The rain fell in torrents, causing traffic in downtown Manhattan. Hamid was angered by his passengers’ presence. There was so much he needed to do and so many customers to see. This detour was not what he had in mind. He wanted things to be done quickly, and his passengers went against his rules. “Never let them into your life,” was the creed he lived by. He was a quick “drop and grab” guy.
He sped up, trying to motor through the green light, but it quickly turned yellow and turned red even faster. He slammed the brake pedal, and the cab screeched to a halt.
“Hamie, let’s not end up in the morgue tonight.” “My God!” Hamid said, slapping the steering wheel.
“What’s wrong with you? The rain is a perfect cover anyway. Let’s finish business.”
Hamid eyed his backseat passenger through the rearview mirror.
“Hamie, come on,” John said.
Hamid reached under the front seat, pulled out a Ziploc bag filled with pills, and handed it to John.
“How much?” John asked.
Hamid scowled and shook his head.
“What is your problem?” “Don’t patronize me.”
“What’re you talking about?”
“You know the price. It’s the same every week.” “Fine, Hamie.” He threw down a roll of cash. “Lose the attitude!”
Hamid shook his head and breathed deeply; his heart was racing. He snatched the money from the seat.
“Here,” John said, opening the Ziploc. “Take a few pills and chill out.” He handed Hamid four of them. “You too, baby.”
She was quiet, sitting in the back. Her hand trembled when she took her pills.
“Good, now we can all relax.”
But the tension never subsided as the rain fell ferociously outside the cab. The light turned green, and Hamid slammed on the gas.