Chapter 2

“Now arriving at ‘Ya-ya’s Chop’s’ chop shop and mechanical repair. Operator, how would you like me to finalize this journey?” asked the vehicle.

“Drop us up front, then pull into the shops loading stall.” replied Lucas. The G Wagon pulled in front of the shop and stopped directly in front of the entrance. Lucas got out first and made his way around the vehicle to open Emma’s door. Once Emma and Lucas were out of the vehicle and a safe distance away it drove off, turning towards the garage.

Elijah’s shop wasn’t too far from Lucas’ apartment. It was small, with a minuscule parking lot, no lights, and no signs. The windows were lined with dust as old as the rest of the building, and the building looked on the verge of collapse. No customers ever came here, only business men and women looking to offload others assets. Lucas was one of these businessmen.

As Lucas and Emma neared the door they were greeted again by Ernest, the virtual door man.

“A great pleasure to see you today sir, I do believe it’s been ages.” Ernest said toward Lucas, before opening the door and turning his holographic head toward Emma, “and ma’am, even longer since I’ve had the pleasure.”

“The pleasure is and always has been mine Ernest.” Emma responded in her overly nice manner.

“Hey Ernest,” Lucas said seriously, “erase all history regarding mine and Emma’s visits to this location alright.”

Ernest’s virtual face sank, and he responded “I would love to sir, however permission must be granted from sir Elijah to do so.”

Lucas didn’t respond but instead started off towards Elijah’s office. Emma quickly followed after.

“I want 15 and Ernest’s memory erased, quick I need to go!” Lucas shouted as soon as he burst in the office door.

“Whoa, whoa man. First of all, hello, good morning, welcome. Jesus.” Elijah spouted calmly, standing up to greet Lucas and Emma. “I don’t have 15 on me at the moment all right. I have 10 and I can get you the re-“

“Bitch!” Lucas interrupted, “this G Wagon is 100 new. I got it from Benny so that’s 50 off right there. Thought you were my boy so that was 30 to you, 15 now and 15 later. Where’s the other 5 we discussed?”

“I-I-I don’t have it Lucas. I don’t kn-“ before Elijah could finish Lucas grabbed him by the hair and slammed his face on the desk. In the same quickness Lucas pulled out his Glock 30 and placed the barrel in front of Elijahs mouth. Emma made her way to the front of the shop and locked the doors.

“What’s that Ya-ya? It sounded like you were about to tell me how you spent my money knowing I had this early bird for you. My hearing must be off right?”

“Let me go to the safe!” Elijah screamed with a tear rolling down his face. “I know how you do business Luke, I’d never fuck you over alright. We’re family alright. I’m going through some shit and-“ Lucas smacked the pistol against Elijah’s temple.

“The safe now!” Lucas shouted at the top of his lungs. Elijah began bleeding but didn’t say another word. He stammered to the safe and punched in an 8 digit code. The door to the safe swung open revealing 3 large stacks of cash. Elijah made to start filling a duffel bag when Lucas pistol whipped him again. Lucas gestured to Emma and she zip tied Elijah’s hands.

With all the cash in the safe now stored in several duffel bags, Lucas kneeled beside Elijah and said, “It didn’t have to be so difficult Ya-Ya. You used to be fair, did business the proper way.” Elijah whimpered quietly. “I don’t know what changed in you, but we can’t do business anymore. I’m sure you can understand.”

Lucas walked Emma out through the back door, grabbing the keys to a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Emma put the duffel bags in the Jeep and checked to make sure it was safe to drive. While she was occupied with the vehicle Lucas went to the shops breaker panel. He stuffed a wrench between the fuses, sparks began to fly, and he ran back to the Jeep jumping in the passenger seat. Emma shifted into drive and burned out the tires taking off down the street. They both looked back as smoke began pouring from the shop.

“How much was in the safe?” Emma asked, smiling broadly.

“Just under $6 million.” Lucas responded trying to hide the sadness in his voice.

“Why so glum, that’s more than we expected to start the day with!” She exclaimed happily.

“Ya-ya used to be my friend. He had $6 million and refused me the $5,000 we discussed. I had to do what I did, but why did he do what he did?”

“He wanted to put more money in his pocket. That’s all there was to it. And you’re absolutely right, you had to do it.” When it came to money Emma had no remorse. This wasn’t the first separation of partnerships she’s experienced with Lucas, and she didn’t want to admit that it was her favorite part of their business.

“You’re right. What time is it?” Lucas asked.

“9:15 now. Where are we meeting Oliver?”

“His house.”

“That’s an hour away!”

“Not if you take the 12, there’s no cops there this early.”

Emma pressed the pedal down a bit harder and they sped to Oliver’s as fast as they could.