Chapter 180: Teaming Up Again
"Frank, you were the one who suggested that idea to Skyler, weren't you?" Walter called Frank early in the morning.
"Sorry about that. How did it go?" Frank replied.
Walter had guessed that the family meeting at his house was Frank's idea, and Frank didn't deny it.
"I agreed to undergo treatment," Walter said.
"Walter, it's time to go!" Frank could hear someone calling Walter in the background.
"I'm heading to the hospital this morning. We can talk more this afternoon," Walter said before hanging up.
"It seems things are falling into place," Frank murmured, staring at the phone's busy tone.
Later that afternoon, Walter drove to Pinkman's house.
"Where's Pinkman?" Walter asked, seeing only Frank inside.
"He went out but will be back soon. How are you feeling?" Frank inquired.
"Terrible, like I'm dying. Look at this," Walter said, showing his chest covered in red marks from chemotherapy.
"What about the money? How are you planning to handle it?" Frank handed Walter a beer, casually asking.
"We'll use credit cards for now. I have some money you gave me, which will cover the initial treatments, but I can't explain its source. I plan to tell Skyler it came from Gretchen and Elliott," Walter said.
"That's too risky. The lie has too many holes," Frank immediately pointed out.
"Skyler knows Gretchen. A quick call would expose your lie. What then?" Frank questioned.
"Uh," Walter hesitated, realizing his lack of experience in such matters.
"I suggest that we start a business together. We can register a company, get a license, and channel the money through it. If Skyler gets suspicious, she won't find anything amiss," Frank explained.
"Let's go with your plan," Walter agreed, trusting Frank.
"There's something else," Walter hesitated.
"What is it?" Frank asked.
"The cooking... count me in," Walter finally said.
Despite the previous disastrous events, the pressures of reality forced Walter to reconsider.
"Hahaha, I've been waiting for you, old buddy!" Frank laughed heartily.
"What about Pinkman?" Walter asked.
"Don't worry, Pinkman's already on board," Frank assured.
"Actually, we could do without Pinkman," Walter suggested, contemplating cutting him out.
Walter's suggestion wasn't heartless; he and Pinkman didn't share a deep bond. Their partnership had been brief and tumultuous, leading to their parting ways.
Starting anew, Walter saw Pinkman as an unnecessary third party in splitting profits.
"No, we need Pinkman. We can't do this without him," Frank insisted.
In Frank's entrepreneurial vision, both Walter and Pinkman were indispensable.
"Why?" Walter asked, puzzled.
"There are things only he can handle," Frank briefly explained.
"Frank, I saw Mr. White's car outside," Pinkman said, returning home.
"Hey, Mr. White! I knew you'd be back," Pinkman beamed upon seeing Walter.
"Since we're all here, let's have a talk," Frank motioned for Pinkman to sit.
"Time to cook?" Walter asked, ready to get up.
"Not so fast," Frank held Walter back.
"We're about to embark on a risky venture together. We need to know each other well. I'm Frank Gallagher," Frank introduced himself.
"Walter White," Walter followed suit, though unsure why.
"Jesse Pinkman," Pinkman chimed in, joining in the introductions.
"Good," Frank nodded.
"Now, we need to be honest with Pinkman about our situation," Frank turned to Pinkman.
"Hmm?" Pinkman looked confused.
"Frank," Walter interjected.
"The business we're in is dangerous. As partners, we're like comrades on the battlefield, relying on each other. We must be honest, no secrets. Trust is crucial," Frank explained seriously.
"Pinkman, both Walter and I are terminally ill with cancer. We don't have long to live," Frank revealed.
"What!?" Pinkman was stunned, unaware of this.
"We're cooking to leave some money for our families before we go. I want you to understand this," Frank said earnestly.
"I... I get it," Pinkman needed a moment to process the news.
"Great, now let's talk about your terms," Frank continued.
"Our terms?" Walter was puzzled.
"Yes, your conditions, limits, and such," Frank clarified.
"Well, I'll be direct. Chemistry is my domain. I'll handle the cooking, but anything beyond that is your responsibility. I don't want to know clients or interact with them," Walter stated.
Walter's condition was primarily about avoiding detection; he would cook but not get involved in other matters.
"Understood. Pinkman, what about you?" Frank asked.
"I... I don't have any demands. Oh, wait, I do! I don't want to handle bodies at home again," Pinkman recalled the trauma.
"Agreed," Frank nodded.
"Now that everything's clear, let's address our collaboration issues," Frank said.
"What's the problem?" Walter asked.
"The way you two operated before won't work. We need to clarify many things," Frank explained.
(End of Chapter)