Perceptions Mercy asks Les if he hates Stanley. Les says that they are like brothers and then starts remembering a tale from long ago. Les explains that Stanley was always selfish, he was always a taker. He cheated on his wife with Les’ first wife Cindy. After Stanley left town, Les married Stanley’s first wife and took care of Lucy. Les doesn’t mention that he was abusive to Julie and to Lucy.
Les continues to paint himself in the best possible light saying that he is a giver. He wants to help Mercy like he’s already helped Lucy with a garage lease. The ever noble Les, hands Mercy a contract and a $20,000 advance. After Mercy leaves Les’ accountant says they haven’t paid insurance in months.
Stanley walks into Les’ office and says he wants to make a deal. Stanley says if Les leaves Betsy, Mercy and the Piggy Bank alone he will throw his next fight. Les can bet big on him losing and in turn win a lot of money. Les and his crew decide that a Stanley loss and a Les victory is perfect and agree to the deal.
The third meeting of the day includes a blonde young lady who looks like Mercy. Toffman puts a wig on her and has her bite an apple.
Stan tells Betsy about the deal he made with Les. She is shocked but excited to hear about it. Stanley tells the taco truck operator that he should bet against him in his next fight.
Later that night Sticky and Stanley go to Sonny’s Gym for a workout. After Sticky leaves, Stanley is alone in the gym working on a bag. Les, Billy, and Toffman come to the gym to make sure Stanley keeps his promises. The two men start sparring in the ring, Stanley is untouchable while Les receives several body blows. Les challenges him to another round and starts off by punching his family jewels and kneeing his face. Stanley gets up and with a single punch to the face knock Les down.
Since Les was trying to “help” Stanley keep his promise to lose he calls Billy into the ring too. Les and Billy take turns beating Stanley until Lucy walks in. The next scene shows Les and Billy hobbling to their cars. Lucy needs to talk to his Dad.
- Ron C.
