The Ugly Guy (Novel Excerpt)

Flaco “Poeta” Osorio was an old-timer. Now past 70, he was a third generation Nuyorican who had set up a beading workshop in his apartment where he made elekes, protection jewelry. He also made his own incense and oils. He’d hocked all his homemade wares around Spanish Harlem. Flaco was very respected, except one thing: don’t ever gamble with him. Flaco loved gambling, and like many loves, gambling didn’t love Flaco back. He was terrible at it but still don’t gamble with him. Because even though you’d win, Flaco never had money and would most likely pay you back with a homemade necklace, homemade oils, or incense.