“Okay. Okay, big man. I get it. Hold onto that anger, we’re gonna need it with these weaklings.” Bull watched him walk away and turned to face Rory who looked even angrier than he was.
“I hate that guy,” said Rory. “He’s everything that shouldn’t happen or be allowed in a gym.”
“I know, brother. We just have to hold it together until we can figure out where this shit is coming from.” Bull turned around to see Butch walk into a small empty office space. He looked around at the gym members and nodded at two young men. They entered the office, closing the door behind them.
“What the fuck is he doing with them?” asked Rory. A few moments later they knew the answer. The two young men walked out, rubbing their butt cheek as Butch laughed at them.
“Don’t worry. It only hurts for a few hours,” he said with a sadistic grin. “Next!”
Watching out of the corner of their eyes, they saw a total of eleven young men go in and out of the office, including three of their own. When Tahlako, Tony, and Archie received their shots, they left the gym.
“We’re done for today, fellas,” said Butch. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good,” said Rory nodding. “Do we get a discount on the supplements?”
Butch seemed somewhat surprised by the ask but nodded at them.
“Sure. If you want to try some of it, feel free. You guys are already pretty bulky for your age,” he grinned. Rory and Bull didn’t let on that they were fuming inside. “I recommend the protein powder for sure. Put it in everything you eat or drink. Use the bars for snacks, and the supplements should be taken three times a day.”
“Three times a day? That seems excessive. Some supplements reach max value after one dose,” said Rory.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s true,” he nodded, “but mine are designed to give max value after three doses.”
“Alright. Cool,” said Rory.
They left the gym with a massive box of the supplements and food. Putting the box in the trunk, they wove through the streets of downtown New Orleans, only to find their three ghostly passengers waiting at a table in front of Café du Monde.
“Beignets? Really?” smirked Rory. Tahlako shrugged, the powdery sugar all over his face and shirt.
“Sorry but when you can taste this stuff you never pass it up,” said Tony wiping his own shirt. Bull just laughed.
“Let’s go. We’ve got shit to talk about.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Rory. “Some of these young men and women aren’t kids, they’re in their early twenties. Old enough to know that behavior like his is unacceptable. Yet they take it.”
“Maybe they’re scared or desperate,” said Eric shaking his head. “I don’t know.”
“It was not a good feeling,” said Tahlako, lowering his head. “I’ve never had anyone treat me so terribly. He suggested that I cut my hair. My hair is my identity.”
“You don’t have to cut your hair, Tahlako,” said Luke.
“He was cruel to Tony as well. Making fun of his intelligence,” said the young man.
“I’m not sure how he can focus on anyone,” said Archie. “He had too many students and not enough teachers.”
“He’s right,” said Bull. “Rory and I both mentioned to him he needed to hire more people and that we knew of some guys who might be interested. He got hot, although in fairness he loses his shit over everything. I think he’s taking too much of his own stuff.”
“Other than being angry when you mentioned hiring more people, what did he say?” asked Hex.
“He said too many people in the gym creates issues and takes money from his pocket. We watched him take kids two-by-two into a room and inject them. He sells this shit,” said Rory pushing the box to the center of the table, “like it’s candy.”
“We’ll have the team look at everything in this stuff. Any idea where the stuff is coming from? Is it being shipped in?” asked Cam.
“Not that we could see. I think it’s made locally, or at least driving distance from the gym,” said Bull.
“Alright, you guys get some rest. I have a feeling this is going to take longer than expected,” said Luke.