Cooking Up a Storm

"Bullshit," counters Samuel when confronted with the allegation. "I wish that I actually did it, because at least I would have gotten something out of it.

"I want that person to come and, right in my face, tell me that...I hear so many people saying so many things about me behind my back. But when they are in front of me, it's like nothing but the greatest things."

Two months after the closing of Avner, Samuel has a hard time concealing his growing concern about the future. He worries that the rumors about him swirling around Dallas will keep him out of work. "I saw an ad in the paper. It said 'Hot-shot driver. Twenty-eight cents a mile. Plus expenses," he says, half jokingly. "I'm serious. I mean, I'd do anything."

For the first time over the course of several conversations, Samuel seriously considers leaving Dallas for another city, believing almost any location would be more hospitable. He says he's tired of being hurt by the media, partners, or people who think they can make money off his name. "I feel like there is a conspiracy against Avner or something."

He acknowledges that he has a serious problem here, that there are a lot of places he'd like to go to explore work, but he fears they've already formed an unflattering opinion of him. But then his sheepishness slips away.

"I'm not going away," he says emphatically. "I will sweep the streets of Dallas. I'm a survivor. I might not win, but I'm not going away. It might take time, but I'll be back. I can't give up. I'm too good.