risk going back to pack a suitcase, so I headed over to Macy’s and bought a new wardrobe and a large dark blue suitcase. An hour later, I hauled it down to the bus station where I bought a ticket to Charleston, South Carolina. My plan was still formulating in my mind, but I figured I would either stay put there for a couple of weeks or just move on to wherever struck my fancy. Just until the heat on me from back home went away. I didn’t imagine that these New York illegal gambling types cared much for places like South Carolina. They were creatures of habit and enjoyed the cultural nuances of the big city and their connection to family. If, indeed, someone had been looking for me and the money, I figured they would give up searching after a couple of weeks…or at least that’s what I hoped would happen. I was no expert in these matters, far from it. I was pretty much flying by the seat of my pants, powered by adrenaline and instincts, and what I had seen on TV and in movies about underground gambling. I knew they had 'bookies' and the dead man, Gianni, must have been a bookie. That would explain the briefcase full of money.
I knew I could never go back to my job or my old apartment for that matter. Before boarding the bus, I had called Joey and told her that I was going out of town for a while. I gave her some vague half-baked story and explained that I needed some time away from everything to heal my wounds and get over my ex, Landon. I'd have to thank him later for making our break up so timely and convenient for me to use as an excuse to get out of town. Joey said she understood, since she recently had broken up with her boyfriend.
And my job? Well, that was history. I was sure Jerry has fired me, anyway. It didn’t matter. I had more than enough money to afford finishing my studies anywhere in the world without taking out more student loans. Well, that is, if I was going to keep the money. Once again the thought had occurred to me on my long bus ride to give the money to the police but I was now more than sure it wouldn’t get the bad guys off my back. I could barely sleep with my nerves being a wreck. Seething guilt has a way of doing a number on your conscience.
Once I arrived in Charleston, I would find a way to pay for my grandmother’s medical treatments. My first thought had been to go visit her, but that would be too risky. If someone indeed was following me, they could track me to her house and I couldn't risk that. I decided it would be better to pick a place at random, and since I had never been to Charleston , I figured that would be as good a place as any.
“Well, you will love it in Charleston.” Lucile was still talking. “My nephew lives there. You two should meet. Carsten is quite handsome, if I don’t say so myself, and single too.” She laughed and took out a picture.
He wasn’t exactly my type, wearing a boring business suit, and besides, dating would be the last thing on my mind for quite a while. “Yes, he’s cute.” I nodded and raised my eyebrows. “How old is he?”
“Thirty-one. He’s kind of a loner though. Lives for his job. He’s an accountant.” She beamed proudly, placing extra emphasis on the word 'accountant' like that was some kind of prize.
“Well, there’s plenty of time for him to find someone. It’s good to have a solid base first.”
I handed her the picture, smiled and looked out the window. My stomach rumbled. I placed my hand over it, wondering if it was hunger, or just my nervous guilt ridden stomach trying to talk to me.
As soon as the bus pulled into the small station, I lurched for the door in order to be one of the first off the bus. I had been cooped up with Lucille’s constant blathering for the last twenty hours, and my ears needed a well-deserved rest. Better escape her grasp before she suggested having lunch together.
In my haste to avoid an unwanted lunch invitation from loquacious Lucile, I
I knew I could never go back to my job or my old apartment for that matter. Before boarding the bus, I had called Joey and told her that I was going out of town for a while. I gave her some vague half-baked story and explained that I needed some time away from everything to heal my wounds and get over my ex, Landon. I'd have to thank him later for making our break up so timely and convenient for me to use as an excuse to get out of town. Joey said she understood, since she recently had broken up with her boyfriend.
And my job? Well, that was history. I was sure Jerry has fired me, anyway. It didn’t matter. I had more than enough money to afford finishing my studies anywhere in the world without taking out more student loans. Well, that is, if I was going to keep the money. Once again the thought had occurred to me on my long bus ride to give the money to the police but I was now more than sure it wouldn’t get the bad guys off my back. I could barely sleep with my nerves being a wreck. Seething guilt has a way of doing a number on your conscience.
Once I arrived in Charleston, I would find a way to pay for my grandmother’s medical treatments. My first thought had been to go visit her, but that would be too risky. If someone indeed was following me, they could track me to her house and I couldn't risk that. I decided it would be better to pick a place at random, and since I had never been to Charleston , I figured that would be as good a place as any.
“Well, you will love it in Charleston.” Lucile was still talking. “My nephew lives there. You two should meet. Carsten is quite handsome, if I don’t say so myself, and single too.” She laughed and took out a picture.
He wasn’t exactly my type, wearing a boring business suit, and besides, dating would be the last thing on my mind for quite a while. “Yes, he’s cute.” I nodded and raised my eyebrows. “How old is he?”
“Thirty-one. He’s kind of a loner though. Lives for his job. He’s an accountant.” She beamed proudly, placing extra emphasis on the word 'accountant' like that was some kind of prize.
“Well, there’s plenty of time for him to find someone. It’s good to have a solid base first.”
I handed her the picture, smiled and looked out the window. My stomach rumbled. I placed my hand over it, wondering if it was hunger, or just my nervous guilt ridden stomach trying to talk to me.
As soon as the bus pulled into the small station, I lurched for the door in order to be one of the first off the bus. I had been cooped up with Lucille’s constant blathering for the last twenty hours, and my ears needed a well-deserved rest. Better escape her grasp before she suggested having lunch together.
In my haste to avoid an unwanted lunch invitation from loquacious Lucile, I
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