Chapter Eleven: The Devil's Bargain

"Well, well, look who decided to crawl back," Jamal greeted Liam with a smug smile, his arms outstretched in mock welcome.

Liam hesitated at the threshold of Jamal's opulent penthouse, his eyes darting around the lavish surroundings. "Cut the crap, Jamal. I need your help, and you know it."

Jamal's brow arched as he poured them both a glass of expensive whiskey. "Must be serious if you're willing to set foot in this hellhole again."

Liam swallowed hard, his throat constricting. "It's about my mom. She needs surgery, man. Over two hundred grand."

Jamal let out a low whistle, swirling the amber liquid. "That's a hefty chunk of change, my friend. What exactly did you have in mind?"

"I was hoping..." Liam's voice trembled with desperation. "I was hoping you could loan me the money. I'll pay you back, I swear. I'll work day and night if I have to."

A harsh, mocking laugh erupted from Jamal's throat. "Loan you two hundred thousand dollars? You must be out of your damn mind, Liam. I ain't no charity case."

Liam's fists clenched at his sides. "Come on, man. We've been boys since we were kids. You know I'm good for it."

Jamal took a long sip, regarding Liam with a cold stare. "Let me ask you something, Liam. How do you think I can afford all this?" He gestured around the opulent space. "You think I made this kind of money working some nine-to-five job?"

Shifting uncomfortably, Liam's gaze dropped to the floor. "I know what you're into, Jamal. But I'm not asking for anything illegal."

"Illegal?" Jamal scoffed. "That's rich, coming from the guy who used to run with me on the streets, hustling and grinding."

"That was a long time ago," Liam countered, his jaw tightening. "I've changed, man. I'm trying to live a straight life now."

Shaking his head, Jamal's expression twisted into one of utter disdain. "And look where that's gotten you. Begging for handouts while your mother's life hangs in the balance."

Anger flashed in Liam's eyes. "Don't talk about my mother like that."

Jamal held up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, my friend. I'm just calling it like I see it. You want my help, right? I never thought you could come back here asking me for money, the same illegal means you are avoiding that is how Jamal makes his money," Jamal gave a mockery laugh

"Jamal! This is not the time for all of this, my mom means the world to me…"

"So does my money, if I keep giving money out just because one of my friend's mum is sick, how much do you think I will be left with, you need to be wise Liam. I am a businessman and not a charity organization," Jamal stated as he let out the smoke of his cigar.

"Don't be like this man, my mother must not die…"

"And if she does the blame is on you and not me, you know what to do to get this money but you refuse, holding on to the dignity that made you this broke," he stated.

Liam's heart sank, knowing what was coming. "What do you mean? Jamal?"

"You know what I am talking about and if you don't then let me put it straight, I've got a job lined up," Jamal said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "A big score, one that could set us up for life. But I need you in this."

Shaking his head adamantly, Liam's stomach churned. "I can't get mixed up in anything illegal, man. Not anymore. I'm done with that life."

Jamal's eyes narrowed to slits. "Is that right? So, you'd rather let your dear old mother suffer and die than get a little dirty?"

Flinching as if struck, Liam's resolve wavered, his mind flooding with images of his mother's frail form, her tired eyes.

"Life ain't fair, Liam," Jamal pressed relentlessly. "The rich get richer, while guys like us struggle to make ends meet. But this job could change all that. We'd be taking from those who have too much anyway."

"What are you talking about?" Liam asked, his curiosity piqued despite his better judgment.

Jamal leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "This Ava Taylor of a lady is the answer to your problem? The billionaire heiress is all you need?"

Liam's brow furrowed, it was something he didn't want Jamal to talk about. "I don't want to do this stuff, I only came just because I wanted to win a bet and nothing more."

"I never knew you were this daft, wise up Liam, you used to be the best back in the days, you understand this better than anyone but what has suddenly gone wrong, do you think these people care about you? If you go to her right now, she will never give you a dim out of a damn money. But guess what she has the money you are looking for, they don't release this money unless you get it from them," Jamal tried to persuade him.

Liam shook his head adamantly. "No way, Jamal. I'm not getting involved in anything like that. I have made up my mind and made my decision and that is the finally, you can't give me the money right that is fine and good, I should have known coming here was a waste of time," he stated as he stood and tried to take his leave.

Jamal's expression hardened, his eyes boring into Liam's. "Fine. Have it your way. I guess your mother's life isn't worth the risk."

The words struck Liam like a physical blow, his mother's face flashing before his eyes. He thought of her unwavering love and support despite their poverty, and her endless sacrifices for him.

Time seemed to slow as Liam wrestled with the decision, his moral compass spinning wildly. Finally, with a sick sense of dread, he heard himself utter the damning words, "I'm in."

Jamal's smile was predatory, his teeth gleaming. "Excellent. Trust me, Liam, this is going to be the score of a lifetime. And when it's all said and done, you'll have more than enough to take care of your mother and then some."

Swallowing hard, Liam felt his throat constrict with dread. He had just made a deal with the devil, and there was no turning back.