Streetlife

72 - Coming Up Short

LENA POV

As I head up the elevator of the Palace Motel, I thankfully had gotten myself together and had stopped crying over my aunt. With the help of Julius I realized I wasn't going to be able to solve anything right this second, but I would eventually, as I enter Mike's motel room and get myself ready to collect the money.

I wasn't even sure if Warbucks was here or not considering it was a weekday, but I didn't question it or even ask because well I knew my place and respected his decisions. Even if some of them hurt like hell and even if I didn't always agree with them.

Despite the fact that it is almost 7 'o clock in the morning, it's already turning out to be another hot day as I feel instant relief from the AC in this room, something I'm grateful for and Julius let me share his room last night for it was another killer.

Looking around the main sitting room, I see it's pretty tidy which wasn't unusual for Warbucks was very neat and tidy to the point that he noticed if anything was out of place. The man hated chaos and a mess, I laugh to myself as I suddenly hear giggling.

Ignoring it and realizing he probably is here with another woman I try to brush it off as I walk over to the giant safe in the closet that is besides the bathroom and plug in the combination. Pulling out the cash box and clip board with everyone's name on it I grab a pen and prepare everything for the day.

Of course, I pull out the Colt .45-caliber pistol and make sure the bullets are handy, for this was one of the most dangerous parts of this job. With all of this cash flow, Warbucks had made sure to teach me that I should never ever start collecting without the gun nearby. He had bought me a holster, but I feel more comfortable with it in my small bag which I keep between my feet. Of course, he had taken me to a shooting range to practice a couple of times, but I hoped I never had to use it...ever.

"Good morning, Pixie," Bruce walks in now with my favorite cappuccino and chocolate croissant, and I smile widely at him as he places it on the table beside me.

Bruce was a sweet guy, very big and muscular, over 6'6" and he did not play around. I was always grateful when he was here because I felt safer and he was a good guy and honestly, I'd count him as a friend even if we never made mention of it.

"Why thank you, kind sir. Much appreciated. Get any sleep last night?" I smile at him as I sip my cappuccino.

He looks at me and clears his throat as he takes a sip of his coffee. "Yes and no. I mean it was such a hot and muggy night, and well, Bernie didn't show again. So, I had to get up around 4 and take over watching the girls. Thankfully Sherman came in on time so I could get over here."

"Really? What was Bernie's excuse this time around?" I ask around a bite of my flaky croissant and roll my eyes for Bernie was just all around unreliable and I was wondering when Warbucks was going to get rid of him as he didn't put up for no-shows or tardiness for that matter. But he did seem rather distracted at times lately and I was assuming it was because he had alot going on maybe.

"Hell if I know. I was too busy screaming on the god damn phone on his answering machine as I weaved in and out of traffic! Can't leave those girls alone! Freaking fuck up he is and boss is gonna have his head and mine if he doesn't get his shit straight. It's my head on a platter, and my reputation because I'm the one who hired his ass!"

"No, Warbucks knows you are a good worker." I whisper as the both of us hear giggling again from the other room as I try to ignore it once again and clear my throat as it turns into full blown moaning.

"He's got a real wild one in there." Bruce whispers again as I furrow my eyebrows wondering if it's her when I'm knocked out my thoughts by a knock at the door.