How to Save a Life

After the initial stab of pain wore off the anger set in. All I wanted was a little trust from him. I needed time to get his money back, to sort out what to do about Tommy, but he wouldn’t give me the benefit of the doubt. He demands trust when he gave me none in return.

“Talk to me. How can I help?”

I’ve been putting it off for a while, but it’s time to come clean about Tommy and Ivan. If anyone can help, it’s Dom.

Tears well in my eyes. I love this man. I don’t know where I would be without the Vegas. “It’s Tommy, he’s in a pinch with Ivan DeloRusso.”

“The Russian meatball?” he says, confused.

“The bookie.”

“Yeah, that was our name for him down at precinct. This was before he got into gambling. We picked him up a half dozen times for grand theft auto. Used to run with both outfits, the Russians and the Italians. How is Tommy involved?”

“He lost money at the poker table. I paid off the debt––”

“Ah kid, why didn’t you come see me sooner? If Ivan knows he can lean on you, it ain’t gonna stop. They don’t slaughter the goose that lays the golden eggs for the meat. That’s how these guys operate. He’s gonna hook Tommy for more. I guarantee it.”

Legs trembling, I sit on one of his stools.

“I think he already has. Tommy came to see me the other day, talking about skipping town. That they were after him…I don’t know what to do. I’m worried they could hurt him.”

Dom gives me that look that says not much. I know Tommy is an adult, but I need to exhaust all options for his sake and mine, so I can live with myself later.

“Play stupid games win stupid prizes. Ivan is a hothead. There’s no guessin’ what he’ll do so you have to stay out of it. Don’t see Tommy for a while. And don’t let him over your place.”

In the pause, Dominic’s expression softens.

“Remember what I taught you. Adapt or die, sweetheart. You going down with a sinking ship doesn’t save anyone on the ship. Don’t let Tommy take you down too.”

In my gut, I’ve known it since the night he came to get me after my shift. And isn’t that exactly what happened. To protect Tommy, I lost Jordan and in the process put us all in harm. Tommy isn’t safer today than he was three months ago.

Standing, I walk over to him and give him a big hug. “I may have to take you up on that job offer later. I basically mortgaged my business to pay Ivan.”

Essentially, it’s true. Putting my business on hold had the same net effect. No more business. No more buildings. I’m starting from scratch.

“Oh, Riley…” Dom looks so upset I almost regret telling him.

“Let me know what happens.”

“I will.”

“Asshole.”

Veronica has developed a tick. Every ten minutes or so she shouts obscenities. And they’re always directed at one man.

“Just do me,” I plead. In an effort to look and feel a lot less like oatmeal left out in the rain, I’m having her do my makeup and hair.

“Douchenozzle.”

“Time out.” She stops braiding my hair and I get off the couch. In the kitchenette, I grab a Dr. Pepper out of her fridge.

“Don’t waste your time. He’ll never know how much you hate him.”

“He would if I sent him a pig’s head in the mail.”

I nearly spit up my soda. “I pretty sure that’s a crime. I’ll have to check that out.”

“I’m still mad at you too. You shoulda told me about the jamoke. I would’ve helped.”

“That’s why I didn’t tell you. Then we would both be broke with nothing to show for it.”

“Nah, I would’ve killed him. Then we’d both be fine.”

Almost three weeks since I saw Jordan. Or heard from him. Any small measure of hope I had that he would come to his senses has faded. I don’t even have the energy to be mad anymore.

The initial flash burn of rejection is always the most difficult part to get over, but eventually the resilience of the human heart wins out, pride telling you that life must go on. Besides, I have bigger problems than a broken heart right now. I need to put my properties up for sale or risk having them foreclosed on.

Veronica’s phone lights up. It’s an unknown number so she sends it straight to voicemail. “Let me check who it is. I’ve tried blocking Brandon three times already.”

I immediately know that something is very wrong because Veronica blanches, her expression frozen as she listens to the message.

“What is it?” I say, with my heart in my throat.

“It’s Tommy. They couldn’t reach you, so they called your mother and she gave them this number.”

“What happened!” I’m nearly going into cardiac arrest.