Oct. 24, 2022
Episode Four

Destiny is finally found, and reveals truths Tony could never have predicted, including a revelation about Lisa that changes everything.
Red Meat Village is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan...
Destiny is finally found, and reveals truths Tony could never have predicted, including a revelation about Lisa that changes everything.
Red Meat Village is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan Benamor. Directed, produced and adapted by Dan Benamor, based on Andrew Bernstein’s upcoming novel of the same name.
Starring Ryan Heppe as Tony, Catherine Bell as Lisa, Malik Yoba as Reggie, Rachel Pate as Monjurrie, Abel Soto as Cortez, Kareem Ferguson as Chill, Luca Malacrino as Stevie, and Tracey Leigh as Destiny. Edited, sound designed, and mixed by Nick Messitte. Original music by Derlis Gonzalez.
If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a five star review in Apple Podcasts or anywhere you’re listening and subscribe now for future episodes.
Red Meat Village is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan Benamor. Directed, produced and adapted by Dan Benamor, based on Andrew Bernstein’s upcoming novel of the same name.
Starring Ryan Heppe as Tony, Catherine Bell as Lisa, Malik Yoba as Reggie, Rachel Pate as Monjurrie, Abel Soto as Cortez, Kareem Ferguson as Chill, Luca Malacrino as Stevie, and Tracey Leigh as Destiny. Edited, sound designed, and mixed by Nick Messitte. Original music by Derlis Gonzalez.
If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a five star review in Apple Podcasts or anywhere you’re listening and subscribe now for future episodes.
WEBVTT
1
00:00:01.320 --> 00:00:24.239
Voyage, Meet village village. I
heard one of the killer screams of Tony's
2
00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:28.440
knife embedded in his shoulder. The
knife killer was still with it enough to
3
00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:32.119
raise his gun and pointed at Tony. I had a mind, no water
4
00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:37.600
pistol in my hand. Three quick
shots. The whistling projectiles ripped into the
5
00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:42.119
hitman's skull. Dead man's trigger.
He got off one final shot before he
6
00:00:42.119 --> 00:00:45.240
tilted to his left and, in
slow motion, toppled to the floor and
7
00:00:45.320 --> 00:00:52.840
lay motionless. That shot missed Tony
but hit me. I staggered. Tony
8
00:00:52.880 --> 00:00:56.799
collapsed on his face and breathed.
After a long moment, Tony rose and
9
00:00:56.880 --> 00:01:00.280
hit the light switch. He could
see I had been shot, and his
10
00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:07.280
face was torn between his hatred for
me and his worried for me. It
11
00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:15.359
hurts to breathe. He approached and
examined me. We've got to get you
12
00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:19.920
to a hospital now. Sorry,
we'll talk about that. After he walked
13
00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:23.519
away from me, I'm calling this
in. He stepped into my living room
14
00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:26.760
and dialed nine one one. He
came back and sat with me while we
15
00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:34.200
waited for the ambulance to come.
Say something. This isn't the time.
16
00:01:34.760 --> 00:01:40.560
It might be the only time we
get you really want to do this now?
17
00:01:40.840 --> 00:01:45.120
Yes, you're crazy. You didn't
just play me for a chump.
18
00:01:45.200 --> 00:01:53.200
You put my life at risk.
You were only one you'd find her.
19
00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:57.519
I loved you like they never loved
anybody in my life, and you knew
20
00:01:57.560 --> 00:02:01.680
it. And you traded done that. You called me, and you damn
21
00:02:01.760 --> 00:02:06.840
near got me killed. You planned
the heist. You don't need the money.
22
00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:12.960
Why I didn't know the answer.
I was just wired that way.
23
00:02:14.039 --> 00:02:17.240
Regular life, the same coffee shop
every morning, the same drive home every
24
00:02:17.319 --> 00:02:23.520
night. That was torture to me. I needed the action. Since I
25
00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:28.719
was a teenager. Some people jump
off planes. I did crazy shit like
26
00:02:28.800 --> 00:02:32.800
this. I had no defense.
I had no defense when I ran with
27
00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:38.840
Stevie back in the day, I
had no defense. Now it was indefensible.
28
00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:42.080
It didn't even make sense to me. How could it make sense to
29
00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:52.759
Tony? Make it up every day
and rested my life. Go to the
30
00:02:52.840 --> 00:03:07.479
fence if you want, I think
I can ever trust you again. Lisa
31
00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:12.520
was an emergency surgery for six hours
at the hospital. The gunman's bullet had
32
00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:17.479
punctured a lung, but mister Hard
she bled internally and received massive blood transfusions,
33
00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:23.120
her lungs choked with blood. In
the waiting room, I spoke for
34
00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:27.599
hours to the homicide boys. The
cops seemed to buy that the shooting had
35
00:03:27.599 --> 00:03:30.919
been self defense, and to be
fair, they were the money was still
36
00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:36.599
hidden in Lisa's safe. I swore
to whichever demons ruled this world, that
37
00:03:37.039 --> 00:03:42.919
if they'd just let Lisa live,
might do anything. It was just over
38
00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:46.520
six hours when the oar doors opened
and a petite brunette dressed in blue scrubs
39
00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:51.639
stepped out. There were blood stains
all over her chest and gloves, and
40
00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:57.360
she looked exhausted. Her name tag
read Elizabeth Gelman, m D. I
41
00:03:57.520 --> 00:04:02.520
stopped, I stood, I awaited
sentencing. She told me Lisa was still
42
00:04:02.520 --> 00:04:06.280
alive, but in a coma,
and that when people talk to people in
43
00:04:06.280 --> 00:04:12.360
a coma it helped. So I
went to Lisa's hospital room. She was
44
00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:16.759
unconscious, receiving oxygen through her nose. I talked to her. I told
45
00:04:16.759 --> 00:04:20.079
her what our life together would be
like, whether we married or not,
46
00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:25.279
whether we lived together or separate,
whether she turned herself in or she didn't.
47
00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:29.439
I told her. I told her
of the clothes I would buy for
48
00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:31.879
her, of the meals, I
would prepare for her of the types of
49
00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:35.319
flowers I would bring her, and
of the books I would dedicate to her.
