Kaufman's Game

You should always be careful what you wish for.

There was a time when all I ever wanted was to be a better boxer.

But I got a lot more than I wished for.

In so many ways, boxing is just an accepted way of hurting others.

Perhaps that was all I ever wanted from it.

Hey.

Yeah?

I see you've been working out pretty hard.

Well, I try.

You lost it a bit with that punchbag.

You saw that?

You're not professional, are you?

No.

You could be.

- Look, I'm not sure... - I have something that can help.

- Like what? - Would you be interested?

- Maybe. But, depends... - Here.

Call me.

If you're interested.

Okay, thanks.

I have to go.

Get in touch.

How did it go?

Fine.

Is the bait on its way to him?

Yes.

Show me.

Want to try one?

Don't be funny.

The joke's not on you, Jaeger.

This is the last thing I'll ask of you.

Time is running out.

He isn't going to like it.

He'll have to earn his place.

What we'll put him through will mold him.

You'll get what you want.

Be careful with those.

They're shipping them off tomorrow.

I want them looking presentable.

Whoops.

Mr. Fader?

Speaking.

Ah. It's you I met outside the gym.

Yeah.

Did you get my gifts?

Did they work for you?

Yeah, I think so.

You know, I'd really like some more.

When do you want them?

Whenever you can drop 'em.

Fine.

This all feels so sudden.

Sudden for us maybe.

But not for Kaufman.

He's asked me to keep an eye on the new recruit.

Get him through this.

You know who found him, don't you?

Yes. It was her, wasn't it?

That must be why Kaufman hired her.

Why else would he hire someone so young?

I don't know that age has ever mattered in this business.

Some of us started young.

No, I think he's just moving things forward,

and bringing her in was part of that.

He's delivered in a way that means more than you realize.

If Kaufman wants advice, he'll go to her.

She's earned his trust.

But has she earned yours?

I trust Kaufman.

What the fuck are you doing?

You called earlier.

The front door was open. I thought it best to just come in.

Is that okay, Stanley?

How do you know my name?

You told me outside the gym.

Don't you remember?

No, I don't remember.

What do you do exactly?

I'm unemployed.

I was a surgical assistant.

And?

And I got laid off recently.

Well, what kind of work are you looking for?

What makes you ask that?

Maybe I could help you again.

May have a job for you.

Interesting place you have here.

Are you sure the door was open?

Yeah. Do you live alone?

Why did you send me that stuff?

Thought you might appreciate it.

Fine. But why me? Why not somebody else?

Couple of reasons.

I wanted to test them.

And I wanted to test you.

Why?

Do you know what you've been taking?

Steroids.

Well, I assume they've been working for you.

I think so.

Good.

Now, as I was saying, I may have some work for you.

- Work that should interest you. - Who makes it?

I do.

What?

I'm a scientist. Chemist.

Don't worry. I'm fully qualified.

Look, this stuff's giving me paranoia.

I'm getting mood swings.

I can't go on like that.

I have a lot of clients come to me

with stories of counterfeit anabolic steroids being sold to them,

without the desired effects.

Sometimes they have no active ingredients at all.

Sometimes they were meant for animals.

Didn't you say you make these yourself?

Yes.

- Do you play? - What?

Do you have anything for me or not?

This should sort you out.

It's just for show. Don't worry.

That's the best I've got.

It's a combination of Sustanon 250,

Deca-Durabolin and Stanozolol.

You'll be able to train much harder.

It'll help you build up your muscle mass,

recover from any strenuous exercise faster.

That's as good as it gets.

Right.

Still interested?

Yeah.

Good.

How much?

Nothing.

I can't accept this.

Think of it as a trial.

Give me a call.

Let me know the results.

I'll see myself out.

Are you okay?

It's nothing.

Let's toast.

Another one.

To the success of new recruits.

Yes.

Prost.

Yeah?

Hey, Fader.

Listen, I can hardly hear you. I'm underground.

Can we continue this conversation in person?

I'll send you the address.

Bye for now.

Hello, Stan.

Can I sit down?

Please.

Coffee?

Looks like you could use one.

No, thanks.

- Just a glass of water. - Water?

Fine.

I need another dose.

Another one?

I think what you need is sleep.

No.

I need another...

I won't give you anything else for nothing, Stanley.

Look at you. You're exhausted.

What you need is a good night's sleep.

You've been spending too much time on your own.

And at that gym.

How much for some more?

A lot.

Looks like they're closing up.

Don't worry. I know the owner.

If you can't afford it, we can make a deal.

I give you what you want...

if you do something for me.

What do you want me to do?

You can have whatever you want, Stanley.

Just order whatever you want.

I'll be in touch.

I give you what you want...

if you do something for me.

Good morning.

You ready for that trade-off?

- Yeah. - Good.

My employer would like to meet you.

He likes to be introduced personally.

What do you need me to do?

I'll see you soon, Stanley.

I've spoken to him.

He's on his way.

Okay. I'll see you there.

How are you feeling?

Not bad for a dying man.

He'll be here soon.

I can go down with you, if you like.

Not today.

Make that call now.

Fine.