“Okay,” Maury said, slapping his hands on the counter, “there’s a guy. Old guy, used to cook up meth or somethin’ for the Luchesi family. He’s still kickin’ around, but he got all sexually fucked up by Marco when he was short on a delivery or somethin’. Made him pay in trade when he didn’t want to, you know what I mean?”
“What’s his name?”
“Ronald Holliford. Now, keep in mind, he’s a career fuckin’ drug dealer. Doesn’t exactly scream ideal witness, kid.”
“Still,” Jimmy insisted, “he’s someone that was personally assaulted by Marco. The defense needs him.”
“Jimmy, why don’t you let Cold know and have him handle this?” David frowned, glancing over to the television. “This is getting really dangerous, slugger.”
“What is it now?”
“There were four other people killed in that riot,” David replied grimly. “There are many different shades of gray in the world, but I can almost guarantee that those men didn’t deserve to die like that. They probably had nothing to do with Cold or the Gentlemen.”
“Collateral damage,” Maury added in with a scoff.
“That’s why I want to go find this Holliford guy,” Jimmy said, gesturing earnestly. “If I can strengthen the defense, then nobody else has to die. This can end.”
“Son,” David began with a long sigh, “I don’t doubt that Roderick loves you. I wouldn’t have given him permission to marry you if I didn’t. But I do understand what kind of man he is. He will do whatever it takes to beat those murder charges.”
“He’s better than this,” Jimmy insisted passionately. “Trust me, Dad. There is a better way. This is it. If I can get this guy to talk, I can go to Rod, and I know he’ll listen to me.”
“Well,” David huffed, “you’re not going to visit some drug dealer by yourself!”
“No, of course not.” Jimmy grinned. “Maury’s gonna come with me.”
“Maury’s gonna fuckin’ what now?” Maury glared grumpily at Jimmy.
“Look, Jules and Jerry will go with us, too,” Jimmy said with a big smile. “You know this guy, right? You can introduce us or whatever.”
“I don’t fuckin’ think so.”
“Come on, Maury! Do it for Rod!” Jimmy pleaded.
“Fuck that big ugly prick!” Maury scowled. “I ain’t doin’ shit for him.”
“Do it for me?” Jimmy asked sweetly, batting his eyes at Maury.
“Ugh! Fuckin’ fine!” Maury threw his hands up. “Just quit makin’ that fuckin’ face! You look all mentally irregular twisting your lips up like that. Fuckin’ weirdo!”
“You’re the best, Maury!” Jimmy cheered. He turned to give his father a hug. “I’ll let you know what we find out.”
“I still don’t think this is a wise idea, slugger,” David sighed, patting Jimmy’s back. “Promise me that you’ll be safe.”
“I swear.”
“I’m gonna head back down to the prison,” David said, his face still creased with worry. “See what I can do to help out down there. I love you, Jimmy.”
“Love you, too, Dad,” Jimmy said, waving excitedly for Maury to follow him. “Come on, let’s go!”
“Hold your fuckin’ horses,” Maury grumbled as he turned off the television and came waddling out from behind the counter. “I got one fuckin’ speed, and this is all you’re gettin’ out of me.”
They filed outside together and Maury locked up, Jimmy saying one final farewell to David before turning to speak to Jerry and Jules. “Hey! So! What if I told you Maury knows where to find a witness that will be a huge help for Rod’s case?”
“No,” Jules said flatly.
“Absolutely not,” Jerry chimed in.
“What? Why?” Jimmy glared. “This could be a huge help. His name is Holliford, used to work for the Luchesis. Look, I already know that Rod has this big master plan—”