50
00:04:36.279 --> 00:04:40.839
I described every single dance club in
New York City, straight from their
51
00:04:40.839 --> 00:04:46.600
websites, and promised her we would
patronize each whenever she desired. I spoke
52
00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:49.680
to her through tears and through dry
eyes, with a catch in my voice,
53
00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:54.399
and with none, when I was
fresh, and when I was tired,
54
00:04:55.120 --> 00:04:59.519
whether I was thirsty or I wasn't, I spoke to her, and
55
00:04:59.639 --> 00:05:05.800
she leapt. Lisa recovered consciousness on
the third day. She looked at me.
56
00:05:06.720 --> 00:05:11.439
We was silent for a long time. Then I felt her hand lightly
57
00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:16.439
apply pressure to mine. Hi,
Lisa. I couldn't choke out anything else.
58
00:05:17.279 --> 00:05:23.160
It was enough. She rested peacefully
on the pillows. I still held
59
00:05:23.160 --> 00:05:31.879
her hand. The hospital seemed unusually
quiet. We're not through anymore. Her
60
00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:35.959
voice was throaty, coming from somewhere
deep inside. Did you hear me?
61
00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:40.759
I've been talking to you for the
past forty eight hours. I believe I
62
00:05:40.839 --> 00:05:46.680
did. Lisa. You saved my
life. Honey, I'm the one who
63
00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:50.600
put you in danger in the first
place. You don't look so good,
64
00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:55.360
tony. Yeah, well you don't
look so hard either, she laughed.
65
00:05:57.160 --> 00:06:03.639
I know, she turned serious.
I'll turn myself in. It's the worst
66
00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:08.920
thing I ever did to you and
to the users, all that blow on
67
00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:12.399
the street. I can't live with
it. To your minimum for trafficking in
68
00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:20.040
that bulk, she nodded, convicted
felon. They'll strip you your license.
69
00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:26.160
You know, they'll never practice psychotherapy
again. My lies almost got you killed.
70
00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:31.000
We enjoyed each other's company until Lisa
needed to sleep. It was the
71
00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:35.000
middle of the day. Maybe because
I'm sick in the head, I still
72
00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:40.319
thought about where destiny was. I
needed to talk to her to get this
73
00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:44.560
all squared in my mind. Where
do you go when you got nowhere to
74
00:06:44.600 --> 00:06:50.079
go? Family? Destiny was obviously
not with Lisa or adoptive family. Maybe
75
00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:55.439
she had biological family in the city. Now that I knew exactly who she
76
00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:59.600
was, I had a way to
look. Turned out she had a brother,
77
00:07:00.279 --> 00:07:04.519
Robert Chisholm Reggie, and I went
to his address. If she sat
78
00:07:04.560 --> 00:07:09.399
there, she probably never goes out, pulled up in the basement like a
79
00:07:09.519 --> 00:07:14.040
rat, never a chirp out of
her. Riverdale was a peaceful, upper
80
00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:18.319
middle class neighborhood here the private homes
were set back from the street. The
81
00:07:18.399 --> 00:07:24.560
lawns were bright green and freshly mowed. Kid shot baskets on driveway hoops and
82
00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:29.800
road bikes in the street quiet,
friendly, prosperous, little or no street
83
00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:33.360
crime. I wondered if Robert Chisholm
was a swindler too. He had a
84
00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:38.439
brick house, expansive and solid,
built to last. It had a covered
85
00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:42.600
front porch shrouded by a tangle of
plants and flowers and heavy ceramic pots,
86
00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:46.079
and a series of arching trees adorning
a wide expanse of manicured lawn. A
87
00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:51.120
red luxury car was parked in the
driveway. Mister Robert Chisholm must be paying
88
00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:56.600
a fortunate maintenance and gardener fees.
I walked up the stairs on to the
89
00:07:56.600 --> 00:08:00.519
front porch. I rang the front
bell. It took a few seconds,
90
00:08:00.600 --> 00:08:03.399
then someone opened the door. He
was a tall, slim black man with
91
00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:09.759
high cheekbones and sharp, intelligent eyes. He was strikingly good looking, not
92
00:08:09.879 --> 00:08:13.120
unlike his sister in that regard.
I guessed he was friendly. I told
93
00:08:13.160 --> 00:08:16.720
him the truth. He stopped being
friendly and threatened to call the cops.
94
00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:22.279
I encouraged him to do so,
since he was harboring a fugitive. When
95
00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:24.319
I told him we wouldn't involve the
cops, he reluctantly let me in.
96
00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:30.639
We sat on a polstered chairs at
an expansive wooden table. I heard the
97
00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:35.480
front door close with a soft click. I leaped at my feet. The
98
00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:39.799
conniving be it outsmarted me. I
raced out of the kitchen and reached for
99
00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:43.639
the door. She had guessed I'd
have the rear exitcot it that's where Reggie
100
00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:46.799
was, and she slithered up the
front. I jerked the door open and
101
00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:50.440
leaped under the porch. She stopped. She wir facing me, pointing something
102
00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:54.080
in her right hand. Did she
have a gun? Now? It was
103
00:08:54.159 --> 00:08:58.799
peppers rolling. I dived to my
right, craning my neck, extending my
104
00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:01.960
face away from her right hand.
I crawled forward. She fired. The
105
00:09:03.039 --> 00:09:07.080
inflammatory fumes flared the air to my
left. I dived across the body,
106
00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:09.639
knocking the canister from my hand in
my chest. I flipped away with my
107
00:09:09.720 --> 00:09:15.120
left hand. I pinned her shoulders
round with each hand. Her eyes exuded
108
00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:18.039
fear, like she was pinned by
a terrant actor. Hey, look at
109
00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:20.360
me, Look at me. I'm
a friend of Lisa flowers. I'm not
110
00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:28.039
the cartel and I'm not the cops. You're a friend of Lisa. I
111
00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:31.440
pulled my private opie license and showed
it to her. Can we go back
112
00:09:31.480 --> 00:09:37.879
inside? Please? Eventually we didn't
Reggie two. We sat down me,
113
00:09:37.039 --> 00:09:41.480
Glara and at Destiny's brother. Do
you want to see Lisa? I love
114
00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:50.679
Lisa? But but what Lisa's crazy? She pleaded with me to hijack the
115
00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:56.200
cartel Manjerie agreed, but me with
a gun going against those killers? You
116
00:09:56.279 --> 00:10:01.320
didn't want to do it? Not
want to do it? I was terrified.
117
00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:05.080
No, I didn't want to do
it? Are you crazy? Two
118
00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:09.360
point four million worth a blow?
Split? Three ways? Would being inducement?
