“Rafa.”
“You wanted to meet with me. I hope you came to a satisfactory conclusion.”
“I came to make a deal.”
“Oh?” He cocked his head. “A deal wasn’t part of what we discussed.”
“But that’s what I’m here for anyway.”
“Okay then. Let’s hear what you have to say.”
I took a deep breath and let it out.
“Last night I called my father.”
“Really? How’s he doing?”
“He’s still a drunk criminal, but I asked him something interesting.”
“What did you ask him, Gibson?”
“I asked him if he knew things about your organization, things you wouldn’t want people to know.”
“And what did he say?” That smile never left his face, not even for a second.
“He told me things. Not big things, not important things, but things that would be interesting for law enforcement to know about. My dad may be a drunk asshole, but he’s been a criminal his whole life.”
“Interesting,” Rafa said. “Very interesting. Now what’s to stop me from going over and killing your father right now?”
I shrugged. “That’d be fine. I actually wouldn’t care. But I saved that phone conversation.”
“Good,” Rafa said, grinning. “Very good. Now, why don’t I just kill you?”
He took a gun from his waistband. He didn’t point it at me, but he held it loosely at his side. My heart started beating faster in my chest.
“Because now I’m going to give you that five thousand back. I’m going to give you that money and you’re going to let me go. If you kill me, my girlfriend will tell the cops. She saw you and she knows where I am.”
“Interesting,” Rafa said. “And why don’t I kill her, too?”
“That’s a lot of bodies, Rafa,” I said. “Lots of scrutiny. Are you sure the cops won’t find something about you?”
Rafa stared at me, and his grin got even bigger. He began to laugh, and I watched him nervously as he doubled over, tears practically streaming from his eyes.
Finally, he got control of himself. He straightened up and nodded at me. “Okay, Gibson. Toss me the money.”
I picked up the duffel at my feet and threw it to him. He slung it over his shoulder.
“You’re a good kid,” Rafa said, “so I’ll tell you what. I’ll take this cash and we’ll call it even, but I’m going to hurt your father for talking.”
“Good,” I said. “He deserves worse.”
“I know that.” Rafa laughed, shaking his head. “You’ve got some serious balls, kid. A lot of guys in my position might just kill you for fun.”
“I’m glad I’m not talking to those guys.”
“Me too. Truth is, the mafia is a business, and it’s bad for business when we murder football stars. I want you to think good thoughts about me, Gibson, and one day I might come to you. I might ask for a favor, something small, something you’ll be able to do, and I hope you’ll do it.”
I clenched my jaw. I didn’t like that last part, but I didn’t see how I had any other choice but to go along with it.
“Okay,” I said.
“Truth is, Gibson, I’m something of a football fan myself, which is why I’m involved in this at all. I should really break your legs, but I’m rooting for you to make the NFL. So, remember your friends.”
I nodded. “I can do that.”
“Good luck this weekend, Gibson.” Rafa grinned at me. “I’ve got money on you. Don’t let me down.” He turned, got back into his car, and drove away.
I felt completely drained as he left. I felt like I had given up something that I never should have.
But it was over. I didn’t think he’d ever be coming back. It was over, and I could finally go back to my life. Sure, my money problem was still around, but I had other ideas about that.
I started the walk back to campus, smiling to myself.
30
Avery
My phone was ringing, but I had no clue why.
I was only half awake. I lifted my head and saw that it was almost one in the morning. My phone started ringing again, and this time I grabbed it.
“Hello?” I answered, groggy.
“Avery, it’s me.”
“Gibson?”
“I need to see you,” he said.
“It’s so late. I’m seeing you in a few hours.”
“Please. This is important.”
I bit my lip and sighed. “Okay, okay. Where are you?”
“In the hall outside your apartment.”
I paused. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. Open up.” He hung up the phone.