Page 34 of Chubs

Me: Will do.

The look on Candy’s face was humbling, to say the least. She stood in the doorway of the tiny apartment, speechless that this was now hers. Lisa and I grew up in a loving, comfortable home. Our parents were—are—involved in our lives, and neither of us ever worried about shelter or food. Seeing Candy now, I think about how many kids grow up without those basics.

“This would be the nicest place I’ve ever lived in,” Candy says in a subdued voice. “But I can’t accept it. It’s charity. I work and don’t need charity.”

“It’s not charity, Candy. I had paid the rent ahead because I wasn’t sure if I’d come back or not, but you’ll be paying it yourself when it’s due again,” I explain.

“I can’t afford a place like this. I don’t make much, and I haven’t been able to find a better job yet,” she insists.

“I think we can help with the job situation,” Lisa says.

“How? I don’t have much of an education, and I’m not good with people?”

“There are a lot of things you are good at and qualified for that have nothing to do with college. I work in real estate, and I’m always looking for people to help set up homes for open houses, or collect rent from the properties I manage, or do maintenance, lawn care, the list goes on and on. You have friends, Candy. Friends that will help you find better employment opportunities. Ava owns the bakery and a catering company. The club owns several businesses. Lucy works at a shelter for domestic violence victims,” Lisa explains in an encouraging tone.

“What do you do now? What do you like to do or feel you’re good at?” I ask.

“I’m a bouncer at Tory’s bar downtown. It’s a real dive, but they didn’t care about my anger issues when I asked about work,” Candy replies.

“The club owns a strip club that employs security. If you like that kind of work, I’m sure Freddy would give you a try there,” I state. “You would make more than you do at that other place. You have time to think about it, though. Rent’s paid, so that gives you some room to breathe.”

“I could really live here. Have my own place and everything. I don’t even know what to say, but thanks,” Candy says with the first smile I’ve seen from her since the time she pinned Pooh, then Axel, to the mat.

“You like animals, Candy?” I ask suddenly.

“Yeah, I do. Never had any, but Ava brings hers to the gym, and I really like that little pig. Why?”

“Because I know of an opening at an animal rescue! They’re always short-handed, and if you take the evening shift, you don’t have to deal with as many people,” I explain.

“I don’t know much about animals, but I’d learn and work hard,” Candy insists.

“You get settled in, and I’ll make some calls tonight. Tomorrow, we can run out there and see what you think of the place.”

“Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks, Lucy. Thank you too, Lisa. Even if I get a different job, if you need help with your real estate stuff, I’d be happy to help,” Candy says sincerely.

We exchange hugs and leave Candy to her new home.

Chapter 13

Chubs

Sitting on the hotel bed, I listen to the local news broadcast. As I suspected, the Vero crime family is mentioned several times with a discussion about how they seem to be the target of the latest crime spree that started over a week ago. One reporter is shown standing next to a burnt-out car while another is behind a business highlighting the fire damage done to it.

After the reporters give their stories, the news anchor introduces the spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department.

“Captain Fitzgerald, can you comment on what your department is doing about this crime spree? Also, do you believe the public is at risk, or is this an internal cleansing for the Vero crime family?”

“At this point in the investigation, we don’t believe the public is at risk. We’ve consulted with federal agents that are knowledgeable about this particular crime family, and they feel strongly that this could be an internal coup of sorts. They have been known to battle for power amongst themselves in the past, and that could be happening again.”

“At what point does law enforcement step in, or do they when it’s an internal thing?”

“We’ll investigate these crimes as we do any others, and if a suspect or suspects are identified, we’ll follow proper procedures. Currently, though, we haven’t identified a perpetrator. As is often the case when a crime is committed against a crime family member, we may not know who that person or persons are until the family has meted out their own justice.”

“That is very true. Thank you, Captain. We’ll keep following this story and will be doing regular updates.”

Leaning back against the headboard, I turn the volume down on the TV. I open my Coke and set it on the nightstand before turning to the take-out bags sitting next to me. I pull containers from the bags and carefully set out my dinner. Digging into my food, I groan in appreciation. A few minutes of bliss before my phone interrupts my meal.

Wiping my hands on a napkin, I flip open my phone.

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