119
00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:13.919
Lisa promised a clean heist. It
was it, Yeah, would have
120
00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:18.480
been, except the shipment was late. Cartel guys showed up tracking their package.
121
00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:26.960
Monjury Panic shot one of them.
But you should have seen Lisa.
122
00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:31.679
She swaggered at the driver. She
held a big gun, too big for
123
00:10:31.720 --> 00:10:37.919
her gloved hands, steadily aimed at
the driver's chest. Monjury was behind her.
124
00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:45.320
I stood shaking in the background.
Lisa shoved the snout into the driver's
125
00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:48.559
ear. She never said a word, but held a note in both English
126
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:52.200
and Spanish, in front of his
eyes, said give us the payload,
127
00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:56.399
or we'll splatter your brains across the
windshield. Do you think she'd have done
128
00:10:56.399 --> 00:11:01.320
it? No, I know she
wouldn't. But he didn't know it.
129
00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:05.679
He was just a driver. You
should have seen how fast he opened the
130
00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:13.399
car's trunk and pulled out the gym
bags loaded with blow. Then then what
131
00:11:13.799 --> 00:11:20.279
I drove? My hands shook.
The car was all over the road,
132
00:11:20.440 --> 00:11:26.080
but Lisa shot out the front tires
of their car. I wouldn't have believed
133
00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:31.799
that kind of shooting was possible.
She came more alive than anybody I've ever
134
00:11:31.840 --> 00:11:39.639
seen. She was joyful. She
loved it. You wore masks correct and
135
00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:45.879
padded coats and elevated shoes and men's
guns too big for my hand. Look,
136
00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:48.360
you stay in New York. No
matter how long you hide in your
137
00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:52.799
brother's house. The cartel is gonna
find you and kill you. If I
138
00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:56.320
found you, they will too,
even if they don't know your real name.
139
00:11:56.480 --> 00:12:03.639
Lisa has the money whatever jury didn't
have. Yeah, which is going
140
00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:07.840
back to the cartel or we're all
getting killed. Reggie's gonna spot you some
141
00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:11.000
walking away cast. I am there. You can afford you my accounting.
142
00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:16.000
Now, I'll get you back when
fifty grand. You're a terrible friend.
143
00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:22.080
That hurts me. You're a great
friend. I wish I wasn't fifty grand.
144
00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:26.320
You go somewhere you've never been,
and you start over places that start
145
00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:31.919
with an eye, Iowa Idoa,
places people don't look got that, okay.
146
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:35.759
I just don't want to be scared
any to stay in touch with your
147
00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:41.799
sister too. Set up a dummy
email account, use disposable cell phones,
148
00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:45.000
call from pay phones if you can
find them, but stay in touch.
149
00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:50.840
We went back to Lisa's. There
was nine hundred thousand and us safe Monsourie's
150
00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:54.840
death. That goes the rest of
vanish We left it in several black bags
151
00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:58.320
that Cortez's garage, along with a
note with a burner cell number. He
152
00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:03.840
can reach me at calm. Where's
the rest of it? In police evidence?
153
00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:07.759
One of your thieves is dead.
Not my problem. You had zero
154
00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:11.879
when you woke up this morning.
Nine hundred grand's not nothing, destiny.
155
00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:16.919
I don't know. I made it
that way on purpose. You need another
156
00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:20.600
million to leave her alone. She
doesn't have it. There were three of
157
00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:28.120
them, once dead, once gone, who's the third and where are they?
158
00:13:28.799 --> 00:13:35.000
Maybe they have the rest. My
part of this was destiny. How
159
00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:39.039
poetic we're gonna have a problem depends
on the mood of the evening. We
160
00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:43.799
all got a boss. If there's
a problem next time, you won't get
161
00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:46.799
the jump. Want me so easy? Well, but maybe I hope not
162
00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:52.720
to see you again. You too, It wasn't a pleasure doing business with
163
00:13:52.799 --> 00:14:01.960
you. What can I say?
I'm all charmed. Yeah, don't feel
164
00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:09.879
so bad about the fifty grand the
essay contest for fifty grand do me a
165
00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:13.759
favor of humor and me as I
read this to you. Reggie's essay was
166
00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:18.480
profoundly original to critique a book from
the perspective of a character within the book
167
00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:22.320
is created in and of itself,
but then to go on and point out
168
00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:28.360
deficiencies in the author's portrayal of my
character, and of Wolf's character, and
169
00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:35.159
of Leech's character, the things he
got wrong about us, and to make
170
00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:41.000
a well supported case in each instance
showing that London got some of our interactions
171
00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:48.279
wrong, and that the logic of
our characters necessitated differing interactions, and that
172
00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:54.320
a key part of the author's errors
was in misreading of Nietzsche. Well,
173
00:14:56.000 --> 00:15:01.159
this is show genius. Whenever Reggie
lays down his boxing gloves, he could
174
00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:07.039
easily have a bright future in academia. You are about done and missed a
175
00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:13.080
birthday during that. As it turned
out, Reggie was bigger, stronger,
176
00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:16.039
tougher, and smarter than me.
And if I was honest, he was
177
00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:22.240
more handsome as well. Now what
was I going to do? Punch him?
178
00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:26.759
Weeks later, my life had changed
as expected. I'd been denied tenure
179
00:15:26.799 --> 00:15:31.480
at Brooklyn University. I didn't complain. I just cleaned out my office one
180
00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:35.879
night and left everything in my apartment. Lisa came by after she was released
181
00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:41.559
from the hospital. Tony I heard
from Destiny. Yeah, she sounds good,
182
00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:46.759
living in some godforsake in rural area, working in a supermarket, getting
183
00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:54.039
ready to enroll in a local college. Good. I'm doing it. Monsurie's
184
00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:58.279
gone, Destiny, he's not talking. The DA might never know who sold
185
00:15:58.279 --> 00:16:03.519
that blot to mold, but I
know we'll have this hanging over our heads
186
00:16:03.559 --> 00:16:07.200
for years. What if they flip
one of Muldoon's guys, The FEDS will
187
00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:15.480
put you away for years. Will
you wait for me as long as it
188
00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:22.080
takes she came into my arms.
My arms went around her. I pressed
189
00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:26.559
her closer. Maybe I was as
crazy as she was, but I couldn't
190
00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:30.759
help it. Sell my house,
Tony, I'll give your power of attorney.
