Page 84 of Cold Hard Cash

“Thank you,” Jimmy said with a warm smile.

“Hey, let’s try not to make it a habit, okay?” Dario laughed weakly.

“What’s with the cuffs?” Jimmy noticed Dario was also locked to his bed.

“That’s the SSPD for you.”

“Are you serious?” Jimmy blinked, rattling the cuff in protest. “We didn’t do anything wrong. We’re victims, not suspects!”

“Witnesses,” Dario corrected. “Three people are dead, more wounded.”

Jimmy swallowed thickly, a flash of Vincenzo’s lifeless eyes making his stomach churn uncomfortably. “The ring. He was asking about the ring.”

“What ring?” Dario asked before throwing up his uninjured arm. “Nope, wait, never mind! I don’t want to fuckin’ know!”

Jimmy heard the discharge of radio static, glancing up at a large window that looked out into the hallway. The blinds were cracked and he caught a glimpse of someone in uniform. “Cops?”

“Yup. Been waiting for you to wake up to take our statements,” Dario said with a long sigh. “Best thing to do? You didn’t see anything, you don’t know anything. Got it?”

“Got it,” he sighed, closing his eyes and letting his head drop back down against the pillow.

There was a sudden flurry of activity outside in the hallway, raised voices and cursing. Jimmy looked over to see the officer trying to keep someone back, sternly saying, “Sir, you need to wait out here.”

“Fuck you, dickless,” a familiar gruff voice raged. “I’m Jimmy Poe’s motherfuckin’ healthcare power of attorney! I got every right to be here! Get the fuck outta my way!”

Jimmy’s face lit up in an instant. Maury!

The door swung open so hard it slammed against the wall. Maury stomped into the room, leering at Jimmy. “Can you believe that prick? Tryin’ to keep me outta here. Dumbass don’t know who he’s fuckin’ with!”

The officer did not look pleased, but made no more effort to stop Maury from coming in.

“Hey, Maury,” Jimmy greeted, giving a little wave with his good arm.

“Are you all right, kid? They treatin’ you okay?” Maury hurried over to the side of his bed, his eyes as big as saucers and wet with tears when he saw the bandage. “Fuck.”

Jimmy was touched. He’d never seen Maury look so concerned. “I’m fine! It’s just a scratch, I swear!”

“Are ya sure?”

“Yes, I promise.”

Maury reared back and smacked Jimmy on the top of the head, snapping, “You dumb fuckin’ kid! I fuckin’ told you to be careful! I fuckin’ told you—”

“Owww! What the hell, Maury!” Jimmy whined, rubbing his head and pouting.

“Jesus!” Dario groaned in sympathy. “Give Jimmy a damn break!”

“Hey! Fuck you!” Maury snarled, whirling around to glare at Dario. “I know I don’t know ya’s, but yeah, fuck you!”

“That’s Dario,” Jimmy sighed. “He tried to help—”

“Nice to meet you, Dario! Now, kindly fuck off, and lemme tend to my business!” Maury growled, turning back to smack Jimmy again. “Stupid motherfuckin’ mentally irregular fuckwad!”

“Ow! Damn, Maury!”

“Dumbass!” Maury seethed. “I fuckin’ told you to stay outta trouble!” A few tears slid down his cheeks, his long lips twisting into an anguished grimace, as he pulled Jimmy against his chest. “I told ya’s... fuck.”

Jimmy clung to Maury, trying not to cry. The danger of this life he had chosen was real. It was here, inescapable, and it had almost killed him. If Dario hadn’t moved when he did, Maury really would have been using that money for a funeral.