CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 52: COMPENSATION

"When are we getting paid for our mission in Paris?" I asked Rockie over the phone.

"Soon. I just have to write your check," he told me.

"Wait... Did you already get paid?"

"Yeah. That's kinda how it works, rookie. The boss gets paid first then it trickles down to you."

"How much were you paid?"

"A million."

"I thought we agreed to two million."

"Yeah, but the boss takes half."

"Half?! How is that fair?" I asked.

"We wouldn't have gotten the job if it weren't for him."

"But he's not the one who had to travel and put his life on the line."

"That's just how it works, bro. We don't question it and we don't complain."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Okay. So what do we get? A third of one million is... about $333,000?"

"250,000," Rockie said.

"I'm pretty sure it's three hundred-"

"Two fifty is what you and Blade are getting. I'm your boss, remember? I get half of our earnings."

"Hold on," I said. "First of all, the only reason we got two million is because of me. That's nearly twice as much as it was originally."

"Yes, and I made sure the boss knew that."

"And second," I continued. "I was the reason our mission was successful. I put my life on the line!"

"Oh yeah. That reminds me. Your hospital visit was $20,000 so that will be deducted from your check."

"You've gotta be kidding me! That was a work injury! It should be covered."

"What are you gonna do? File a claim?" I could sense him holding back laughter.

"I want to talk to the boss."

"Crypto, what did I just teach you? We don't question and we don't complain. You should be happy. $230,00 is still a lot of money. If you question the boss, he can take it all away."

"There's another thing you taught me, Rockie: Don't be afraid to go all-in when the circumstances call for it."

Rockie sighed. "Fine. What message do you want me to pass along?"

"I want compensation for my injury. The boss has plenty of money. He can afford it. That's the least he can do for me after all I've done for him. Be sure to pass that along."

"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you." Rockie hung up.

A few days later, I heard a beeping noise coming from outside. When I looked outside the window, I saw a big delivery truck backing up in front of our driveway.

"Uncle Blade... Are you expecting a delivery?" I asked.

"Uh... No..." he said.

The delivery guy walked to our front door, but he was carrying a clipboard instead of a package. I went to the door and opened it before he could even knock.

"Are you Crypto Federici?" the guy asked.

"Yes?" I said.

"I've got a truckload of boxes for you. I need you to sign this." He held out the clipboard.

"I wasn't expecting anything," I told him.

"Well your name and address is written on all the boxes."

"Can I see them?"