Page 119 of Cold Hard Cash

“Do you know who Gregory Rees is?” Jimmy pressed hopefully.

“I know the name.” Maury’s brows furrowed up. “Uh... maybe like, eh, fifteen, twenty years ago. Used to work for the Luchesi family, I know that much. Hadn’t heard anything of him in fuckin’ forever.”

Jimmy frowned, tapping his fingers on the counter. “So, no clue what he would have to do with my mom’s murder?”

“Nope,” Maury replied with a shrug. “Sorry, kid. I think he used to do pickups at the jewelry store when it was still a front for scrubbin’ money, but I don’t think Eliza would have known him.”

“Well,” Jimmy paused, trying to get his thoughts together, “do you remember anything about the robbery? The one at the jewelry store the night my mom died?”

“Not much,” Maury said with a regretful frown. “Busted in quick, knew what they were looking for. They were in and out. Thank God Eliza had already gone home.”

“But it happened after she died?”

“No, it happened before,” Maury corrected stubbornly. “They got the fuckin’ time all fucked up because the alarm was tied in with the phone. Phone went out, times all reset.”

“You’re sure?” Jimmy blinked, his heart starting to flutter.

“Positive. I know it was before your mom was killed because I remember bein’ so thankful she was safe at home. Not that home ended up being any safer... Eh... Look, it was definitely before she died.”

“And what was taken?” Jimmy’s heart started thumping faster.

Maury’s face scrunched up as he racked his brain. “Ehhh, fuck, kid,” he sighed. “I dunno. I know it was only one thing missin’ ‘cause I do remember the owner was rantin’ about having to replace the door all ‘cause of that. Uhhh... shit.”

“Come on, Maury,” Jimmy pleaded. “This could be really important.”

“Fuck. Sorry, kid. I gots no clue.”

“It’s okay,” Jimmy said with a weak smile. “I guess it doesn’t really matter. I mean, Cold says he knows who did it.”

“Right,” Maury said cheerfully, “and he’s turnin’ the screws on Augustus to get your old man free, right?”

“I still haven’t figured out how. He’s made some crazy deal with Augustus, and it’s all going down at his birthday party on Friday. I have to wear a wire and oh! That reminds me. Cold told me to get a receiver.”

“For what?”

“For receiving... wire... things?” Jimmy said helplessly. “Augustus is giving us the wire, and I guess Cold wants something for us to listen in on without Augustus knowing.”

“Why are you wearing a fuckin’ wire? Ain’t your ass just gonna be up there singing?” Maury blinked.

“I have no idea. But Augustus agreed to it, so I guess it’s all part of Cold’s big plan.” He pouted. “I just wish he would tell me what he’s up to. All the Gentlemen know what’s going on. Even Augustus!”

“Maybe he’s tryin’ to protect you. Or he ain’t tellin’ you so you don’t blow it.”

“Rude. I mean...” Jimmy fidgeted. “I guess subterfuge isn’t exactly one of my best skills?”

“Jimmy, you can read your fuckin’ mug like a book. Like, one of them board books for little babies with the pictures.”

Jimmy stuck out his tongue in protest.

“Look,” Maury said, leaning back against the counter, “I’m still in fuckin’ shock Cold gave you a clean slate. He sure as fuck didn’t do that just ‘cause he likes the way you suck dick, okay? You mean somethin’ to him.”

“Yeah?”

“If he ain’t tellin’ you, there’s probably a good ass reason,” Maury continued. “He ain’t gonna do nothin’ to hurt you. And fuck, if he does, it’s wrinkly ball time.”

Jimmy groaned, scrubbing a hand across his face as if he could rub away the awful mental image those words conjured up. “Thanks.”

“Hey, I love you, kid,” Maury said with a small shrug. “I hope this all works out, and I can shake your old man’s hand again. I really do. And you’re really happy with ol’ Boss Cold?”