God, his life was a shitshow. He needed to get it together and fix all of his fucking messes. For now, though, he’d just drink and wallow. Fixing things could wait until tomorrow.
***
“Boss, that was amazing!” One of Manuel’s goons was counting money and putting rubber bands around each stack of five hundred dollars. “The police never even showed up. What a bunch of assholes.”
Manuel and his buddies had been celebrating since returning from the heist. “Not a bad haul for five minutes of work, eh?” Roughing people up and breaking shit felt good. He needed to do it more often.
They’d all laughed at the latest news report, which showcased crying victims, hugging each other, thankful to be alive. The news reported that the police had no leads on the identities of the culprits. The TV remained on but muted in the corner.
They were waiting for Jose, who’d gone to get takeout and a few bottles of tequila. They were getting drunk tonight.
Manuel’s phone rang. After a glance at caller ID, he stepped into the empty hallway to take the call.
“You have news?” He didn’t bother with pleasantries.
“We’re with him now. He says he doesn’t have the money,” Carlos said. “I’ve already broken one finger, but he isn’t budging. He says he has information that is just as valuable, and he’ll tell you if you forgive his debt and let him out of the deal.”
“Put him on,” Manuel ordered and then waited until he heard whimpering from the other end. He knew how badly getting a finger broken hurt.
“Why would I make a deal with you?”
“They know the bank robbery was you,” a man’s voice whispered.
“How?” Manuel was at full attention now. “You guys didn’t even show upthis time.”
“I’ll tell you what I know, but then we’re done. You consider the rest of my debt paid off, and I never speak to you again. Deal?”
“You’re in no position to tell me when we’re done. You owe me a lot of fucking money. Not to mention the trouble you would get into if I told everyone you’re a rat.”
“There was a witness. Someone who can ID you. I have the name but won’t tell you unless we have a deal.”
Manuel froze. “I don’t believe you. No one saw me well enough to identify me. I had a mask on for hell’s sake.”
“You walked behind a column and pulled it up to fix your face, you stupid fuck. Someone saw you and identified you at the police station from a poster on the wall. If you want a name, our relationship ends. Now!”
Manuel remained silent, thinking. His informant had never been defiant before, and he wasn’t sure what to make of the fact that he’d suddenly grown a pair.
It had been weeks since he’d had any valuable information from him, and it wasn’t like Manuel would ever get his money back. A cop’s lifetime salary wouldn’t be enough to cover what this idiot owed him. Perhaps the relationship had served its purpose, and heshouldcut him loose. He also couldn’t risk this guy turning on him.
The man on the phone stayed silent.
“Fine. Deal. Who’s the witness, and where can I find him?”
“I’ll give you the name only. Once I do, we’re done. You don’t come back later asking for money or any other information, agreed?”
“Agreed. Name?”
“Margaret.”
“Well, what’s her last name, asshole?”
“You have to promise you won’t hurt her.”
“I don’t have to promise you anything. What’s her last name?”
When there was no answer, he yelled for Carlos to get back on the line.
“Yeah, boss?” Carlos listened quietly. “Will do,” he said before disconnecting.