191
00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:33.000
It's a beautiful home in a good
neighborhood. It's paid for. I
192
00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:37.320
own it free and clear. It'll
go for a lot bank it. All
193
00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:41.320
I could think of was Lisa in
the joint for God knew how many years.
194
00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:48.559
Whatever you want, honey. We
sat together quiet for a long time.
195
00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:53.840
The next morning, we drove a
crosstown and then north. We put
196
00:16:53.879 --> 00:17:00.399
the car in a lot and walked
to a jewelry store, Tony looking.
197
00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:04.880
We got in the elevator and rode
to the second floor. I'd never been
198
00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:11.680
here before. I just stared.
The room was spacious, light airy,
199
00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:17.319
the wall to wall carpet and was
a soft reddish brown. Comfortable. Display
200
00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:22.839
cases were distributed around the room,
creating an uncluttered, unhurried, relaxed ambiance.
201
00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:27.839
It was a study in classic understated
elegance. Lisa and I walked slowly
202
00:17:27.880 --> 00:17:33.440
among the displays, looking. I
caught the eye of a dark haired young
203
00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:37.640
woman employee. She wore black bifocals
that matched her hair. She came over
204
00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:42.039
to us. I told her I
wanted latinum minimum, one carrot diamond.
205
00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:48.039
The saleswoman led us to a display. Lisa looked at the thirteen thousand dollar
206
00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:51.680
price tag on the ring. I
covered it. She knew roughly how much
207
00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:55.960
money I made. I can't wear
this inside. I'll visit you whenever they
208
00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:59.519
led me. If they led us
together, I'll put the ring on your
209
00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:02.640
fingers and as I arrived, and
I'll take it off when I go home.
210
00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:07.680
Go ahead, choose one. She
pointed at one ring in the display.
211
00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:11.880
The diamond glittered. The saleswoman gave
it to us. I held the
212
00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:15.799
ring. I got on my knees. There were people in the store.
213
00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:21.039
They must have been staring at us. I didn't care. Lisa and I
214
00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:25.240
were alone in a world that I
had dreamed of for years. The cartel,
215
00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:29.680
the d EA, the criminal justice
system, a looming prison sentence.
216
00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:33.599
None of that mattered right now.
This was a moment I would have.
217
00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:37.680
I would not be denied, and
the only pitfall that could stop me would
218
00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:44.759
be the lady's refusal. Lisa,
there's only one woman in this world that
219
00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:48.359
I have ever felt this way.
Abound and if you would have dumped me
220
00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:52.200
to day, I would never date
again. I would just stay married to
221
00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:55.960
my memories of you. If I
lived to be nine hundred years old,
222
00:18:56.039 --> 00:19:02.160
I will yes, Tony Yes.
Tears filled her eyes and streaked her cheeks.
223
00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:06.400
There was an obstruction in my throat
that made it difficult to speak.
224
00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:10.839
Well. I didn't ask you yet. I took her left hand in my
225
00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:15.640
left I held the ring in my
right. I slipped the platinum diamond ring
226
00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:22.200
on the ring finger of her left
hand. Right after that, Lisa and
227
00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:26.240
I went to the d EA building
on Tenth Avenue with a fancy attorney.
228
00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:32.480
Lisa knew threw her parents. She
insisted on going inside without me. After
229
00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:34.160
a lot of back and forth,
she received a two and a half year
230
00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:41.680
sentence owing to her cooperation with the
d e A. I went to Betsy
231
00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:47.559
Head Park with Reggie and we saw
a chill again. Spring had arrived late,
232
00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:51.799
and I felt its cool breath on
my face. It was early June,
233
00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:55.519
but some people still ran to the
heat. At night, green buds
234
00:19:55.599 --> 00:20:00.279
was sprouting. The fragrance of fresh
earth opening filled my nostrils, and during
235
00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:04.640
the day, chirping birds flitted through
the trees fulsome growth, but there was
236
00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:10.200
no spring in my world. It
was two days later and Lisa had been
237
00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:15.000
remanded into federal custody. We walked
slowly into the depths of the park.
238
00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:22.200
In the distance, I heard voices
closed for business. There are different kinds
239
00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:29.400
of business. He advanced to meet
us, walking alone, coming straight to
240
00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:33.359
me, his right hand out stretched, smiling broadly. I gripped his hand.
241
00:20:34.119 --> 00:20:37.799
He wore a black button down dress
shirt, a black cashmere blazer,
242
00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:42.519
faded blue jeans, and loafers without
socks. Now looking very gangster it at
243
00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:48.720
night. I'm setting a trend.
Chill reached his hand to Reggie, who
244
00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:53.200
took it. We have all magnanimously
agreed to remain silent about the body you
245
00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:57.839
dropped in front of us. Now
you are going to do some things for
246
00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:04.119
us. Chill still gripped Reggie's hand. His left hand grabbed Reggie's right arm
247
00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:10.119
and was almost swallowed by the massive
biceps. Chill had previously told Reggie he
248
00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:14.000
planned to finish school and go into
politics. He wanted to be the mayor
249
00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:17.960
of New York City one day.
Crazy thing was, we thought he could
250
00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:21.240
actually pull it off. If you
wanted to to get out a way of
251
00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:26.119
making you like him. That was
tough to explain anything for Tony. You're
252
00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:30.359
out o here for good. You
come with me to college, to grad
253
00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:33.960
school or law school, into politics, and if you relapse, you're goin
254
00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:38.920
down do hard time for the murderer, Ratitat and all those big plans shot
255
00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:44.440
the ship. You ghost, I'll
hunt you down. I'll scour the streets
256
00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:48.039
until I find you, like a
good destiny. This is not a choice.
257
00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:52.279
I'm your foster dad now, and
you're coming with me. He stared
258
00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:56.319
at me, a soft smile turning
up the corners of his lips, and
259
00:21:56.440 --> 00:22:00.400
not a hint of railery from him. Won't be needing to hunt for me.
260
00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:07.200
There was nothing more to say.
We left the pot, drove the
261
00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:12.079
Reggie's Apotnam parked in a spot around
the corner, and sat in silence for
262
00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:18.759
several minutes. Chill thought it was
over for a moment. You a wise
263
00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:29.599
man, Tony. If not,
I'll do until a wise man gets here.
