Barely Legal

105

Mario’s town car pulled up in front of the house, and the four men got out and walked up to the door. Carlo banged on it. After a moment, he banged on it again.

Gus opened the door and peered out. His attitude was not welcoming. “Whaddya want?”

“Ninety thousand dollars,” Carlo said.

Gus blinked. “What?”

“We’re here for the money.”

Gus laughed. “Get lost.” He started to shut the door.

Carlo’s eyes blazed. He moved his bulk forward into the doorway and started to draw his gun, but Mario Payday grabbed his arm. “Carlo. There is no need for unpleasantness. Let Mr. Fisher handle this.” Mario pushed Herbie forward. “Mr. Fisher, if you please.”

Herbie smiled at the two goons. “Could I speak to Uncle Henry, please?”

The man’s brow furrowed. “Who?”

“He’s expecting me. I know you’re here to guard the money, but not from me. I’m the one the money is for.”

“Oh, is that right?”

“Yes, it is,” Mario Payday said. He bulled his way in the door with his usual sense of entitlement, pushing Herbie along with him. Mario’s goons crowded in behind him.

Cousin Lou, roused from his lethargy, got up from the couch. “Hey. This is my house.”

“Are you Uncle Henry?” Mario said.

“I’m Cousin Lou.”

Mookie came out of the kitchen with a beer. “Hey, what’s going on here?” His eyes widened. “Mario Payday! What the hell are you doing here?” He spotted Herbie. “And the lawyer. What are you doing with him? I thought you killed his girlfriend.”

Herbie blinked. His head came up. Mario Payday killed Yvette? Not Tommy Taperelli?

In a flash, he realized it was true.

There was no time for that now. The stairs were across the room. He had to get there. And here he was, trapped between two gangs of goons.

“He’s got a gun!” Herbie warned.

No one had, but suddenly everyone did. No one fired, but everyone drew at once. The thugs faced each other down.

Herbie’s gun was still in his hip holster. He surreptitiously eased it out and let it hang down the side of his leg.

He squeezed the trigger and fired a shot into the floor.

And everyone began shooting.