They layed on the cold concrete, defeated.

"Is this how it ends?" asked Rex.

Angus said "God, I really wish I could have one more beer. I know I shouldn't, but just one more drink would be good."He could barely swallow his saliva; he was as thirsty as a camel.

Lester checked his pocket only to find that he had no more cigarettes left."What a pity."

Angus said. "You know, I never knew how you two met."

Rex began to tell the story. "I was his manager. You, Turtle, wouldn't be the 1979 world champion if it weren't for me."

Lester spoke, "He forgot his chalk during a tournament, so he asked if he could borrow mine. Later, he lost his license to drunk driving, and I drove him around until he passed his driver's test again. I invited him frequently for tea and biscuits that my then-girlfriend, now wife, made, and Rex took me to your pub. The rest is history."

"S-shut it, he doesn't need to know the whole story!" Rex covered his face, feeling embarrassed.

Angus laughed and put his hand on Rex. "Oh son, I always knew you had a teddy bear inside your jaguar exterior."

"W-whatever!"

Lester spoke "You know, Rex, we don't know what will become of us, but it's best to let it all out. You asked me if there was any match I regret losing... At the UK Championship semi-final a few years ago, I was 8-2 against Dennis 'The Menace' Taylor... and lost 9-8. I was gutted, absolutely gutted."

Rex understood this feeling all too well "I never took losses easy... Can't imagine what was going through your mind, the insecurities, hell, every time I lose I get an existential crisis."

Angus joined in "Is this a bad time to say that Rex saw you and your wife make out while he was stealing the key?"

"Dammit, Angus!"

Angus said "Oh, sorry, I really need a drink, I can't focus."

Lester wipes his lips with his fingers. "I suspected as much. If I had the strength, I would strangle both of you." They all laughed

Slowly, silence settled over them. They sat there until Rex spoke again. "I can't believe Mickey was killed... I never liked him, but... he didn't deserve that. Damn it, that bastard Cornelius!"

Lester looked down. "I don't understand why the worst people thrive. If Cornelius didn't hold back, we would all be dead by now."

Several police cars pulled up at their car. There were over 30 officers. Angus was horrified. Rex began to pull Angus. "We need to get out of here."

Lester said, "What are we going to do, Rex? We need a plan. We need to avenge Mickey."

"We'll figure something out. Right now, we need to get the police off our backs."

Angus let go, grabbed Lester's briefcase, took out the document and gave it to Lester then headed directly toward the police who had spotted them.

Rex panicked."What are you doing, Angus!?"

"You go on, I'll distract them."

Lester was dumbfounded. "Don't be stupid, Angus, get over here!"

Angus replied, "I've lived a life. Besides, with this limp, I can't take it anymore. You go on, I'll distract them."

Rex went to Angus, but Lester held him back. "Angus, no!" Rex had tears in his eyes. "We need to save ourselves Rex."

Angus marched toward the cops. "Mickey, if you can hear me, pour me a glass of whiskey, double. I'll be joining you soon."

As Lester dragged Rex off, they were nearly hit by a raging Ferrari. The paper nearly flew out of Lester's hand. Rex had an idea.

"Let's take this car!"

Lester said, "No, Rex, we can't."

"Oh, come on, this driver is clearly shit. He shouldn't be behind a wheel."

The doors opened, and it was Julian 'the Sphinx' Jackson.

"Get in."

The three of them got in as the police started shooting, leaving five bullet holes in the car.

"Why are you here, Julian?" Lester asked.

"I know everything and want Cornelius out as much as you do."

They saw Julian breaking down from nervousness—a sight no one had ever seen. Julian wasn't sweating, but his face was as pale as a ghost. Whenever he was in distress, he would show these signs. More alarmingly, Julian was following a police car.

Lester asked, "Why are you following that car?"

"Inside is George Steele," Julian replied.

Rex started to freak out. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?"

"R-relax, Rex. George isn't corrupt."

"The hell he's not! He's the number one goon."

Julian swallowed heavily. "At this hour, he always visits the hospital every single day. I believe Cornelius has some sort of leverage over him. I read the man's file. He was the best, most loyal cop, and he suddenly became corrupt. Something doesn't add up."

Rex wiped the sweat off his forehead. "I doubt anyone can reason with that beast."

"Believe me, he's your last resort."

Silence fell. None of the three liked this idea. Rex said, "We'll find a way without your stupid plan."

"Cornelius has cops all over the city, blocking all the exits out of town and the airport. There is no escape. There are a small number of good cops, but they need massive evidence to do anything. Those people gave up hope, but someone like Steele could bring them back. Trust me, you've got to somehow convince him."

Julian parked the car right at the hospital. They saw the tall Scotsman enter the building. Lester spoke, "Might as well try it. We don't have plenty of options."

Angus leaned in and kissed Julian's hand. "Thank you so much, Julian. I was so scared back there. God damn, you reminded me how good it is to be alive."

Julian was perplexed. "Uh... t-thanks, I guess."

Rex gave a deep sigh. "Might as well."

They began to get out of the car. "W-wait, do you... what happened to Mickey? Is he alive?"

A pause. Lester broke the silence. "He... I'm sorry... he was killed."

Julian had a deadpan face for a few seconds before he broke down crying. Lester patted his shoulder but knew it was best to leave him be. They exited the vehicle.

"God, God, why Mickey? What will I do without you, Mickey?" Julian cried.

Rex said, "Thank you, Julian... I... I always wanted to see you cry, but not like this. I'm so sorry. I know my words mean nothing, but truly I am. Mickey's gone. I... I can't believe it, but I do miss him. But Julian, remain strong. You can fight it. Never forget Mickey, but move forward."

Julian wiped his tears and felt like something was in his throat. "R-rex... I know it's a bad time, but... I idolized you. I always wanted to be the best, like you. Without you, snooker would have never gotten popular, and I only put up a facade to be intimidating. Without Mickey, I-i would've been lost."

"Julian, pick yourself up... and prepare to lose at the world championships next year because I will be there!"

"W-what? Rex, you son of a—I regret helping you!" Rex laughed and waved. Lester smirked.

"Couldn't let it go, could you?"

"I'm no good at giving heartfelt apologies. I meant every word I said to Julian, no matter how cheesy it was."

"Especially the last part?"

"Especially the last part." Rex smirked but his smirk quickly faded.He looked down with a melancoly expression as they entered the hospital.