264
00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:36.599
Redmeat Village it's a production of Voyage
Media. The series is produced by
265
00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:40.920
Nat Mandel, Robert Micas and Dan
Bettimore. Directed, produced and adopted by
266
00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:45.680
Dan Bennimore. Based on Andrew Bernstein's
upcoming novel of the same name. When
267
00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:48.519
a link to the novels available,
it will be listed in the show notes.
268
00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:52.440
Starring Katherine Bell as Lisa, Malik
Yoba as Reggie, and Ryan Heppy
269
00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:59.039
as Tony. Additional cast credits are
available in show notes. Edited sound design
270
00:22:59.240 --> 00:23:03.079
mixed by Nick Missippi. Original music
by Drylis Gonzalez. If you're enjoying the
271
00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:07.480
show, please give us a five
star review and Apple Podcasts or anywhere you're
272
00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:15.000
listening, and subscribe now for future
up listeners. YEA
1
00:00:01.320 --> 00:00:24.239
Voyage, Meet village village. I
heard one of the killer screams of Tony's
2
00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:28.440
knife embedded in his shoulder. The
knife killer was still with it enough to
3
00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:32.119
raise his gun and pointed at Tony. I had a mind, no water
4
00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:37.600
pistol in my hand. Three quick
shots. The whistling projectiles ripped into the
5
00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:42.119
hitman's skull. Dead man's trigger.
He got off one final shot before he
6
00:00:42.119 --> 00:00:45.240
tilted to his left and, in
slow motion, toppled to the floor and
7
00:00:45.320 --> 00:00:52.840
lay motionless. That shot missed Tony
but hit me. I staggered. Tony
8
00:00:52.880 --> 00:00:56.799
collapsed on his face and breathed.
After a long moment, Tony rose and
9
00:00:56.880 --> 00:01:00.280
hit the light switch. He could
see I had been shot, and his
10
00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:07.280
face was torn between his hatred for
me and his worried for me. It
11
00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:15.359
hurts to breathe. He approached and
examined me. We've got to get you
12
00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:19.920
to a hospital now. Sorry,
we'll talk about that. After he walked
13
00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:23.519
away from me, I'm calling this
in. He stepped into my living room
14
00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:26.760
and dialed nine one one. He
came back and sat with me while we
15
00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:34.200
waited for the ambulance to come.
Say something. This isn't the time.
16
00:01:34.760 --> 00:01:40.560
It might be the only time we
get you really want to do this now?
17
00:01:40.840 --> 00:01:45.120
Yes, you're crazy. You didn't
just play me for a chump.
18
00:01:45.200 --> 00:01:53.200
You put my life at risk.
You were only one you'd find her.
19
00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:57.519
I loved you like they never loved
anybody in my life, and you knew
20
00:01:57.560 --> 00:02:01.680
it. And you traded done that. You called me, and you damn
21
00:02:01.760 --> 00:02:06.840
near got me killed. You planned
the heist. You don't need the money.
22
00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:12.960
Why I didn't know the answer.
I was just wired that way.
23
00:02:14.039 --> 00:02:17.240
Regular life, the same coffee shop
every morning, the same drive home every
24
00:02:17.319 --> 00:02:23.520
night. That was torture to me. I needed the action. Since I
25
00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:28.719
was a teenager. Some people jump
off planes. I did crazy shit like
26
00:02:28.800 --> 00:02:32.800
this. I had no defense.
I had no defense when I ran with
27
00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:38.840
Stevie back in the day, I
had no defense. Now it was indefensible.
28
00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:42.080
It didn't even make sense to me. How could it make sense to
29
00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:52.759
Tony? Make it up every day
and rested my life. Go to the
30
00:02:52.840 --> 00:03:07.479
fence if you want, I think
I can ever trust you again. Lisa
31
00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:12.520
was an emergency surgery for six hours
at the hospital. The gunman's bullet had
32
00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:17.479
punctured a lung, but mister Hard
she bled internally and received massive blood transfusions,
33
00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:23.120
her lungs choked with blood. In
the waiting room, I spoke for
34
00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:27.599
hours to the homicide boys. The
cops seemed to buy that the shooting had
35
00:03:27.599 --> 00:03:30.919
been self defense, and to be
fair, they were the money was still
36
00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:36.599
hidden in Lisa's safe. I swore
to whichever demons ruled this world, that
37
00:03:37.039 --> 00:03:42.919
if they'd just let Lisa live,
might do anything. It was just over
38
00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:46.520
six hours when the oar doors opened
and a petite brunette dressed in blue scrubs
39
00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:51.639
stepped out. There were blood stains
all over her chest and gloves, and
40
00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:57.360
she looked exhausted. Her name tag
read Elizabeth Gelman, m D. I
41
00:03:57.520 --> 00:04:02.520
stopped, I stood, I awaited
sentencing. She told me Lisa was still
42
00:04:02.520 --> 00:04:06.280
alive, but in a coma,
and that when people talk to people in
43
00:04:06.280 --> 00:04:12.360
a coma it helped. So I
went to Lisa's hospital room. She was
44
00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:16.759
unconscious, receiving oxygen through her nose. I talked to her. I told
45
00:04:16.759 --> 00:04:20.079
her what our life together would be
like, whether we married or not,
46
00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:25.279
whether we lived together or separate,
whether she turned herself in or she didn't.
47
00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:29.439
I told her. I told her
of the clothes I would buy for
48
00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:31.879
her, of the meals, I
would prepare for her of the types of
49
00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:35.319
flowers I would bring her, and
of the books I would dedicate to her.
50
00:04:36.279 --> 00:04:40.839
I described every single dance club in
New York City, straight from their
51
00:04:40.839 --> 00:04:46.600
websites, and promised her we would
patronize each whenever she desired. I spoke
52
00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:49.680
to her through tears and through dry
eyes, with a catch in my voice,
53
00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:54.399
and with none, when I was
fresh, and when I was tired,
54
00:04:55.120 --> 00:04:59.519
whether I was thirsty or I wasn't, I spoke to her, and
55
00:04:59.639 --> 00:05:05.800
she leapt. Lisa recovered consciousness on
the third day. She looked at me.
56
00:05:06.720 --> 00:05:11.439
We was silent for a long time. Then I felt her hand lightly
57
00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:16.439
apply pressure to mine. Hi,
Lisa. I couldn't choke out anything else.
58
00:05:17.279 --> 00:05:23.160
It was enough. She rested peacefully
on the pillows. I still held
59
00:05:23.160 --> 00:05:31.879
her hand. The hospital seemed unusually
quiet. We're not through anymore. Her
60
00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:35.959
voice was throaty, coming from somewhere
deep inside. Did you hear me?
