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❝You are trying to understand madness with logic. That is not unlike searching for darkness with a torch.❞ — Mad Hatter

❞ — Mad Hatter

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💰 Z A Y N

"Colin, do you know the definition of insanity?" I question, dragging on my cigarette as I stare at the desperate man across from me.

Most of the people who work for me will likely never forget Colin. He worked for me years ago, until he got caught up in the drugs and had attempted to steal from me a few months back. I had the painful and rather annoying experience of beating the shit out of him, yet here we are again.

Funny how shit works out like that.

He strains against the chair, knowing this isn't going to go well. The first time, I was nice. Now, I'm very unhappy.

Sure he doesn't entirely see it that way, when the last time we had this little conversation, he left within an inch of his life.

"It's doing the same fuckin' thing. Just doing it over and over again, but you see—" I stand from my desk, moving to the opposite side of it, resting against the surface in front of him. "You keep repeating it, but you expect something else to happen. It's fuckin' crazy."

By the time I've explained, Everly has walked into the room. She's wearing a stunning black dress today. One that makes it hard to focus on the task at hand when the sight of her curves are so intrusive in my thoughts.

"You used to work for me, Colin. Top notch. You made money out of your ass, and yet you had to fuck it up to get high. Is it fun? When you stick that needle in your arm? When you go out all day begging and stealing on the streets to earn enough money for one hit, is it enjoyable?"

"I—"

"Then you come here," I add, dragging on my cigarette. "You beat up my men, you smash some slot machines, you create a scene in my fuckin' casino!" I yell, slamming my foot down on top of his.

"Oops. Guess I gotta' get my eyes checked." I avow, twisting my shoe on top of his bare foot as he yells in pain.

I step forward, still standing on his foot, slotting my fingers between the roots of his hair as I yank his head up forcefully to look at me. "What do you have to say, Colin?"

"Time. Just give me some time. I'll get clean, I'll pay you back for damages. I'll come back and work for you."

"Time is money, Colin. And you're out of both." I walk away from him, removing my suit jacket.  Approaching Everly, I give her the article of clothing and she holds it, knowing what the action of me giving it to her means.

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