Plot point that bugged me

[Noteethleroy]

The mobster who was going to protect Scottie for 10 grand. Why would he do this? He obviously was in business with Bubba who probably makes him a ton of money or at least supplies him with weapons. He had to know he would lose at least a few good men and possible future weapons and/or cash if he had to follow up on his word and take Bubba out. Why would he agree to do all this for a stranger for $10,000? This little bit annoyed me.

[Rob]

I don't think he thought he was protecting him from Bubba when he agreed. Scottie didn't know who beat him up. He just found the guy and hired him as muscle if I remember it right. When Patrick mentions Bubba's name while he's tied up, it shocked the guy. Your point is still valid in that he didn't back down, but by then he'd given his word. Lehane also seemed to be making a big deal out of the 'roid rage' angle with that guy. He talked about the receding hairline and the acne on his shoulders didn't he? I don't have the book here, but I seem to remember him really putting a lot of stock in the guy being on steroids and that making him crazy and super agressive.

Even with all that, though. He didn't seem to be into it once Bubba's name got dropped. He started coming up with excuses not to kill him right away and prolonging it as if he was trying to find an out.

I may have this completely mixed up. It's been several months since I read it and I don't have the book with me, so if I'm getting this mixed up with a different story or I'm not talking about the guy you mean, please disregard.