The Offer

March 25

Mac picked his up his glass, which contained a double. His eyes looked at her just above the rim of the glass. He took a sip.

“Well, what about it?” she snarled.

Mac put his bourbon on the desktop and reached for the smoldering cigar, which he had stationed on the ashtray.

He mumbled through his clenched lips the cigar end burning brightly. “Well, we haven’t got to the part where I love you, but we damn well have reached the point where you leave me.”

“So, you’re not going to help Joe, even if I’m the payment.”

Mac placed the cigar back on the ashtray and grabbed his drink. Dangerous woman, he thought.

“I don’t break the law unless I have to…and Joe is not a good reason to break the law, even for you, sweetheart.”

“Joe is not going to like this double-cross.”

“Joe doesn’t listen. I don’t break the law for anyone… only for myself. And the payment is too low.”

“You are a stinking rat, you know that!”

Mac got up, walked to the door, and opened it. “Get out before I throw you out.”