barely let go before leaning in, his voice just low enough to sound conspiratorial. "Listen, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Nate gave him an easy smile. "Sure."

<>

Culpepper leaned in, his excitement barely concealed. "Now, I know the team is moving. You're building a new park. I know baseball. I love baseball. And I want you to build that park in Belbridge."

Nate crossed his arms, pretending to consider the offer. "Well, you know, I did consider Belbridge," he said, pausing for effect. "But I like the incentives being offered by another town down by Fall River."

Culpepper scoffed knowingly. "By 'incentives,' you mean a cut of the concessions, a piece of the construction, a buy-in?"

Nate smirked. "Ah, you are pro-business."

With a slight chuckle, Culpepper nodded, "All right, give me a number."

Nate leaned back, "Well, you know, the first rule of real estate, Mr. Mayor—never negotiate against yourself."