61
00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:40.759
I've been talking to you for the
past forty eight hours. I believe I
62
00:05:40.839 --> 00:05:46.680
did. Lisa. You saved my
life. Honey, I'm the one who
63
00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:50.600
put you in danger in the first
place. You don't look so good,
64
00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:55.360
tony. Yeah, well you don't
look so hard either, she laughed.
65
00:05:57.160 --> 00:06:03.639
I know, she turned serious.
I'll turn myself in. It's the worst
66
00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:08.920
thing I ever did to you and
to the users, all that blow on
67
00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:12.399
the street. I can't live with
it. To your minimum for trafficking in
68
00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:20.040
that bulk, she nodded, convicted
felon. They'll strip you your license.
69
00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:26.160
You know, they'll never practice psychotherapy
again. My lies almost got you killed.
70
00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:31.000
We enjoyed each other's company until Lisa
needed to sleep. It was the
71
00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:35.000
middle of the day. Maybe because
I'm sick in the head, I still
72
00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:40.319
thought about where destiny was. I
needed to talk to her to get this
73
00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:44.560
all squared in my mind. Where
do you go when you got nowhere to
74
00:06:44.600 --> 00:06:50.079
go? Family? Destiny was obviously
not with Lisa or adoptive family. Maybe
75
00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:55.439
she had biological family in the city. Now that I knew exactly who she
76
00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:59.600
was, I had a way to
look. Turned out she had a brother,
77
00:07:00.279 --> 00:07:04.519
Robert Chisholm Reggie, and I went
to his address. If she sat
78
00:07:04.560 --> 00:07:09.399
there, she probably never goes out, pulled up in the basement like a
79
00:07:09.519 --> 00:07:14.040
rat, never a chirp out of
her. Riverdale was a peaceful, upper
80
00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:18.319
middle class neighborhood here the private homes
were set back from the street. The
81
00:07:18.399 --> 00:07:24.560
lawns were bright green and freshly mowed. Kid shot baskets on driveway hoops and
82
00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:29.800
road bikes in the street quiet,
friendly, prosperous, little or no street
83
00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:33.360
crime. I wondered if Robert Chisholm
was a swindler too. He had a
84
00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:38.439
brick house, expansive and solid,
built to last. It had a covered
85
00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:42.600
front porch shrouded by a tangle of
plants and flowers and heavy ceramic pots,
86
00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:46.079
and a series of arching trees adorning
a wide expanse of manicured lawn. A
87
00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:51.120
red luxury car was parked in the
driveway. Mister Robert Chisholm must be paying
88
00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:56.600
a fortunate maintenance and gardener fees.
I walked up the stairs on to the
89
00:07:56.600 --> 00:08:00.519
front porch. I rang the front
bell. It took a few seconds,
90
00:08:00.600 --> 00:08:03.399
then someone opened the door. He
was a tall, slim black man with
91
00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:09.759
high cheekbones and sharp, intelligent eyes. He was strikingly good looking, not
92
00:08:09.879 --> 00:08:13.120
unlike his sister in that regard.
I guessed he was friendly. I told
93
00:08:13.160 --> 00:08:16.720
him the truth. He stopped being
friendly and threatened to call the cops.
94
00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:22.279
I encouraged him to do so,
since he was harboring a fugitive. When
95
00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:24.319
I told him we wouldn't involve the
cops, he reluctantly let me in.
96
00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:30.639
We sat on a polstered chairs at
an expansive wooden table. I heard the
97
00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:35.480
front door close with a soft click. I leaped at my feet. The
98
00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:39.799
conniving be it outsmarted me. I
raced out of the kitchen and reached for
99
00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:43.639
the door. She had guessed I'd
have the rear exitcot it that's where Reggie
100
00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:46.799
was, and she slithered up the
front. I jerked the door open and
101
00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:50.440
leaped under the porch. She stopped. She wir facing me, pointing something
102
00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:54.080
in her right hand. Did she
have a gun? Now? It was
103
00:08:54.159 --> 00:08:58.799
peppers rolling. I dived to my
right, craning my neck, extending my
104
00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:01.960
face away from her right hand.
I crawled forward. She fired. The
105
00:09:03.039 --> 00:09:07.080
inflammatory fumes flared the air to my
left. I dived across the body,
106
00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:09.639
knocking the canister from my hand in
my chest. I flipped away with my
107
00:09:09.720 --> 00:09:15.120
left hand. I pinned her shoulders
round with each hand. Her eyes exuded
108
00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:18.039
fear, like she was pinned by
a terrant actor. Hey, look at
109
00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:20.360
me, Look at me. I'm
a friend of Lisa flowers. I'm not
110
00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:28.039
the cartel and I'm not the cops. You're a friend of Lisa. I
111
00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:31.440
pulled my private opie license and showed
it to her. Can we go back
112
00:09:31.480 --> 00:09:37.879
inside? Please? Eventually we didn't
Reggie two. We sat down me,
113
00:09:37.039 --> 00:09:41.480
Glara and at Destiny's brother. Do
you want to see Lisa? I love
114
00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:50.679
Lisa? But but what Lisa's crazy? She pleaded with me to hijack the
115
00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:56.200
cartel Manjerie agreed, but me with
a gun going against those killers? You
116
00:09:56.279 --> 00:10:01.320
didn't want to do it? Not
want to do it? I was terrified.
117
00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:05.080
No, I didn't want to do
it? Are you crazy? Two
118
00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:09.360
point four million worth a blow?
Split? Three ways? Would being inducement?
119
00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:13.919
Lisa promised a clean heist. It
was it, Yeah, would have
120
00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:18.480
been, except the shipment was late. Cartel guys showed up tracking their package.
121
00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:26.960
Monjury Panic shot one of them.
But you should have seen Lisa.
122
00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:31.679
She swaggered at the driver. She
held a big gun, too big for
123
00:10:31.720 --> 00:10:37.919
her gloved hands, steadily aimed at
the driver's chest. Monjury was behind her.
124
00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:45.320
I stood shaking in the background.
Lisa shoved the snout into the driver's
125
00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:48.559
ear. She never said a word, but held a note in both English
126
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:52.200
and Spanish, in front of his
eyes, said give us the payload,
127
00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:56.399
or we'll splatter your brains across the
windshield. Do you think she'd have done
128
00:10:56.399 --> 00:11:01.320
it? No, I know she
wouldn't. But he didn't know it.
