The Fight Within Read Online Free PDF

so he could find the son of a bitch as he raced about in a damn panic, cursing and yelling along the way. He poured a tall glass of orange juice, took a quick sip, then set it down. Grabbing a white paper plate, he scooted his perfectly prepared eggs, two fried and two scrambled, onto it along with the blackened piece of toast. He set the plate on his uneven dining room table in a delicate way, as if it were a sight to behold. Making himself comfortable, he chugged away at his cool beverage while glaring at the television screen set against the far wall in his living room. On the news, they were broadcasting an item about some local marathon runners. He felt his eyes hooding, already tired, and the damn day had just begun.
    Am I really that self-absorbed?
    He took a bite of his toast, wincing from the burnt flavor as he moved the over-cooked bread around in his mouth, and forced the swallow.
    I do crap for other people all the time, like this little league shit. Someone needed me, and I came through. Kyle is full of shit! He’s just tryna get me all riled up.
    He scooped up a spoonful of eggs and slid it between his lips, worked it around then gulped, his thoughts still prisoner to his friend’s accusatory words.
    Well, that’s for pay, though… It sure as hell isn’t free. Fuck. Maybe he’s right…
    He shrugged.
    Maybe I’ve been so busy with everything I’ve been tryna get done lately, I haven’t been considering other people.
    Hmmmm…
    He picked up his juice glass and took a sip, then set it down, contemplations filling the voids in his brain with something worthy of a promise, embarking on turning a new leaf.
    Okay, I’ll keep my word. Yeah, the next time someone needs me, I’ll be there for ’em… I can do that. That’s the right thing to do. Yeah, of course it is… I’ll show that son of a bitch. I still give a damn about other people. I should wager a bet on this. Ahhh no, I can’t do that, that would defeat the whole point. Okay, I can do it. The next time someone needs me I’ll be there, no expectations, no compensation. Jesus, what if it’s Mom, though?! Oh, please God, I know we don’t talk often, but don’t have my mother call me and ask for anything, please. It’ll be about her wanting me to settle down and get married… I just won’t be able to do that! So if anyone but Ma calls, then I’m cool with it. God, I hate to put that sort of provision in there but I’m sure ya understand!
    *
    Jasper Owens’ miniature little reddish brown mustache twitched like it was infested with bedbugs every time he opened his tiny tulip shaped lips. The eccentric millionaire made Treasure’s skin crawl, but she couldn’t help but be amused by his naturally shrill voice and the way he repeated what she said in his highfalutin’ British accent, as if she were somehow unclear and her words stated in a language she’d just invented on the spur of the moment.
    “So you see, Ms. Chambers, although I do not cook, all of the equipment must be state of the art.” He lifted his chin high as his beady, dark brown eyes grew even darker, somehow shrouding his point in forbidden mystery of the utmost importance.
    “Why of course, Mr. Owens.” She smiled pleasantly and nodded as she led him over to a gray and ebony granite display. “Here I have put together five different samples for your countertops. I would like to direct your attention to the Rustic River exotic stone sample,” She pointed to a rare and beautiful slab with swirls of bluish gray along a pale yellow backdrop. “And here we have Blue Eyes material, out of the Arctic Plains. It is the type of granite which I am certain would not only meet your discriminatory tastes and criteria, but be a focal point of conversation for your house guests, for months on end.” He nodded in agreement as he slicked his slender index finger along the shiny surface, giving it the once over. Just then, her cell phone rang. She leered down at the thing, trying her