Tropiano sits at his kitchen table reading his newspaper and his evening coffee when he hears a knock on his door. When he answers, he sees his friend Gordon_Zola standing there. A look of confusion is on his face.

"Come in my friend. Why the confused look?"

"Well, I was in the bar and was approached by one of your thugs. He told me he tried to reach you and had some news for you. Frankly, I was a little curious and figured I would deliver the message he had for you myself. So he tells me he has him waiting in the back room of the bar."

"Ah yes. Well I suppose there is no harm in telling a good friend what this is about. He owed me some money he VERY unwisely "borrowed" from me and thouhght he could make it back with a little interest by going to the track. To make a long story short, he lost. I told him he had 3 days to return my money. I had to....be a little persuasive. For his sake, he better hope my "associate" brings good news. Shall we be off to see?"

A few minutes later they arrive at the bar and immediately upon entering Tropiano and Gordon hear screaming coming from the back room. As they enter, they see a monster of a man with a pair of garden shears in his hand. His right arm and parts of his shirt are covered in blood. In front of him is an older man appearing to be in his late 40's holding his right wrist. His hand is missing 2 fingers. He glances up and sees Tropiano and Gordon standing there. He looks back at the man and says,

"Now my boss is here. You wanna tell him what you told me?"

No reply is given save for the wailing and crying from the man in the chair.

Tropiano looks at his associate and gives a nod. He approaches the man and says,

"You had your chance asshole. I gave you 3 days to get my money. Obviously you did not. You have exactly one minute to tell me why. Choose your words wisely. They could save your life."

After a little more crying the man simply says he could not get it because he could not find the bookie from the track. He begs for forgiveness and a little more time.

"I normally don't give second chances. But since one of my dear friends is here and I do not want him to have to see the gratuitous violence I want so badly to inflict on you, I am gonna be benevolent one last time. ONE more day. No more, no less. If you aint got my money or the pick bastard bookie you lost it to, I am gonna get real creative with you. Now get out of here. NOW!!!!! AND DON'T COME BACK WITHOUT MY FUCKIN MONEY!!!!"

"I am truly sorry you had to see that my friend. But a life lesson needed to be taught to him here."

Note to self: Next time you borrow Tropiano's lawn mower, ensure it is returned same day