The Art of the Hustle 2 (Complete)

Chapter Thirty-Two

Trevor was expecting Deon to show up bright and early, but for some reason he was a no-show. Despite multiple attempts at calling him, Trevor couldn't reach him.

Not wanting to give up on the kid, Trevor just got on with his day. Taking a typical long walk around Stanley Park, Trevor ended up in English Bay. It was midday so there was plenty of daylight left. On a whim, Trevor decided to head North on Denman and stop by Deon's apartment. It was the first time Trevor had been to the neighbourhood since the night he inadvertently stumbled upon Deon's underground fight club.

Spotting some of Deon's friends hanging out on the street corner looking suspicious, Trevor approached them.

"Hey guys, I'm looking for Deon. Do you know where I can find him?"

"Nah, we don't know no Deon."

"How about Pryme Tyme?" Trevor said.

The two friends looked at Trevor and asked, "Yo, what do you want with Pryme? Are you five-o?"

"I'm a friend."

"You don't look like no friend of Pryme."

Trevor reached in his pocket and pulled out a hundred dollar bill. "Just tell me where he is."

The man looked at Trevor closely. "Yo, don't I know you from somewhere?" he said, studying Trevor's face.

"I don't think so."

"Yeah, you got one of those mad familiar faces, playa. Where do I know you from?"

"I was at the fights a couple weeks ago."

"Right! You almost got merced by that big diesel looking dude."

"Are you going to tell me where I can find Deon or not?"

"He's got a fight tonight," the man said, handing Trevor a promotional flyer. "My guess is he be training right now. Dude he's fightin' is a monster yo — undefeated, ten and 0."

"Alright, thanks," Trevor said, handing the money to him.

"Fight starts at 11:00."

"Thanks."

"Be good, my G."

Trevor walked to Deon's building and dawdled by the door. In less than a minute, someone exited the building and held the door for Trevor. Since he was dressed nicely, no one suspected him for a burglar.

Following the same path as a few weeks ago, Trevor found himself walking down the cement staircase in the bowels of the old building. At the bottom of the stairs was a door leading to the gym. Trevor followed the hall, meanwhile looking over his shoulder. He wasn't sure if he should be down there, but walking with confidence, nobody would ever stop and ask him what he was doing there.

Approaching the gym, Trevor entered and saw Deon waling on one of the heavy bags. He had his back to Trevor and his headphones in.

Coming up behind Deon, Trevor tapped him on his shoulder. Deon was so startled that he nearly turned around and socked him.

"Yo, what are you doing here, Trevor?"

"I'm looking for you. Why have you been ignoring my calls?"

"I haven't been. I've been down here working out. The reception isn't good down here."

"I thought you were going to come by and do your homework."

"Yo, I can't today."

"Why not?" Trevor asked.

"Cause... I have things to do."

"You have a fight, don't you?" Trevor asked. "I thought you were a fight promoter."