Page 61 of Tito

Initially, I agreed to participate in the club’s illegal acts because it was a challenge. Keeping up with the advancements in technology was a full-time job. Successfully breaking a code, hacking into a mainframe, or mirroring a security system was the reward for my efforts. Proof that I was staying one step ahead of the technological game. For years, I liked what I did.

We all liked what we did, and each of us had our place in the equation.

Baker’s planning would afford us the opportunity. My ability to manipulate the security system got us inside. Reno’s diversion tactics would assure the police were elsewhere. Cash made sure no one stuck their nose in our business, Goose guarded the premises with the precision of a well-trained sniper, and Ghost would make sure we got home safe, one step ahead of the police.

When the job in question was complete, the payment I received was a bonus.

I now looked at the men who I once considered brothers and saw leeches. Parasitic predators who were dependent upon me for their continuation on earth. In my absence, they’d wither and die.

I glanced at each of the men, and then looked at Baker. The ice cream wasn’t working. It was time for me to tell the truth. “I’m thinking this might be my last job.”

His eyes shot wide. “Excuse me? I thought there for an instant that you said this might be your last job.”

“You heard correctly.”

“I don’t have any fucking idea what’s going on,” Baker said, his voice nearly frantic. “But take whatever time you need. Fuck these coins. I’m not worried about this job, Tito. I’m worried about you. Something’s off, and I have no idea—”

“You’re not worried about me,” I said dismissively. “You’re not now, nor have you ever been. You’re dependent upon me. There’s a difference.”

He gave me a look. “What are you saying?”

It decided to apply the advice Reggie gave me. The men needed to know how I felt, and how their actions affected me.

“When was the last time you were at my house?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he responded. “Why?”

“You were there right after I bought it. You came over with a bottle of wine. That was over ten years ago.” I shook my head and looked away. He began to speak, and I cut him off. “When’s my birthday?”

“Fuck, I don’t know.”

“I know everyone’s birthday,” I said.

“That’s no big fucking surprise,” he said. “You store information like a library.”

I glanced over my shoulder. “Goose. When’s my birthday?”

“C’mon, brother,” Goose whined. “Don’t put me on the spot.”

“When’s my birthday, Goose?”

“May 8th,” he responded.

I looked at Baker. “Goose was over last week. Want to know why? He was worried about me. He helped me find a solution, too. Gave me sound advice. Would you care to guess why?”

He sighed. “I’ll just let you tell me.”

“Because he cares.”

“I care,” he said. “I just show it—”

“You care about the next job,” I argued. “So you can give your proceeds away to make up for a deficiency in your life. Provide for others what your parents couldn’t provide for you. Well, brother, I’ve got news for you. Money can’t buy peace of mind. Neither can giving it away.”

“I think it’s time for you to take some time off,” he said in a bitter tone. “Before friendships are ruined and—”

“What about this job?!” Cash barked, shooting up from his seat. “What the fuck are we going to do about this job?”

I stood. “Don’t worry, Cash. I’ll take care of it. Because I know how much money you sank in that house, and in your business.” I glanced at each of the men, and then Ally, before fixing my eyes on Cash. “But everyone else? We don’t need the money. You’re the only one that does. Why? Because you’re a lazy irresponsible piece of arrogant shit who thinks he’s better than everyone else in the room. You’ve never cared about anyone other than yourself. You suck the life out of everyone around you. Personally, I’m sick of it.”

“Fuck you,” Cash snarled, puffing his chest. “I’ll whip your little—”

“Damn it,” Baker said through his teeth. “That’s enough.”

“It’s the fucking truth,” I said, clenching my fists. “Everyone here believes it. I’m the only one who has the guts to say it. Cash is a dick.”

I glanced at everyone in the room. Ten eyes stared back at me, each filled with disbelief. Not knowing if that disbelief was in opposition of my claim or nothing more than shock from my lack of tact, I turned toward the door.

Without saying another word, I left.