129
00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:05.679
He was just a driver. You
should have seen how fast he opened the
130
00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:13.399
car's trunk and pulled out the gym
bags loaded with blow. Then then what
131
00:11:13.799 --> 00:11:20.279
I drove? My hands shook.
The car was all over the road,
132
00:11:20.440 --> 00:11:26.080
but Lisa shot out the front tires
of their car. I wouldn't have believed
133
00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:31.799
that kind of shooting was possible.
She came more alive than anybody I've ever
134
00:11:31.840 --> 00:11:39.639
seen. She was joyful. She
loved it. You wore masks correct and
135
00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:45.879
padded coats and elevated shoes and men's
guns too big for my hand. Look,
136
00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:48.360
you stay in New York. No
matter how long you hide in your
137
00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:52.799
brother's house. The cartel is gonna
find you and kill you. If I
138
00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:56.320
found you, they will too,
even if they don't know your real name.
139
00:11:56.480 --> 00:12:03.639
Lisa has the money whatever jury didn't
have. Yeah, which is going
140
00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:07.840
back to the cartel or we're all
getting killed. Reggie's gonna spot you some
141
00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:11.000
walking away cast. I am there. You can afford you my accounting.
142
00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:16.000
Now, I'll get you back when
fifty grand. You're a terrible friend.
143
00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:22.080
That hurts me. You're a great
friend. I wish I wasn't fifty grand.
144
00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:26.320
You go somewhere you've never been,
and you start over places that start
145
00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:31.919
with an eye, Iowa Idoa,
places people don't look got that, okay.
146
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:35.759
I just don't want to be scared
any to stay in touch with your
147
00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:41.799
sister too. Set up a dummy
email account, use disposable cell phones,
148
00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:45.000
call from pay phones if you can
find them, but stay in touch.
149
00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:50.840
We went back to Lisa's. There
was nine hundred thousand and us safe Monsourie's
150
00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:54.840
death. That goes the rest of
vanish We left it in several black bags
151
00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:58.320
that Cortez's garage, along with a
note with a burner cell number. He
152
00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:03.840
can reach me at calm. Where's
the rest of it? In police evidence?
153
00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:07.759
One of your thieves is dead.
Not my problem. You had zero
154
00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:11.879
when you woke up this morning.
Nine hundred grand's not nothing, destiny.
155
00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:16.919
I don't know. I made it
that way on purpose. You need another
156
00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:20.600
million to leave her alone. She
doesn't have it. There were three of
157
00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:28.120
them, once dead, once gone, who's the third and where are they?
158
00:13:28.799 --> 00:13:35.000
Maybe they have the rest. My
part of this was destiny. How
159
00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:39.039
poetic we're gonna have a problem depends
on the mood of the evening. We
160
00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:43.799
all got a boss. If there's
a problem next time, you won't get
161
00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:46.799
the jump. Want me so easy? Well, but maybe I hope not
162
00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:52.720
to see you again. You too, It wasn't a pleasure doing business with
163
00:13:52.799 --> 00:14:01.960
you. What can I say?
I'm all charmed. Yeah, don't feel
164
00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:09.879
so bad about the fifty grand the
essay contest for fifty grand do me a
165
00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:13.759
favor of humor and me as I
read this to you. Reggie's essay was
166
00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:18.480
profoundly original to critique a book from
the perspective of a character within the book
167
00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:22.320
is created in and of itself,
but then to go on and point out
168
00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:28.360
deficiencies in the author's portrayal of my
character, and of Wolf's character, and
169
00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:35.159
of Leech's character, the things he
got wrong about us, and to make
170
00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:41.000
a well supported case in each instance
showing that London got some of our interactions
171
00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:48.279
wrong, and that the logic of
our characters necessitated differing interactions, and that
172
00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:54.320
a key part of the author's errors
was in misreading of Nietzsche. Well,
173
00:14:56.000 --> 00:15:01.159
this is show genius. Whenever Reggie
lays down his boxing gloves, he could
174
00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:07.039
easily have a bright future in academia. You are about done and missed a
175
00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:13.080
birthday during that. As it turned
out, Reggie was bigger, stronger,
176
00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:16.039
tougher, and smarter than me.
And if I was honest, he was
177
00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:22.240
more handsome as well. Now what
was I going to do? Punch him?
178
00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:26.759
Weeks later, my life had changed
as expected. I'd been denied tenure
179
00:15:26.799 --> 00:15:31.480
at Brooklyn University. I didn't complain. I just cleaned out my office one
180
00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:35.879
night and left everything in my apartment. Lisa came by after she was released
181
00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:41.559
from the hospital. Tony I heard
from Destiny. Yeah, she sounds good,
182
00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:46.759
living in some godforsake in rural area, working in a supermarket, getting
183
00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:54.039
ready to enroll in a local college. Good. I'm doing it. Monsurie's
184
00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:58.279
gone, Destiny, he's not talking. The DA might never know who sold
185
00:15:58.279 --> 00:16:03.519
that blot to mold, but I
know we'll have this hanging over our heads
186
00:16:03.559 --> 00:16:07.200
for years. What if they flip
one of Muldoon's guys, The FEDS will
187
00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:15.480
put you away for years. Will
you wait for me as long as it
188
00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:22.080
takes she came into my arms.
My arms went around her. I pressed
189
00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:26.559
her closer. Maybe I was as
crazy as she was, but I couldn't
190
00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:30.759
help it. Sell my house,
Tony, I'll give your power of attorney.
191
00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:33.000
It's a beautiful home in a good
neighborhood. It's paid for. I
192
00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:37.320
own it free and clear. It'll
go for a lot bank it. All
193
00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:41.320
I could think of was Lisa in
the joint for God knew how many years.
194
00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:48.559
Whatever you want, honey. We
sat together quiet for a long time.
195
00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:53.840
The next morning, we drove a
crosstown and then north. We put
196
00:16:53.879 --> 00:17:00.399
the car in a lot and walked
to a jewelry store, Tony looking.
197
00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:04.880
We got in the elevator and rode
to the second floor. I'd never been
198
00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:11.680
here before. I just stared.
The room was spacious, light airy,
199
00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:17.319
the wall to wall carpet and was
a soft reddish brown. Comfortable. Display
200
00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:22.839
cases were distributed around the room,
creating an uncluttered, unhurried, relaxed ambiance.
