Part 10 (1/2)

Chapter 29.

No Onions Michael sat on the couch in his loft, staring at a blank TV screen. He checked his watch. 7:10 p.m. He hadn't heard a word from Aaron since dropping him off at home the night before and he was deeply concerned. He pulled the slip of paper with Aaron's number on it out of his pocket and looked at it for a moment. Then he entered the number into his phone and pressed CALL.

Souther had some fast food spread out across his expansive desk. Needles and Beeks were there, and Aaron had been invited to join them.

Beeks unwrapped his cheeseburger, lifted the top bun and looked inside. He wasn't happy. ”Which one of you sons-of-b.i.t.c.hes got my d.a.m.n burger?” he said.

”Chill out, Beeks,” Needles said. ”No one got your d.a.m.n food.”

Aaron felt like part of the team, now, and comfortable enough to contribute to the conversation. ”Mine looks okay,” he said.

Beeks scratched the onions out of his burger. ”I specifically told 'em 'No d.a.m.n a '”

”Shut up,” Souther said, holding up his hand. ”I hear something ...”

”I think it's me,” Aaron said, reaching into his pocket for his phone. He didn't recognize the incoming number, but he tapped ANSWER anyway then held the phone up to his ear.

”I'll take that,” Souther said, reaching across the desk, and Aaron gave up his phone.

Michael was confused by the rustling. ”Aaron?” he said.

”Who's speaking?” Souther said.

Michael looked at his phone for a moment, then pressed END CALL.

Souther slid the phone back across the desk to Aaron.

”Who was it?” Aaron asked.

”Wrong number,” Souther replied.

Michael walked over and lifted his jacket off its chair, slipping his phone into the inside pocket. But as he started for the door, he hesitated and swapped the light jacket for a heavier coat.

Souther leaned back in his chair. ”Things are heating up a bit around here,” he said. ”Tomorrow's job is the big score we need so we can lay low for a while.”

Aaron glanced at the others and listened attentively. He looked forward to the thrill of riding lookout again. And as far as he was concerned, his current earnings were already spent.

”I'll be in charge this time around,” Souther continued then he looked straight at Aaron, ”and you're going inside with me.”

Aaron looked around to see who Souther was referring to. Beeks and Needles looked at each other and then at Aaron.

”Oh, you mean me?” Aaron said, pointing to himself. ”Inside? In the bank? While you rob it?”

”While we rob it,” Souther said. He leaned forward and folded his hands on the desk.

Aaron knew very well that his big day of riding lookout qualified him to ride lookout a nothing more. He pictured a few of the bank robberies he had seen on TV and in movies, but he couldn't see himself playing any of the parts. The idea was totally absurd.

”But I've only been a lookout,” he said. ”I-I'm not ready to go inside.”

”You'll be fine,” Souther said, as if it happened every day. ”Besides, the pay for an inside man is fifty times what it was riding lookout.”

Aaron thought about that for a moment. $25,000 was an incomprehensible sum. It could mean a whole new start for him and his mom.

”Give me your phone, kid,” Souther said. ”What's your mother's number?”

Aaron paused, confused, and almost asked why. But instead he chose not to. It wouldn't help to argue. ”She's in my contacts,” he said. ”Here, let me do it.” He set up the call then reluctantly handed over his phone again.

Ashley lunged for her phone, catching it after the first ring. ”h.e.l.lo?” she said.

”Have you ever been to Sally's Diner?” Souther said.

Her heart sank a she had hoped for someone better. ”No,” she replied. ”I don't think so.”

”I want to do an exchange,” Souther said.

Ashley's hand went to her mouth. She knew from Souther's inflection that he wanted more than mere ransom money. ”What kind of exchange?” she asked.

”Aaron's freedom for yours.”

The motel room closed in around her, and she reached for the bed as the floor fell away.

Aaron tried to grab his phone. ”What are you doing?” he cried.

Souther touched his index finger to his lips and gave Aaron a look that made him sit down. Then he continued with Ashley.

”I believe that to be a fair exchange,” he said. ”Does that sound fair to you, Ashley?”

Ashley dug deep, but found nothing a she was empty. Her knees grew weak and she sat on the edge of the bed.

”Ashley?”

She placed her hand over her heart, summoning all of her will. ”Yes,” she said at last, her voice small and lifeless. ”I think that's fair.”