“So call him. Tell him we’re leaving or make up something, but let’s get this show on the road. We can’t hang here forever. If he has a job for us, then let’s get to it so we can put all this behind us. The longer we hang around here, the more danger we’re in. Surely, you can see that. Make the damn call already.”

His hands shaking, Alonzo rooted through his pockets for his phone. Miggy wondered if he was the only one who could see how Al’s hands trembled. Miggy was stunned to realize that his leader was scared out of his wits. He looked away, feeling disloyal somehow, yet grateful to know that his friend wasn’t going to do something stupid that would land them all in jail. At least for the moment.

Miggy’s heart fluttered when he heard the ugly bravado in Alonzo’s voice as he started the conversation. “Me and my crew are sick and tired of your bullshit, Mr. Hot Shot. We’re preparing to move out in the next hour, so if you want to avail yourself of our services, you need to be here before that happens. Do we understand each other? I know it’s broad daylight. I’m not blind. The Cricket woman is going to be back before it gets dark, so get that idea out of your head. I have my boys, and I need to take care of them. I’m going to give you an hour to think about this, and if I don’t hear from you, we’re coming to get you and, yes, we know you’re in Happy Village. Short of a flesh-and-blood visit, we can call the police, and the Village will be surrounded in a New York minute. Think hard, Mr. Hot Shot. And don’t forget to bring the money you owe us, for both the hit on Cosmo Cricket and all the tenants you had us abduct and kill.”

Miggy and the others stared at Alonzo, waiting to hear what he had to say. “Hot Shot wants to wait for darkness. He has a point, I have to give him that. The same thing goes for us if we decide to peel out of here now. Darkness is ideal for both sides. I say we take a vote.”

* * *