Chapter Four: Back To The Revenge
Abdul absent-mindedly ran his teeth through his gums as Boogie lied through his teeth about his weaknesses and nesting preferences. It wasn't something he was about to mention out loud, but made a mental note to add a small subplot about the Boogieman cameo desperately trying to staunch any and all information about how to defeat him. Truth be told, a prayer and a bowl of purified water under the bed
was a rather disappointing way to stave off the "ultimate" evil.
At Boogie's insinuation that the old ways were best, Abdul had to stifle a huff.
"Nothing worth keepin' from back then, Bogman. Nothin' but memories and stories. That's the reason they had ya sign that compact, y'know. 'You forget me sins, an' I'll forget yers' an' all that. Some boys just can't let go of their past, yaknow? I says forget it all, you ain't gonna get nothing but trouble playing up yer reputation."
Abdul nonchalantly cracked his knuckles, and grinned wryly at Boogie.
"Just got meself another deal, yaknow. Fifteen-hunnerd fer a
foreword! Better'n all'a butchers an' game hunters in this town. Times're tough fer ev'ryone, but all them noo-voo reesh keep buyin' up clubs an' dragon steaks 'cuz they think just 'cuz they got money
now they ain't in dire straits. Ain't much money fer those who ain't the big boys, an' there's only a couple'a big boys here."
Abdul gave Boogie a sly look, and whispered conspiratorially to him. Abdul had spent
years eking out a barebones living, and had the kind of money owned by someone who could
afford to look shabby.
"T'real money's in
liquid assets, Bogman. Don't getcherself tied up in brick-an'-mortar an' don't spend scads on pretty shows an' foreign food-- all that's gonna do is empty yer wallet an' make people have
expectations. Make yerself shabby an' live shabby, an' noone but noone'll try an' take anythin' from ya. E'er wonder why them girls on Floor Thirteen look like yer ol' gran, e'ven though they got more money'n all'a us? It's 'cuz they knows what I'm talkin' about."