Read 1980 - You Can Say That Again for Free Online Page B

poked his head back when he came too close and he snorted. This went on for some minutes, then I saw an evil smile flicker on his lipless mouth. I felt instinctively, he was about to launch a blockbuster. I didn’t give him time to get set.
    I weaved towards him, jabbing with my left in his face, throwing him off balance, then I let fly with my best right hand hook with all my weight behind it. My fist smashed on his jaw and he went down as if the bones in his legs had turned to putty. His shoulders crashed down on a wrestling mat: his eyes rolled back: he was out to the world.
    I tore off the gloves and knelt beside him, lifted his shaven head, patting his cheeks.
    I was scared witless that when he recovered, he would tear me apart.
    It took more than ten seconds for him to come to the surface. When I saw the light of life come into his eyes, I pushed him into a sitting position, then I stood away as one might stand away from a drugged tiger, getting to its feet.
    He peered at me, then he smiled: not a rat smile this time, but a wide, friendly grin.
    ‘That was a beaut, palsy,’ he said, and shook his head. ‘Man, can you sock!’ He offered me his hand and I dragged him to his feet. He rubbed his jaw, then burst out laughing. ‘And I was dim enough to take you for a phoney.’
    I drew in a long, slow breath of relief.
    ‘I’m sorry, Mazzo. You had me scared. If you had caught me with one of your blockbusters, I couldn’t have worked for Mr. Durant. I had to uncork my best.’
    He peeled off his gloves and again rubbed his jaw, staring at me, then he nodded his shaven head.
    ‘You’re right, palsy. Listen, don’t say anything about this to that sonofabitch. He would have my balls. Okay?’
    ‘Sure, and would you skip the palsy routine. Call me Jerry.’
    He stared at me for a long moment, then nodded.
    ‘Yeah. Well, come on, Jerry, let’s have a workout.’
    Although I was practically sure he was a killer and I feared him, I had a feeling that now he just might be on my side. We worked together throwing a medicine ball around and with the bars until we were both sweating.
    I felt I had made a major step forward.
    After we had showered and redressed, he led me back to my room.
    By now, I was hungry.
    ‘You ask, you get,’ Mazzo said when I said it was time to eat. ‘Anything goes here.’
    So I asked for chicken Maryland.
    He patted me on my shoulder.
    ‘You like that, Jerry? Me too.’ He rubbed his jaw and widened his smile. ‘You’re going to survive.’ He tapped his vast chest. ‘I’m telling you,’ and he went away.
     
    * * *
     
    The next day was a replica of the previous day.
    When Mazzo wheeled in the breakfast trolley, I found another credit note in my favor for one thousand dollars. This was encouraging.
    Breakfast over, I sat at the table and worked on John Merrill Ferguson’s signature. I was in a more relaxed mood, and I began to feel more confident.
    After an hour, I discarded the tracing paper and kept on writing the signature on ordinary paper. I was still doing this, an hour later, when the door slid back and Durant came in. He stood over me, studying my many attempts.
    ‘Take a fresh piece of paper and write the signature,’ he said.
    I did as I was told. He took the paper and examined the signature.
    ‘Yes. You are doing well, Stevens. Keep at it. I want you to be as familiar with this signature as you are with your own.’ He moved away. ‘I have been making arrangements for you. I have paid your rent, and your clothes and personal effects have been packed and are here. I have seen your agent, Prentz, and have paid him the commission he asked for. I have told him you are now in Europe, working for me. You have no further ties nor debts.’ He paused to stare at me. ‘You are entirely at my disposal.’
    I felt scared. There was something in his staring eyes that sent a red light flashing in my mind.
    ‘Continue with the signature,’ he went on. ‘Tomorrow, if I am