Page 87 of Cold Hard Cash

“Hey! What’s the big deal with this lady?” Jimmy protested, rubbing his head.

“She’s the one you go to when you’re trying to dig up dirt on fuckin’ cops,” Maury explained. “Whatever Cold is up to, it ain’t good, kid. I love you like my own, and you need to get the fuck out.”

Jimmy recalled what Cold said about having proof about Augustus being a liar, and his stomach turned.

“Are you hearing me?” Maury snapped.

“I’m okay.” Jimmy stood taller. “I know what I’m doing.”

“No, you fucking don’t.”

“I swear, it’s okay! That’s why I have Jules with me! I’m—”

“Heart! Dick! Remember? Listen to yourself, kid. This was just supposed to be a deal.”

“It’s not.” Jimmy threw up his hands. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s… It is something else now. Okay? Cold cares about me, and I care about him. Look, he’s gonna help me get my dad out, all right?”

“And what did that cost you?” Maury demanded.

Jimmy didn’t want to answer. “He’s gonna help. That’s all that matters.”

“Be careful, kid,” Maury said, a frown curling his long lips. “Stayin’ alive matters a lot too.”

“I know it does.” Jimmy smiled gently. “And I don’t plan on anything happening to me.”

“What you plan and what actually fuckin’ happens is rarely the same thing, kid.” Maury laughed bitterly.

“Yeah, yeah. Look, will you please put that money in my dad’s account for me?”

“You got it. And I’ll shove the rest in a mattress for you. Just don’t make me spend it on a funeral, you fuckin’ hear?”

“Is it really… that bad?”

Maury gave him an incredulous stare. “Kid. It’s really not good. Cops are all nervous with the Luchesis back in town, the Gentlemen are all over the place trying to maintain control. Cold is makin’ sure no one starts a war, but if the Luchesis keep pokin’ at him… They’re gonna get one.”

Jimmy frowned, his concern immediately going out for Cold.

Rod, he thought to himself.

He was worried about Rod.

“Take care of yourself.” Maury glanced to the door. “Jules is waitin’ on you.”

Jimmy looked back to see a very impatient-looking Jules waving at him. “Okay, I’m going, and yes, I promise I will be super careful. I will not get caught up in any gang wars.”

“I’ll remember you said that.” Maury snorted. “See ya ’round, kid.”

Jimmy said farewell and rejoined Jules at the car. Jules didn’t say much, turning up the radio as they drove. He made a few stops, always instructing Jimmy to stay put while he went inside.

A barber shop, law office, liquor store, gas station.

Jimmy spent his time flipping through his phone, looking up music. He was trying to get some inspiration for what he might perform for Cold’s birthday, and it gave his worried mind something else to do.

By the time Jules returned from the last errand, it was close to noon. “Time to get to work, Twig.”

Jimmy nodded, staring out the window as they drove to the club. He was surprised to see a flock of giant suited men as they pulled up, a few of whom he recognized from the hotel. Jules guided Jimmy inside, and Dario was up on stage by his piano, waiting for him.

Jimmy blushed when he remembered the things he had done on that piano.