Termination Clause

Part 5

 "Any problems?"

"Nothing beyond the usual," Jimmy replied.

"When we get back I want you to take a week off and lie low for a bit.  Go someplace you can relax.  Terry will look after things while you're away.  I just can't have you getting sent to prison right now while things are still pretty hot on the streets."

"I'll be fine Uncle.  You know I'm al...."

"I'm telling you to take the week off Jimmy," Lucas interrupted.  "You know I care about you, so just do this for me and you can come back in a week when things have settled down."

"Yes Uncle," Jimmy sighed.  He knew his uncle was right.  He was just in the police station earlier that same evening for questioning on a different homicide.  The police only had camera footage showing him near the location of the homicide, so there wasn't any real evidence against him, but, nonetheless, it was still dangerous ground to be walking on after tonight.  He would have to tread lightly for a little bit.

Uncle Lucas placed a reassuring hand on his nephew's shoulder and gave it a little shake as he smiled.  The two chatted a bit all the way back to Lucas' condo.

It wasn't laying low that bugged Jimmy.  He and Terry were good friends, but he knew that Terry had always felt he only came in second because Jimmy was Lucas' nephew.  This would be the perfect chance for Terry to try and take his spot, and this made him feel somewhat uneasy.

Terry wasn't there when the station wagon pulled into the driveway; he was out at one of Lucas' nightclubs collecting overdue bar tabs.

Jimmy and his uncle climbed out the car, leaving the keys still in the ignition.  Two stout men were walking down the driveway carrying a large black bag that appeared to be fighting back.  Muffled words could be faintly heard as the men dropped the bag in the back-hatch and slammed it shut.  These "garbagemen," as they were called, were on their usual disposal duty.

Jimmy handed over the briefcase he was still holding to the doorman as he entered the condo.  Inside he took a long shower and packed a suitcase with some of his belongings.

Before he left, Uncle Lucas took him aside and said, "Everything will be fine.  Just clear your head a bit and do your best to stay off the radar."

He handed over a stack of crisp bills.  "Have some fun."

Jimmy smiled.  "Thanks Uncle."

Uncle Lucas returned the smile as he embraced his nephew.

Jimmy walked out to the garage where he selected a silver El Camino and began his drive out of town.