Standing beside the whitewashed siding outside the Deli-Mart, Luke gripped the cold hard plastic of the pay phone’s receiver. A logging truck rumbled by on Sauk Valley Road, and he used his body to shield the call from the noise. Pressing the phone closer to his ear, he strained to hear his best friend’s voice.
“I told you I don’t know how my knife got left behind,” Chad said in frustration, speaking from the county jail in Mount Vernon. “Last I remember I gave it to you.”
“And I gave it to Lina for her damn beer. Didn’t the bitch give it back?”
“Not to me! Least I don’t remember…. But I kept my mouth shut like I promised.”
“I told you bringing her was a mistake. She’s always been trouble. First she screwed up my life, now she’s taking you down.”
“How’s this her fault? She was passed out in the back seat. Besides, she’ll keep her mouth shut and stick to our story for me. And I’m sure Cecil’s gonna cover for her.” Chad’s voice wavered. “I think her daddy would do anything for his family—unlike mine.”
“Shit,” Luke said, calmer now. “If there’s anything you need, just say the word,”
“Get me that scanner so I can prove it wasn’t a gun. Then… take care of a few things until I’m free.”
“Name it.”
Chad paused and then said, “Take care of Lina for me.”
“Aw, hell! Anything but that. Haven’t you been listening to me?”
“I know you two got history, but damn it, you’re not giving her a fair shake. She’s had it rough, and I know what that’s like. Now her stepmom’s kicking her out, what’s she supposed to do without me? Have her take my trailer….”
Luke remained silent.
“Come on, man,” Chad pleaded. “Don’t make this any harder for me.”
“Why can’t you see what she’s doing? Kick the bitch to the curb like the trash she is. Trust me; she’d do the same to you.”
“You’re jealous ‘cause she and I got something special, and I want to see it through. Besides, you two’re all I got, and I need something to look forward to when I get out.” Chad paused to let that sink in. “Oh, and take care of my truck… and move my trailer out to your daddy’s place, since I…” Chad’s voice broke, “…since I can’t afford rent no more.”
“Father’s not gonna allow—”
“P…please?”
“Damn you! Don’t start crying again. Fine, I’ll take care of things.” Gritting his teeth, Luke stared at the phone for a moment and resisted the urge to slam the receiver into the wall. This never would a happened if Lina hadn’t been there—or that Renshaw prick hadn’t stole my home in the first place.