From Bad to Worse

That was too close, Tommy thinks as he anxiously pulls away from the police station. He's been questioned numerous times throughout his life for petty crimes, trespassing, theft, things like that, but nothing as serious as murder.

His hands shake, and his stomach churns with fury. Beads of sweat pop out across his forehead as the totality of his situation hit him. I could've been thrown in jail for a crime I didn't commit. He imagines himself behind bars. He then pictures Jen and the boys crying as he's being hauled away. What'll happen to my family if I'm not around to take care of them, to support them? Horrid scenarios race through his mind. Maybe this is a warning, a glimpse of my future if I continue my life of crime. I can't quit now. I can't, not until I have another job, and even then, the insurance won't pay for Jen's medical expenses. The grim reality hits him. Guess I'll keep doing what I'm doing and hope for the best. He sighs.

Tommy notices his friend hobbling across his yard when he drives by. I should probably check on him, see how he's doing. Jimmy hasn't been unemployed since his accident at work.

Circling the block, Tommy honks as he pulls into the drive.

Smiling, Jimmy walks over to the car. "Long time no see."

"I've meant to stop by, honest, but with Jen in the hospital, work, and the kids, I haven't had the time."

"Jen is in the hospital?"

"Her heart has gotten worse."

"They're going to do the surgery on her soon, right?"

"I have to come up with the money for her aftercare before they put her on the donor list."

"You know I'd help if I could, but my workman's comp claim still hasn't kicked in."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'll be on the streets if it doesn't start soon."

"You can always stay with Jen and me."

"I appreciate the offer, man, I do, but it sounds like you have enough on your plate as it is."

"I should have enough money soon; now I'm back with Hernandez. Hey, I think I've found a solution to your problems. Let me make a few calls, see what I can do."

"I'd appreciate, man." Jimmy is trying to picture what it'd be like to work for Hernandez as he crosses the lawn. "I'll never have to tar another roof in the hot afternoon again." He smiles.

Walking over, Tommy slaps Jimmy on the back."Great news, pal."

Jimmy's eyes light up. "Yeah?"

"The boss has agreed to give you a chance."

Jimmy wrings his hands. "What am I going to do?"

"Everything I tell you from here on out has to be kept on the down-low, alright?"

"You are a gangster."

Tommy anxiously glances around. Discovering neighbors nearby, he whispers, "Keep your voice down."

"Sorry, man."

Tommy scans the neighborhood. Seeing a few are close by, he drags Jimmy to the porch. "I've been setting up cameras in homes I install satellites in."

"So you're a spy," he replies, anxiously shifting his weight.

Tommy throws his hands to his sides. "Just listen, would you?" Jimmy plops down on the swing. Tommy sits beside him.

"Once we know the homeowner's habits, we pick a day and time to go in and take their stuff. The boss sells the merchandise then gives us our cut."

"I don't know, man. I mean, I need the money and all, but stealing people's stuff is wrong."

"Their insurance company reimburses them for their loss."

"That doesn't make it right, Tommy."

"Think of it this way, you're stealing from the insurance company, not them, and you know the big companies can afford to pay out."

He recalls all the money he paid out over the years, only to be told they're unable to cover his medical expenses referring to a clause in his plan. Jimmy thinks the loophole was designed for things like this. "That's true."

"So you in?"

"Why not."

"Now that's settled, I have a big favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"Can I borrow your car, mine overheated on the way over?"

Jimmy tosses him the keys. "Use it as long as you like."

Tommy glances at the keys. "I sure appreciate this, man."

Jimmy leans in and whispers, "You can keep your car in the garage until the fuzz is off your tail." Seeing Tommy's expression, he chuckles and says: "I know how you gangsters work."

"I'm not a gangster."

Jimmy chuckles, winks, and says, "Whatever you say."

***

Rachel walks in to find James Cornell squirming around in the chair. She first notices sweat dripping off his forehead. She then discovers wet patches under his arms and the center of his chest. It's not that warm in here. Maybe it's coming off drugs. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No."

