Page 39 of Doc Showmance
“That’s graphic,” I deadpanned, not the least impressed. “Evisceration isn’t an efficient death, though. I don’t think I could take the screaming for as long as it’d go on if you did that. Instead, could you slit is throat or, how about you shoot him in the chest after you castrate him? I totally agree he deserves it. He’s an idiot for gambling again. Kudos to you for playing his weakness, which is big boobs.”
Greg blinked at me.
Marino skidded to a halt as he ran into the room. He held up his hands. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up, Greg. Let’s talk about this.”
Greg brandished a gun. “I’m done talking. You said you were getting me the money.”
“I was working on it,” Marino placated.
“Okay, that’s it! Marino, quiet. Sit down.” I pointed at the sofa.
Marino sat.
“Bruno, stand down, and take a few deep breaths.” I faced the loan shark. In a calm voice, I said, “Greg, put the gun away. Are you going to shoot me…all of us? You’re going to commit premeditated multiple homicide? Really?” I cocked my head. “I’m thinking that’d be a pain in the ass. There are so many cameras in this neighborhood that they’ve got you, your guys, and your car on someone’s camera. Definitely ours. The heat on you will make your life miserable. I hear getting into Mexico is a bitch right now.”
“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?” Greg waved the gun around.
“I’m the one who’s going to pay you.”
“Then give me my fucking money.”
“Lucky for you I got paid today. Do you want me to Venmo or Zelle it to you?” I pulled out my cell phone.
He frowned and stared at me.
At least he holstered the gun.
I waved the phone at him. “I’m waiting. I don’t do any of the crypto currency bullshit. I’m sure as hell not going to withdraw that much cash from my bank or write a check. You’re going to have to take real digital money.”
The wrinkles between Greg’s eyebrows deepened. “You have that kind of money to pay me? No offense, but you’re living in this place with roommates. You don’t look like you could.”
“Does it matter to you if I stole it or I got it legit so long as you get your money? Please, can we get this done so I can go to bed? I had a hellacious day at work. I smell like the innards of this dog I cut open to remove twenty condoms. There was also this dog whose infected anal sac spewed in my hair. How do you want to get paid?”
“Venmo works. I’ll airdrop my banking info.” He typed on his phone.
“Can you give me the exact amount that he owes you as well?” I waited until the info popped up on my phone. When I asked my bank, it refused the whole transfer. “Shit. My account has a ten-thousand-dollar transfer limit per day. Let me try again.”
“That’s typical for banks. It’s why cash is better.” Greg’s tone sounded chill, like a businessman.
“Did you get the ten I just sent you?”
He nodded.
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t know there was a limit on my account. Would you be okay if I send you another ten tomorrow and the next day. Then we call it done?”
“That works. But if you don’t, I’ll—”
“I don’t need a replay. I got it. You’ll cut off his balls and make him scream, and then kill him in some way that I hope will cut off the noise sooner rather than later. I’m not into little girl screaming noise, which is what he’ll make.” I moved to the front door and held it open for them to leave. “How about we not see each other again, okay?”
Once gone, I fell onto the sofa next to Marino.
“Thanks. I’ll pay you back,” he said.
“You bet your ass you will. I don’t want to ever see that guy again. The stink of his will be stuck in the house for days. I also don’t want to hear you scream when he cuts you open.”
15
Amber
