The silver-haired man crossed the road and began the final path towards his home, where he lived on his own, when an unexpected call came through. He was wary about answering, but knowing it was best to answer quickly, he did just that.

  “Yes?”

  “One more ring and I’d have found someone else. You got lucky, kid.”

  Considering he needed the money, yes, he was lucky, but getting kicked out of the business didn’t seem like a terrible idea. ...Other than the needing the money part...

  He stopped walking. No point continuing if he’d have to just turn around. He crossed an arm over his chest.

  “I’m here. What do you want?”

  The man on the other end of the phone instantly got into it, speaking quickly as time was of the essence.

  “I’ve got one who’s missed three months’ payment, and he owes a lot. Wise guy thinks he can get away with it ‘cause the last guy came away empty-handed, so this time I’m sending in my best guy. I want what he owes and double it. Take everything if you have to. Show him that he can’t mess with us.”

  A big job. He’d get a decent cut from it.

  Lio’s voice took a dark and chilly turn. “I’m on it. Leave no stone unturned. Where’s the fire?”

  Arriving at the requested location, the man banged on the door. It didn’t take long for someone to answer, and when they did, they looked Lio up and down.

  “What do you want?”

  “You know what I want.” Lio continued with the same tone he held on the phone.

  “Ah. You’re one of them. You think I’ll give it to you? The last guy was more intimidating, and I sent him packing.”

  “Is that so?” He took a step forward and slammed his palm into the entryway wall. “Perhaps you’d grant me access so I can prove you wrong.”

  “By all means, come in! I’ll even put the kettle on. You seem like a tea man.”

  “I’m not here for tea.” Lio’s chest rose and fell quicker as unreleased fury bubbled within him. If he’d released this during the group meeting, he’d have been fired immediately. So, with it having nowhere to go then, this seemed like a good opportunity to him. Release the anger. Double the pay. This poor man would never see it coming.

  Leaving the man’s house, he flexed his hand. Lio swung a bag over his shoulder.

  “I’ll be back tomorrow for the rest.”

  “Got it.” The man’s panicky reply came as he pulled his hand away from his bloody nose.

  Without looking back, Lio made his way down the street. He could tell he didn’t have to worry about this man disappearing.

  As easy as this job was for him, and as necessary as it was, he couldn’t keep doing it. He wanted to get out of this business and do something more respectable. Something his mum could be proud of. Something that could pay for his sister’s school without breaking the law.

  Tomorrow had to be a better day.