Chapter Nine
Mr. Brooks
The inside of Sal’s 24-hour Check Cashing was packed to the hilt with Friday’s check cashers. It was always like that on any given Thursday and Friday, which is why my partner Sal asked me ten years ago if I would be interested in franchising his existing store. I agreed. I was always looking to clean up some old money I made during the ’70s heroin rush. Sal’s was just one of the many ventures I went into after I left the streets alone. For ten years, we’ve done good strong business, but also for those ten years, I was plotting the day we’d cash out on our $3 million insurance policy. We were in such good standing that the insurance company that was covering all our stores allowed us to put the maximum amount on our insurance.
“I’m telling you, Sal, these two females are perfect for the job. They’re eager, hungry, and most important, they listen.” Sal and I were in his office overlooking the lobby area.
Sal turned from the window and faced me. “I have never questioned your judgment, Brooks. But you left one thing out, which I feel is more important.”
“What’s that, Sal?”
“Loyalty. What if they get caught in the process? Are they going to be solid or snitch?”
“I understand you, I do. And, yes, I have thought about that. Remember, even if they were to get caught and tell, they wouldn’t be able to implicate you because they don’t know you. Trust me, Sal. I’ve thought out every angle.”
Sal walked over to his desk and reclined in his plush leather chair. He put his feet up, and his eyes went to the ceiling. It wasn’t that I needed Sal’s permission to go ahead with the job. I was just really allowing him to go along with it because he’d put a lot into the stores over the years, so I could understand his hesitation.
“They both really hungry, Sal. And one of them is slick as all outdoors. Goes by the nickname Bags and dresses like a boy.”
“Bags?” he quizzed.
“Yeah, between Bags and the other girl, I think they can take it.” I pushed the issue.
“Well, you know it’s a one-shot deal. If they blow it, we’ll have to find new insurance, and we’ll have to wait for years before we can try again.”
“I know. And I’m betting on black. We good, Sal, trust me.”
Sal took his feet down from the desk and rested on his elbows while rubbing the stressful decision away from his face. “All right, old friend. Then I’m riding with you.”
“Good, ’cause I’m getting ready to meet with them and tell them all about the job.” I stood up and walked over to the minibar to pour us some scotch.
“Here,” I said, handing Sal his drink. I sat on the edge of the desk and tried assuring my buddy that everything was going to go down smoothly, and by this time next week, we’d be $3 million richer.
“I hope you’re right,” Sal said, then tossed back his glass.
I finished my drink, then grabbed my sports jacket. “Just take the week off and go down to the condo we have in the Caymans. Let me handle this. By the time you get back, I’ll have your end, and it’ll be business as usual.”
“I think that I just might do that,” Sal said, walking me to the door.
“Good, I’ll have my agent set it up.” I patted Sat on his back, then stepped out of the office.
I climbed behind the wheel of my Lincoln parked at the curb. Then I turned on the oldies but goodies and drove off. I knew Sonya and Melody could handle the take. Sal’s ass was just scared. I was putting him on a plane first thing in the morning because I didn’t need him worrying too much and messing things up. Out of that three million, them silly females weren’t going to see a fraction of that. They wanted to be slick, grown, and in the game like real movers and shakers. Well, I was gon’ teach them the meaning of playing with the big boys. It’s a man’s world, and they will soon discover that.