Pretty soon I’m in a back office with Jin. We’re both sitting in beaten-up wooden chairs. Tank leans against the wall to one side. Tommy is behind a huge desk covered in papers. I feel like I’m in the principal’s office.
Tommy glares at me. His shaved head reflects the strip lighting above us.
“Tank told me about the robbery. I was genuinely sorry to hear about that. Your grandfather and I worked together. When we were young. Vincent was a great pickpocket. Perhaps the greatest. Never had to use violence. Nobody ever got hurt when he was working. Your grandfather is a good man.”
Tommy stands up and crosses in front of the desk. Stands right in front of me, looking down.
“So I was willing to do what I can to help you and your grandfather. But then you pick a fight with my nephew? You cause trouble in my restaurant? My goodwill only goes so far.”
“Jin started it,” I mutter.
I realize immediately that this is the wrong thing to say. Tommy growls. That can’t be good.
“I mean, I think Jin actually did it,” I stumble on. “He stole from my grandfather.”
“Now you accuse my nephew to get yourself out of trouble?” Tommy’s eyes widen. I see muscles around his jaw start to twitch. “Do you know who I am?”
“Whoa, let’s slow this all down,” says Tank. “Michael, you can’t be sure of what you’re saying. Don’t be throwing accusations around—”
“He’s right,” says Jin quietly.
Surprised, we all turn toward him. Jin is slumped in his chair. His eyes are puffy and half-closed. His hair is plastered wet to his skull. He nervously fiddles with the ball cap in his lap.
“I robbed the old man,” continues Jin. “I didn’t know you liked him, uncle! I just picked a place at random.”
Tommy and I speak at the same moment. “Why?”
Jin shrugs. And looks even more uncomfortable. “I wanted to impress you, uncle. You never asked me to be part of the business. I wanted to show you I was ready.”
“I did not ask you because you are still a child,” says Tommy. There’s a tightness to his voice. “A child who doesn’t know his place in the family.”
Jin starts crying again. I can’t imagine there are many tears left in him. Not after my hot-sauce attack. But they come streaming down his cheeks. Tommy just shakes his head, looking disgusted.
“Give back whatever you stole,” he snaps at Jin.
Jin sniffles. “I can’t.”
Tommy suddenly looms over him, leaning on the arms of the chair. He snarls, “Do not defy me, boy.”
“Uncle, I can’t! All I took was a necklace and some cash. And I sold the necklace already. I was going to give you all the money. Here.” He reaches into his jeans and pulls out a wad of bills.
Tommy just shakes his head. Then passes the money to me.
“Tank, take your friend and get out. My nephew and I have much to discuss.”