"The sugar will make you feel better."

"I said I don't want anything," he growls.

"Suit yourself." Plopping down in the chair, she asks, "So how long have you been using?"

"I don't use drugs," he replies, fidgeting in his seat.

She grabs his arm and flips it over. "Then why are there track marks in the crook of your arm?"

"I use to use, but I don't anymore."

"They look pretty fresh to me." She slams his arm on the table.

"Ok, ok, I used today, but that was the first time in years."

"What are we going to find at your apartment?"

"Nothing, I swear."

We'll see. "Where were you between four and seven this morning?"

"I was at home asleep."

"Can anyone verify that?"

"No."

"Not even your neighbors?"

"They might. I don't know." He scratches his arms and then his legs.

You're going to wish you had something sweet real soon. "You better find someone to verify your whereabouts; otherwise, I'm going to charge you with murder."

"Murder, no, I didn't kill anyone. I swear I didn't. She left pissed in the middle of the night but I didn't hurt her."

"Just like you swear you don't use drugs?" Leaning across the table, she says through gritted teeth, I know you use, and I know you killed the Harris's this morning. I'm guessing we'll find something in your apartment to back my theory up."

"I didn't, do it, I swear!"

"Murder is an automatic death sentence, but if you confess, we might take the death penalty off the table."

"I didn't do it."

There's a knock at the door, and then a monotone voice says, "You'll never believe what we found in his apartment." Kirk steps into the room.

Turning towards her suspect Rachel smiles and says, "I love to play show and tell, don't you, James?"

"We found four baggies of meth and a large assortment of paraphernalia." Kirk lays the evidence bags on the table.

"So we can add drug possession with intent to sell on top of the murder rap."

"I didn't kill anyone."

"We'll just see about that," she says, storming out of the room.

"What do you think, captain?"

"Check with the neighbors and the security cams, see if anyone can verify his whereabouts."

Hearing someone coming towards them, they turn around. "Captain, sergeant, the fingerprints on the pop can

match the one found on the window." Jeff hands them the report.

Glancing it, Rachel says, "Pick Mr. Campbell up."

***

Tommy decides to visit Jen before the big heist. He doesn't like lying to her the way he is, but he figures one white lie is worth saving her life.

"I have some great news," he says, storming into the room. Tommy pulls his cell from his pocket. "Check this out." Bringing up an app he hands it to her.

"Is this for real?" The go fund me account is well over eight thousand dollars. Hernandez suggested using this method to make the money look legit, claiming it'd be the quickest and simplest route.

"It's for real, baby, and it's all for you."

Jen glances at the phone again. "This is a dream come true, Tommy, a dream come true."

"I told you I'd get the money."

"You're the greatest." She wraps her arms around him and hugs him tight. Her warm embrace adds to Tommy's guilt. He knows he has to continue despite the anguish he's feeling inside.

The two talked for hours about their hopes and dreams for their bright future ahead.

Tommy was about to leave when Jen's doctor steps into the room. With a grim expression on his face he says, "Jen, Tommy, I just reviewed the latest test results."

Realizing Jen is shaking, Tommy takes her hand in his.

"What is it, doc?"

"I don't know any other way to put it, so I'll just come right out and say it. We need to do the surgery as soon as possible."

Jen places her hand on her swollen abdomen. "What about the baby?"

"We'll do everything we can to save her."

"I can't lose my daughter, I can," Jen crises, collapsing against Tommy."

Tommy wraps his arms around her and pulls her in tight. "It'll be alright, baby."

"How, Tommy? How? We might lose our daughter because of me. Damn my stinking heart, damn it all to hell."

"I'll put you on the donor list." Lowering his head, the doctor slips through the door.

"Oh, Tommy, what are we going to do? What are we going to do?"

"It'll be alright, baby, I promise."

"I don't want to lose you and the boys. I don't, I don't, but I don't want to lose the baby either." Jen sobs, in his arms.