"So you want to work for me?" the metallic voice sent chills through his spine.
"I want to pay off the debt that Johnny Mazerra owes you. I will work for you until the debt is paid."
"Hmm it's an interesting offer, I had Red X as an apprentice before, and that didn't turn out as I hoped."
"Let's get a couple things straight, we both know I am not the Red X you knew. And I have no interest in being your apprentice. I am here to work off Johnny's debt no more, no less."
Slade didn't respond, Eric assumed he was watching him, sizing him up, or just planning to kill him.
"I make a counter offer. You wish to simply work off Mr. Mazerra's debt? Well let's be honest you could do that in one maybe two jobs. I have a rather large job coming up that I could use your particular skills in. I won't insult you and claim it is worth the debt. So I propose this, you work off his debt with a few small jobs that will literally pay the debt, and you do my large job. In exchange for the large job I will give Mr. Mazerra a hefty donation as well as keeping his shelters and clinic safe from lesser men permanently."
Eric looked up at Slade. He knew there was a trick here, whatever this job was it clearly was not something Eric was going to want to do; otherwise he wouldn't need to throw in such a strong incentive.
"Let me be clear Red, as I see you weighing your options, you cannot have one without the other, you could try to come up with the money by tomorrow and give it to Mr. Mazerra but I think even you would find difficulty in that task. So in order for you to keep your friend safe you must agree to it all."