Page 71 of Bad for You

I assume they’re talking about the chump who was stupid enough to find himself in the position he’s in.

Aldo casually walks toward the man, giving nothing away. Glenn makes clear he’s far from impressed that I’m here.

But my gut tells me something isn’t right, and I’m not talking about Glenn’s double denim outfit choice.

“Baz, this would be a lot easier if you told us the truth.” Aldo takes the blindfold off Baz, who blinks quickly to adjust to the dim light.

“I’m telling you the truth!” Baz implores, begging Aldo to believe him.

“You’re full of shit,” Glenn counters, coming out of nowhere and pistol-whipping him.

Seems a little excessive, and it must show on my face.

“You have something you wish to say?”

Aldo is asking me this because he too senses something is amiss.

Baz looks between us, clearly unsure of what’s going on.

“I’m not sure what you think he did, but he doesn’t look like a rat. I mean, he’s wearing a fanny pack.”

Aldo’s lips twitch.

“You’re listening to this kid?” Glenn asks, angered.

Aldo’s humor soon dies when he turns his attention to Glenn. The room grows smaller, and I soon understand why something is amiss.

Baz was merely the bait…

“Someone is stealing from me,” Aldo says, the bag of crystals in his hand. “And Glenn thinks it’s you.”

“Why would I do that?” Baz cries, shaking his head frantically. “You’ve been good to me and my family. I don’t want any trouble. I keep to my neighborhood and do what you ask.”

I look closely at that bag Aldo holds, and an epiphany hits. It’s the perfect fucking alibi. I was an idiot not to have guessed sooner.

“Bravo ragazzo.”

Aldo reads my thoughts as he passes me the bag.

I shut out all external stimuli and rifle through the stones, feeling for something…different. And when I find one, I know what I have to do.

Pulling it out, I hold it out in front of me, closing one eye to examine it closely. I turn it over and over, looking for the sweet spot. I find it within seconds.

If I’m wrong, then I’m about to look a fool. But as I smash the stone against the wall and a puff of white powder coats my hand, I know I just passed this test.

The crystals are legit; somearefor healing, while most are transporting drugs because who the fuck would have guessed these harmless stones would hold A-grade cocaine.

But I’m sure each color stone represents a different drug.

This is fucking genius.

“You continue to impress me because someone with passion will do anything to succeed.” Aldo reaches into his jacket and retrieves the piece he has in his gun holster.

I don’t flinch because I know it’s not for me.

He aims the gun on the person this entire theatrical performance is for. “Glenn, I’m disappointed it’s ended this way. But someone is stealing from me, and we both know it’s not someone as foolish as Baz. No offense.”

“None taken,” Baz is quick to say, thankful the heat is directed elsewhere.

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