201
00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:27.839
It was a study in classic understated
elegance. Lisa and I walked slowly
202
00:17:27.880 --> 00:17:33.440
among the displays, looking. I
caught the eye of a dark haired young
203
00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:37.640
woman employee. She wore black bifocals
that matched her hair. She came over
204
00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:42.039
to us. I told her I
wanted latinum minimum, one carrot diamond.
205
00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:48.039
The saleswoman led us to a display. Lisa looked at the thirteen thousand dollar
206
00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:51.680
price tag on the ring. I
covered it. She knew roughly how much
207
00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:55.960
money I made. I can't wear
this inside. I'll visit you whenever they
208
00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:59.519
led me. If they led us
together, I'll put the ring on your
209
00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:02.640
fingers and as I arrived, and
I'll take it off when I go home.
210
00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:07.680
Go ahead, choose one. She
pointed at one ring in the display.
211
00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:11.880
The diamond glittered. The saleswoman gave
it to us. I held the
212
00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:15.799
ring. I got on my knees. There were people in the store.
213
00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:21.039
They must have been staring at us. I didn't care. Lisa and I
214
00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:25.240
were alone in a world that I
had dreamed of for years. The cartel,
215
00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:29.680
the d EA, the criminal justice
system, a looming prison sentence.
216
00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:33.599
None of that mattered right now.
This was a moment I would have.
217
00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:37.680
I would not be denied, and
the only pitfall that could stop me would
218
00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:44.759
be the lady's refusal. Lisa,
there's only one woman in this world that
219
00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:48.359
I have ever felt this way.
Abound and if you would have dumped me
220
00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:52.200
to day, I would never date
again. I would just stay married to
221
00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:55.960
my memories of you. If I
lived to be nine hundred years old,
222
00:18:56.039 --> 00:19:02.160
I will yes, Tony Yes.
Tears filled her eyes and streaked her cheeks.
223
00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:06.400
There was an obstruction in my throat
that made it difficult to speak.
224
00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:10.839
Well. I didn't ask you yet. I took her left hand in my
225
00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:15.640
left I held the ring in my
right. I slipped the platinum diamond ring
226
00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:22.200
on the ring finger of her left
hand. Right after that, Lisa and
227
00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:26.240
I went to the d EA building
on Tenth Avenue with a fancy attorney.
228
00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:32.480
Lisa knew threw her parents. She
insisted on going inside without me. After
229
00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:34.160
a lot of back and forth,
she received a two and a half year
230
00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:41.680
sentence owing to her cooperation with the
d e A. I went to Betsy
231
00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:47.559
Head Park with Reggie and we saw
a chill again. Spring had arrived late,
232
00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:51.799
and I felt its cool breath on
my face. It was early June,
233
00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:55.519
but some people still ran to the
heat. At night, green buds
234
00:19:55.599 --> 00:20:00.279
was sprouting. The fragrance of fresh
earth opening filled my nostrils, and during
235
00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:04.640
the day, chirping birds flitted through
the trees fulsome growth, but there was
236
00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:10.200
no spring in my world. It
was two days later and Lisa had been
237
00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:15.000
remanded into federal custody. We walked
slowly into the depths of the park.
238
00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:22.200
In the distance, I heard voices
closed for business. There are different kinds
239
00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:29.400
of business. He advanced to meet
us, walking alone, coming straight to
240
00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:33.359
me, his right hand out stretched, smiling broadly. I gripped his hand.
241
00:20:34.119 --> 00:20:37.799
He wore a black button down dress
shirt, a black cashmere blazer,
242
00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:42.519
faded blue jeans, and loafers without
socks. Now looking very gangster it at
243
00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:48.720
night. I'm setting a trend.
Chill reached his hand to Reggie, who
244
00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:53.200
took it. We have all magnanimously
agreed to remain silent about the body you
245
00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:57.839
dropped in front of us. Now
you are going to do some things for
246
00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:04.119
us. Chill still gripped Reggie's hand. His left hand grabbed Reggie's right arm
247
00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:10.119
and was almost swallowed by the massive
biceps. Chill had previously told Reggie he
248
00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:14.000
planned to finish school and go into
politics. He wanted to be the mayor
249
00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:17.960
of New York City one day.
Crazy thing was, we thought he could
250
00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:21.240
actually pull it off. If you
wanted to to get out a way of
251
00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:26.119
making you like him. That was
tough to explain anything for Tony. You're
252
00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:30.359
out o here for good. You
come with me to college, to grad
253
00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:33.960
school or law school, into politics, and if you relapse, you're goin
254
00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:38.920
down do hard time for the murderer, Ratitat and all those big plans shot
255
00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:44.440
the ship. You ghost, I'll
hunt you down. I'll scour the streets
256
00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:48.039
until I find you, like a
good destiny. This is not a choice.
257
00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:52.279
I'm your foster dad now, and
you're coming with me. He stared
258
00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:56.319
at me, a soft smile turning
up the corners of his lips, and
259
00:21:56.440 --> 00:22:00.400
not a hint of railery from him. Won't be needing to hunt for me.
260
00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:07.200
There was nothing more to say.
We left the pot, drove the
261
00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:12.079
Reggie's Apotnam parked in a spot around
the corner, and sat in silence for
262
00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:18.759
several minutes. Chill thought it was
over for a moment. You a wise
263
00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:29.599
man, Tony. If not,
I'll do until a wise man gets here.
264
00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:36.599
Redmeat Village it's a production of Voyage
Media. The series is produced by
265
00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:40.920
Nat Mandel, Robert Micas and Dan
Bettimore. Directed, produced and adopted by
266
00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:45.680
Dan Bennimore. Based on Andrew Bernstein's
upcoming novel of the same name. When
267
00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:48.519
a link to the novels available,
it will be listed in the show notes.
268
00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:52.440
Starring Katherine Bell as Lisa, Malik
Yoba as Reggie, and Ryan Heppy
269
00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:59.039
as Tony. Additional cast credits are
available in show notes. Edited sound design
270
00:22:59.240 --> 00:23:03.079
mixed by Nick Missippi. Original music
by Drylis Gonzalez. If you're enjoying the
271
00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:07.480
show, please give us a five
star review and Apple Podcasts or anywhere you're
272
00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:15.000
listening, and subscribe now for future
up listeners. YEA









