Chapter 6 The Bet

• "How about I give you twenty-four hours to get the project," Barry challenged. "You claim to have the inside-man right? So how about you prove to us that you can do it."
• Marcus had stopped, he turned slowly wondering what Barry was up to.
• "If you successfully get even a million dollar contract from the Jackson Five corporation, I will willingly hand over my wife to you for marriage."
• Everyone gasped as Barry's words dropped.
• 'Stupid, how could Barry be this foolish. This is exactly how his father lost his shares to mine.' Marcus thought. 'Now, I will send him packing back to the streets like his old man. I bet my father would be proud of me.'
• "Barry!" Tanya shrieked in protest but was rudely stopped by Barry's 'talk to the hand' gesture.
• Marcus began to walk back confidently. "You have a deal-"
• The same gesture stopped Marcus on his track. "Theres a condition. You desire my wife correct?" Barry questioned with his hands folded behind his back. "You get the project you have my wife, but what happens when you fail Marcus, what would I get? Here is the kicker. If you fail to get the project within twenty-four hours, this is what I will get. Hundred percent portion of your shares in the Jacksons and Sons CC. What do you say."
• It was as though Barry had dropped a bombshell. Marcus eyes widened. He owned 40% of the shares in his father's company. The company his father stole from Barry's dad. Marcus had played right into Barry's lap. It seemed 'operation take back my father's company' was beginning tonight.
• 'This calculating bastard wants to worm his way back to my father's company via devious means' Marcus thought. If I fail to get this job done my dad will kill me. Well not unless he could help me seal the deal. Besides my dad is the most influential person in the city, getting a contract from the Jackson Five shouldn't be a big deal right.'
• Marcus stared at Tanya and convinced himself that she was worth the bet. Besides, backing down from Barry's challenge meant that he would lose face. Not when there's so many people present.
• "Fair trade right, my wife for the company. It's your turn, make the move buddy," Barry smirked.
• "Nonsense, this is all nonsense Barry. How dare you trade my granddaughter for your nonsense games. If you want a part of the shares in Marcus company why don't you work hard like the rest of us and make an honest living huh? Then you can afford to buy the shares, aren't you shameless!" Grandmother Lydia roared.
• "Grandmother, with all due respect. It is him who is shameless. How dare he pursue a married woman!"
• Grandmother Lydia was left speechless.
• Barry sturdied Marcus and realised he would probably chicken out of the deal. Perhaps if he lowered the deal, make him accept it easier. As long as Barry was one foot in the company, the rest he should sort later.
• "Marcus, I'll make it easier for you huh. I'll take half of your companies shares. Take it or leave it. Make your move." Barry dared Marcus.
• "You are on!" Marcus voice gleamed with excitement. "Tonight, kiss your wife goodbye!"