I need to be fast before the cops get him. I need to tell Max to wait there for me.

I sprint to the nearest telephone booth – dial Max's Pool Hall number – ask for Max – he answers with a boastful tone, "Max Malone speaking, winner of tonight's tournament already!"

I cut straight in, "Max, Vic Vaughn. Stay put in your office – we need words about StarLux Lounge... NOW."

Max's tone shifts to cautious, "Vic... everything went as planned, right? Kai was... distracted outside, I swear I didn't see him re-enter..."

He trails off – awaiting my response.

I hang up – rush to Max's Pool Hall – back door awaits. I sneak into the office through the back door – dim hallway lights guide me to Max's office.

Slowly turning the handle, I push the door open and Max sits behind desk, unaware of my sneaky entry.

I swiftly move behind him, grab the gun from under his desk drawer and press barrel gently to his neck.

Max's eyes widen – he swallows hard, "Vic... no need for this – I thought Kai was outside!"

His voice cracks and I lean in close, "Yes he was. But he must've been inside."

A tiny furrow climbs up to Max's forehead.

"I wanted Kai to be inside so that he would burn in the club accident! But you missed the precious chance and causing me to do more!"

Max's eyes bulge in horror.  He whispers, "Oh god... Vic, you wanted Kai dead? I thought it was just rivalry revenge – burning his club!"

StarLux Lounge was not completely Kai's. He has some portions to own, mostly not his.

He gulps, voice trembling, "Kai was actually outside arguing with Lola that night– moments before I lit the fire. DID SHE KNOW YOUR PLAN?!"

That hits somewhere? Is Lola doing any double-game?

Did she know my plan?!

"Don't you dare tell any truth to the cops. Be here and play along if they come. I have a business to deal with." Stuffing his gun in my pants, I patted his shoulder considerately.

Max nods vigorously – still shaken – whispering, "My lips sealed, Vic. I'll play dumb if cops come..."

I exit Max's office and pool hall – into the night air – heading straight to Lola's place again. Frustration and confusion swinging my head dramatically.

What exactly did happen? I need to find it before the cops do.

When I arrive, Lola opens door – concern etched on her face, "Vic, where did you disappear to again?! I was worried sick..."

Then she notices my intense expression, "What happened?"

I notice Ricky's car isn't around - she's alone. I whisper "We need to talk inside."

She steps aside, eyes locked on mine.

Once inside, " Lola... What were you doing in StarLux Lounge?"

Lola's eyes widen slightly for the unexpected interrogation. She takes a deep breath before answering, "Arguing with Kai... about us – you and me, Vic. He warned me to be away from you, said your family history would hurt me."

She pauses, voice barely above whisper, "Then Kai said something else... that you had secrets – dangerous ones. I stormed out, leaving him alone... or so I thought."

Her gaze locks intensely onto mine, "Did you know he went back in, Vic? Is that why you're asking?"

But then she adds softly, "Wait... you knew about the fire. Did I have something to do with it?"

"Yes," I said, "Already I made my boys to set the fire to the club so that it burns Kai as well, but you showed up and rescued him by getting him outside without knowing anything. Do you have any idea what you just did?"

Lola's face turns ghostly pale – eyes frozen in horror.

She whispers slowly, as if grasping reality, "I... saved Kai's life... unknowingly ruining your revenge... and possibly saving him from your desire for him to be dead."

Then her voice cracks, "My argument with Kai was over YOU – and I accidentally spared his life – all because you wanted him DEAD over me?"

She staggers back, hand on mouth – tears welling up, "What kind of love is this, Vic?!"

Her every word fuel my obsession like crazy but I settle my wrath to myself and spoke, "Oh, babe. Don't cry. I just... Couldn't see you with Kai anymore but that's not the only idea responsible for him to die.

There are things other than trying to steal you from me. You have no idea about it."

She have no idea how much I love her, at the same time she must know that she is not the reason he was about to die.

"But listen, I am not a killer. I just tried to make a small fire with less destruction to threaten him. But now he is fully alive, it makes me mad. Do not cry please, dear!" I lift her chin and wipe off her tears.

She must be feeling heavy about what I said.

Lola's tears slow down – she sniffs softly, eyes still brimming – as she processes my words.

It's huge for her, I know. But I have nothing to say to her. Nothing for now, at least.

"You're saying... Kai's survival angers you because your warning failed – not just because of me?"

She takes a step closer, voice gentle, "Tell me, Vic – what else is Kai involved in that makes you want him threatened?"

Then her hand reaches out, touching my cheek, "And honestly – 'small fire' with your friends involved... didn't seem like just a warning to me." 

"You told you want him dead." She adds.

No matter how much I try to get back my words which I spat out, by cementing with lies, she worked over it and came back as old.

Her eyes search mine – seeking truth – and possibly still fearing my intentions. She knows I can never lie to her.

My head hangs low while I press her hand gently. "I need you to sleep, let us talk things after everything ends."

Lola's eyes narrow slightly – unsure about letting the conversation drop. I peck her hand and try to leave her house– then she nods slightly, trusting my pecked promise.

I turn to leave– and Lola's soft voice says, "Be safe, Vic..."

Outside, night air envelops me – Max's secret kept, Lola temporarily pacified – now go finish this with Kai?

Suddenly, Ricky's car appears from darkness – parked across street – Ricky himself leaning on hood – eyes fixed on me.

Never expected him.

"Shit, bruh!"