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Weeks flew by, and the cool fall weather made its timely, yet unwelcome, appearance. Dropping temperatures and early sunsets meant shorter days and swift night falls. The occasional snowflakes began to arrive as well, drifting and swirling about before landing on the cooling ground.
Kate shivered in the uncomfortable lawn chair as she tugged at her furry hood, bringing it down around her ears. Marco sat next to her, both bundled in winter coats, watching Renzo run around the soccer field, parents shouting and whistles blowing. The colder the weather, the longer the games seemed to last. She was thankful the season was nearing its end.
“You seem quiet,” she said to Marco.
He gave her a frozen-faced smile. “I’m alright. It’s just—ya’ know ... work. Micola’s fine. That part of the job is a breeze. She’s sweet and appreciative. But Eddie’s really gettin’ into some heavy shit. I think it might be time to pull the plug, Kate. Put our plan into action.”
Kate held her breath for a second. She knew this was coming, but the whole thing scared her. It scared them both. They didn’t want to get on Eddie’s bad side, plus, the money was so good.
“What’s going on? Did something happen?”
He shook his head, still watching Renzo and the game in front of him. “I’m not positive, but those boys—Dario and Tau—he’s meeting with them a lot. Sometimes he drives himself, taking them with. Tells me he doesn’t need me. That’s when I know they’re going somewhere off the books. And when I do drive him around, I keep hearing him talk about some guy named ‘O’.”
Kate frowned. “‘O’?”
“O Jackson.” Marco pressed on his forehead with his gloved hand. “I don’t know. I’m not sure what that’s all about except the guy is missing and Eddie seems to know what happened.”
“Why do you say that?”
He shrugged. “Just a hunch. His mannerisms when they talk about it. I’m pickin’ up on somethin’. And it’s not good.”
“Do you think he did something to this ‘O’ person?”
He turned to look at her. “I do, Kate. I do.”
“Oh my God, Marco. Do you think he—”
A voice interrupted them from behind. “Hey. I thought I’d find you’se two here.”
They turned to see Eddie strolling toward them wearing a long, black wool coat and a black brimmed hat.
They stood to greet him.
“Eddie, hi,” Kate said, putting on her best fake smile.
“Hey Eddie,” Marco said. “We were just talkin’ about you.”
Eddie smiled as he leaned in to kiss Kate on the cheek. “Nothin’ bad, I hope.” He chuckled at his own joke. “Kate, you’re looking lovely, as usual.”
She tugged her furry hood. “Thanks.”
“No, nothin’ bad at all,” said Marco. “I was just tellin’ Kate it’s been slow. Haven’t really driven you around much the past couple weeks.”
“Yeah,” Eddie said, “but don’t think nothin’ about that. It’s just that, if Dario’s sittin’ out front and it’s easier to pop into his car, I’ll do it, right?”
“No, I get it. It’s just, I hate to take your money, Eddie, ya’ know, for nothin’.”
Kate could see Marco trying to finesse a way out.
Eddie frowned. “No. I need you. I do. Micola needs you. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do if I had to tote her around all the places she needs to go in a day, am I right?” He laughed.
Kate and Marco laughed with him, as they stood and watched the game for a few minutes.
“Damn, it’s cold,” Eddie said. “I don’t know how you’se two sit here like this—in this weather. Nothin’ like the last time I watched the game. Beautiful fall day that was, ‘eh? I really enjoyed that, by the way. Thanks for invitin’ me. Makes me feel like I have a home. A family. Between you and Micola, it feels real good, ya’ know?”
“That’s so sweet,” Kate said. There was an awkward pause, before she continued. “So, what brings you by?”
“Well, I saw the game and hoped it was Renzo’s team. Then, I saw you’se two. I really wanted to talk to you, Kate.”
“Oh? What about?”
“I gotta’ a friend. Marco, you know him—Sal?”
Marco nodded.
“He’s my cousin, actually. He lives with his mother—my Aunt Rita. She’s no sweet pea if you know what I’m sayin’.” He let out another quick laugh at himself, and Marco and Kate politely joined him.
“Anyways, he’s makin’ money now—” he pointed at Marco—“like you. And he ah’ ... he wants to get his own place. Maybe a nice condo he could buy. Doesn’t have to be right in the neighba-hood. Just somewhere ... a bit nearby. Maybe even downtown. Thought maybe you could help him find somethin’. Wha-d-ya say?”
“Sure. I can do that. No problem. I’ll start looking tomorrow. Have him give me a call, so I can find out what he likes and what he’s looking for. Thanks for the referral.” She faked another winning smile.
“No, Kate,” he pointed at her. “Thank you. I appreciate it. Sal too.” Eddie gave them a quick wave. “I gotta’ get goin’. Marco? See you’se tonight around seven? Gotta’ few runs to make.”
“Sure, Eddie. See ya’ then.”
He waved and they waved back. Marco and Kate watched him leave, his long, black coat swaying, as he walked through the bumpy grass of the soccer field in his expensive dress shoes. He got into Micola’s car in the parking lot and drove away.
They sat back in their lawn chairs in silence for a couple of minutes.
“God,” Kate said. “How does he do that? Did you see what he just did?”
“Yep,” Marco said. “He’s a smooth-talker.”
“Smooth, fast, and charming. It’s like you don’t know what hit you.”
“I know.”
“We were just talkin’ about how dangerous he is, and how we have to get out, and then he comes along and we’re sucked right back in. Me included.” She shook her head in awe of Eddie and in disgust with themselves.
“You know what also sucks?” Kate asked.
“What?”
“I have to deal with Sal, now.”
She laughed quietly and looked over at Marco, who was shaking his head, his mouth twisted down.
“Just because we’re both still in his grip, doesn’t mean we can’t keep planning our exit strategy, Kate.”
“Yeah?”
He reached for her hand. “Yeah. And we’re gonna’ do it. Soon.”
Kate nodded and gave him a weak smile.
A whistle blew and the soccer game ended.
Winter
