by Paul Bagnell
Chapter 10: ACCEPT OR SUBMIT
A big, spherical roof ornament rotated in a fixed orbit; the glowing red neon sign was FANZ BOWL 24/7, and it could be seen from a great distance. Inside the ample structure dozens of busy rental lanes with chromed ball retrieval equipment systems laboured as evening athletes threw their drinking arms and light‑hearted barmaids delivered bottles of cold beer. It was a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere where everyone got along.
Mackenzie was in lane forty-seven practicing his game and bragging to a couple of female administrators, who worked on another floor, about how praiseworthy he was at firing perfect strikes down the shellacked floor planks; he was full of himself tonight.
Tom followed McBridle to lane forty-six; he carried a restrained smile and two pairs of rented bowling shoes.
“We’re gonna mop you up and ring you out,” Mackenzie said, the ball smothered in a damp hand towel.
“In your momma’s dreams, cocky lady boy,” McBridle shot back. “Tom, get ready; we’ll show these bums who they’re dealing with.”
“You got it boss.” He shouldered a ball and began to warm up his throwing arm.