Ride Along

Frank eventually came back home, did his usual routine of tip-toeing up the stairs and went to his room.

He changed into his pajamas and before going to bed, he took his gun out of the jacket and put it in a shoe box in the closet, where he stashed his money.

Quickly falling asleep wasn't a problem, but even in his dreams he was thinking of the lost opportunity from the truck robbery.

He woke up early in the morning, changed into a basic outfit for school and went on his way.

Luca, one of his close friends, saw him at the entrance of the school and waved at him, "Frank! Come here, let's go in together."

Frank wasn't in the mood, still a bit bitter about yesterday, "What's up Luca?"

He must have chucked it up to Frank not being a morning person though, because he ignored his grumpiness, "What's been going on lately Frank?

"It's been a while since we last went out together. You mad at us or what?"

Frank really didn't want to have this conversation, but what could he do? "No no, why would I be mad? Been busy, that's all."

"I don't know Frank, you seemed different the last couple of months. What's going on?" Luca wasn't buying it.

"Have I? I haven't noticed. Maybe I've changed a little, that's all. Let's go in before class starts." Frank started walking towards the classroom.

Luca tried his best, but if Frank didn't want to tell him, he wouldn't bother to keep asking.

Class started and Frank started dozing off again.

He slept through a couple of classes to make up for yesterday's late night. 5 hours of sleep wasn't enough, especially if he tossed and turned in his sleep.

Classes ended before Frank knew it and he started jogging his way back home.

He barely worked up a sweat by the time he reached his door, but it was good enough. Some exercise was better than no exercise.

When he walked in and closed the door behind him, he saw that there was no one home. His father was at work and his mother was probably talking with one of her friends.

He took a quick shower, changed into all dark colored clothing again and went towards the bar. Already he was a couple of minutes late, but he didn't care.

Vito saw him as soon as he walked through the door, "Aaay, Frank! You get lost on the way over?"

Frank sat down beside him, "Sorry, got held up a little. Now, you got any ideas for today?"

"Yeah, I gotta make a couple of stops today to pick up some cash. Don't know about after though, you think of something?"

Frank was a bit curious, "Pick up some cash? It's the 2nd of April, what kind of calendar do you have my friend?"

"What? Most collections are at the end of the month, but some are at the start. Especially now that Joe's got me picking up some of his own, the prick."

"Want some help?" Frank wanted to see who was on the payroll for the future.

"Yeah I could use it, but there's nothing in it for you. Any money left over after kicking up to Joe is mine."

"I know. I'll just come along while we think of what to do. Besides, you said you'd show me around didn't you?"

Vito got up, "Alright, let's go now then. There's an extra bat in the trunk for you, in case they don't have the money."

They got in the car and drove off.

Frank noticed that the gin was still in the car and asked, "Why's the gin still here? You didn't bring it up to your apartment last night?"

Vito kept his eyes on the road, "No, why risk it? After I finish picking up the money today, I'll go to Joe and give him his share.

"While I'm there, I'll also ask him if he wants to buy the gin we stole. He'll be in a good mood after I give him the money, maybe he'll pay more."

Frank nodded, "Alright, but park the car in front of the place we're going to. Let's not have someone steal the gin okay?"

"Relax, I'll lock the car. Only way someone is taking that gin is if they break the windows."

Soon after, Vito stopped the car in front of a nice looking house. They both got out and Vito knocked on the front door.

"Who is it?" The guy in the house seemed to be expecting Vito this time of month, so he asked first before opening the door.

Vito replied, "It's me, Vito. Now open that door up before I break it Matt."

A couple of seconds passed and the door hadn't opened yet. They could still hear the guy breathing behind it, he was probably hesitating.

"Think of your children Matt. How are you going to provide for them if you can't walk? Do you want them to see me beat you down Matt?

"Now open the fucking door, I won't say it again."

This time they heard keys clanging around, the guy was trying to open the door in a rush, "Hey Vito, nice to see you. I was just looking for the keys."

The guy seemed nervous, so if he had the money he would probably pay, at least that's what Frank thought.

"Yeah, I bet it is. Where's my money Matt? And before you answer, I hope you have it. For your sake."

The guy was visibly sweating now, "Of course I have it, it's right in my bedroom. I wasn't expecting you so soon. Let me go get it and I'll bring it right down."

Vito thought he'd pay, but he wasn't taking any chances, "Sure, no problem. Let me come with you to spare you the trip back though huh?"

A bitter smile appeared on Matt's face, "Yeah, sure, no problem. Come with me, it's right up the stairs."

Frank stayed at the door to watch the car and not long after he saw Vito coming back down the stairs with a smile on his face, "Let's go Frank."