Michael's Story

Chapter 2

The rattling of the hefty train coming along the tracks in the wooded area let the boys know they were right on schedule. The train whistled once, and then twice, and then a third time. They sprinted their way through the many bushes, droopy trees, and overgrown grass of the woods right to where they marked for their meet.

Eric, the mastermind behind the heist, was first to set foot on their designated spot. He dropped Pablo's bag on the ground directly next to him. He rested, leaning forward with his hands gripping his knees, to gain control of his breathing. The clattering of Ryan's, and soon after his, Stuffy's feet were coming to a stop as they neared Eric.

Stuffy came up close, reaching for the bag with a clownish grin on his face. He unzipped it, falling in love with the sight of what lie inside the oversized tote. His expression changed once Eric swiped his hand away. Ryan joined them, gasping for air as he settled with the second bag.

"I get my cut first and I get half," Eric said.

Stuffy's posture tightened with anger. All night there had been tension brewing between the three. He'd been surveying Eric, watching his every move closely since they'd met with him earlier. Stuffy was not as much of a fool as Eric had assumed. He knew there had been a catch the whole time.

Stuffy twisted his face, exchanging looks with Eric, "The fuck you mean 'half'?  We split it three ways, that's even."

Ryan's scoffing and side eye to Eric was an indicator that he agreed with Stuffy. Eric disregarded Ryan based on the fact that he'd already had a low tolerance for him. Besides, Eric had only called on them because he knew they were easy to round up.

"Nigga, the work wasn't even. I made shit happen and I held shit down while y'all did the easy part." Eric gloated, "I get half and y'all split the rest."

Stuffy's agitation was growing by the second. Everyone thought he and Ryan were dumb and would always try and take advantage. The roles they'd each taken were equally important. He had enough of being picked on. He wouldn't be played with, not about his money.

"I didn't risk my life to get sent the fuck off so we either spilt it evenly or I'm taking all this shit," Stuffy argued.

"Say what you want E but we ain't have to help yo ass at all. You gon break even or you get nothing." Ryan tried to negotiate.

"So, we gon' bust this shit down or not?" Stuffy proposed again.

"I told you what it is." Eric finalized.

Stuffy pushed forward with his finger thrusting Eric's way, "Look, nigga, if you don't fucking pay us we gon' light yo ass up."

"You sure about that?" Eric couldn't help but taunt him.

Stuffy made his next few moves carefully. It had only taken him a moment for him to realize he had to stand on his threat. He whipped out his .45. He stood wide and with much confidence that this would change Eric's decision. Ryan was in disbelief but had yet to intervene.

"You really wanna go there with me?" Eric ached to know if Stuffy was ready to face the consequences of his actions.

Stuffy snatched a single bag of money and drugs up, holding it at his side while the barrel of his gun focused on Eric. Ryan jumped in, instead of trying to diffuse the situation he took to Stuffy's side, swiping up the other bag. They both sized Eric up, waiting on him to repeat the words he'd spoken one last time. But, Eric wasn't easily intimidated. He'd taken a few seconds to run over the options in his head. The best option seemed to have been clear.

Faster than Stuffy or Ryan could blink Eric had shot a hole right into Stuffy's round belly. Ryan's body jerked with alertness. The bag dropped back down into the grass. Stuffy grappled his wound and while blood poured from his hands he took a leisurely fall forward. Ryan had drawn his gun, the same one Eric had given him for the night. Ryan pulled the trigger but there was only a clicking sound. The chamber was empty. Confusion and fright flushed his pale cheeks red as he looked at Eric. Quickly he snatched the second bag up preparing to sprint.