Micah Jennings

2.2.05 Wednesday [news]

I walked into Reginald’s apartment proudly as I heard the latest news reports blaring from the television set.

“A bizarre story tonight—This Carrow County man received a pleasant surprise yesterday evening when he found a paper bag stuffed with money—his money. With us now is Mr. Marcus Heinz, who was robbed roughly a year ago for the same amount that he found today “returned” to him. Can you tell us more, Mr. Heinz?”
“Uh, no, really. I just came in, it was there, waiting for me on my counter, right there,” he pointed as the frame panned across the kitchen.
“It’s worth noting that Marcus was suspected to be the FIRST victim in a series of robberies by the so-called “uncatchable” thief. Apparently, he’s turning his career around. This is Robert Lau, Channel 5 news…”
“Yew done well, boy.”
“Thanks. I wasn’t sure it would make the news.”
“Me either, but it makes a good story, huh?”
“When do I get my next check?”
“It’s on the table.”
I picked it up and read the amount—$1,200. The job came back to me.

Her name was Maria Hernandez. She owned a fabric store on the outskirts of the city, and her business did fairly well. Still, it being only my second heist, I rushed through, grabbing only a few items before my nerves got the best of me. Had she been farther down the list, I may actually have skipped her. Although she eventually sided with the others on the verdict, I’d always noted the compassion in her eyes towards me and mom. But at the time I was consumed by vengeance, and after all, I reasoned, she hadn’t really bettered my situation any.

I’ll admit: it feels good to be getting this back to her.

At home I found my roommates huddled around the monitor, viewing newbie videos on Urban Freeflow.
“Ugh, was that a roll?” Said Aaron.
“Not sure, but it was bloody loud,” Lamented Ben. Aaron shot him a quizzical glance.
“Did you just say “bloody”?”
Ben shrugged and they both had a laugh. Apparently the phrases of the British online population is beginning to rub off on them. I’m afraid they’re totally hopeless.

“Hey,” I called as I approached the two. They greeted me.
“I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m going to be out late for the next couple of weeks or so.”
“Can we ask what for?” Ben asked.
“I’m returning the cash.”
That confused them, so I took the next ten minutes explaining the week’s events, and how Reginald had lent me the money on the premise that I would get it back to the hands of my victims.
“So what do you think?” I asked. It was Aaron who finally said:
“I think Luke Bessin just found the story for his next movie.”

I was glad to see them laugh, and joined in, but I have no idea what he was talking about…

-M.J.

posted by Mr. Linty @ 1:24 AM