Page 128 of Cold Hard Cash

“Not much. Busted in quick, knew what they were looking for. They were in and out. Thank God Eliza had already gone home.”

“But it happened after she died?”

“No, it happened before,” Maury corrected. “They got the fuckin’ time all fucked up because the alarm was tied in with the phone. Phone went out, times all reset.”

“You’re sure?” Jimmy blinked, his heart fluttering.

“Positive,” Maury confirmed. “I know it was before your mom was killed because I remember bein’ so thankful she was safe at home. Not that home ended up being any safer… Eh… Look, it was definitely before she died.”

“And what was taken?” Jimmy’s heart thumped faster.

Maury’s face scrunched up as he racked his brain. “Eh, fuck, kid.” He sighed. “I dunno. I know it was only one thing missing ’cause I do remember the owner rantin’ about having to replace the door all ’cause of that. Uh… Shit.”

“Come on, Maury,” Jimmy pleaded. “This could be really important.”

“Fuck. Sorry, kid. I gots no clue.”

“It’s okay.” Jimmy tried to smile. “I guess it doesn’t really matter. I mean, Cold says he knows who did it.”

“Right. And he’s turnin’ the screws on Augustus to get your old man free, right?”

“I still haven’t figured out how. He’s made some crazy deal with Augustus, and it’s all going down at Cold’s birthday party on Friday. I have to wear a wire. Oh! That reminds me. Cold told me to get a receiver.”

“For what?”

“For receiving… wire… things?” Jimmy shrugged helplessly. “Augustus is giving us the wire, and I guess Cold wants something for us to listen in on without Augustus knowing.”

“Why are you wearing a fuckin’ wire? Ain’t your ass just gonna be up there singing?”

“I have no idea. But Augustus agreed to it, so I guess it’s all part of Cold’s big plan.” Jimmy pouted. “I just wish he would tell me what he’s up to. All the Gentlemen know what’s going on. Even Augustus!”

“Maybe he’s tryin’ to protect you. Or he ain’t tellin’ you so you don’t blow it.”

“Rude. I mean…” Jimmy fidgeted. “I guess subterfuge isn’t exactly one of my best skills?”

“Jimmy, you can read your fuckin’ mug like a book. Like, one of them board books for little babies with the pictures.”

Jimmy summoned his most hateful glare in protest.

Which, judging by Maury’s unimpressed scoff, was not particularly effective.

“Look.” Maury leaned back against the counter. “I’m still in fuckin’ shock Cold gave you a clean slate. He sure as fuck didn’t do that just ’cause he likes the way you suck dick, okay? You mean somethin’ to him.”

“Yeah?”

“If he ain’t tellin’ you, there’s probably a good ass reason. He ain’t gonna do nothin’ to hurt you. And fuck, if he does, it’s wrinkly ball time.”

Jimmy groaned, scrubbing a hand across his face as if he could rub away the awful mental image those words conjured up. “Thanks.”

“Hey, I love you, kid.” Maury shrugged. “I hope this all works out and I can shake your old man’s hand again. I really do. And you’re really happy with ol’ Boss Cold?”

“Yeah,” Jimmy replied, unable to resist a bashful smile. “I really am.”

“Just keep your nose clean and stay out of his business. Still gotta make a lawyer outta you some day. An honest one. Jimmy Poe, the world’s first honest lawyer.”

“Ha, ha. Very funny.”

“I’m a fuckin’ riot, I know.” Maury snickered as he headed back behind the counter. “Hang tight, I’m gonna get you that receiver.”