The Night the Rich Men Burned

The Night the Rich Men Burned by Malcolm Mackay Page B

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Authors: Malcolm Mackay
Tags: Fiction, General, Mystery & Detective
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judgement on the deal. If he sees anything untoward, he must walk away. Up to him to decide what constitutes untoward. Not just Bowles playing careful, although he always does that. It’s also a sign of trust. He considers Peterkinney smart enough to handle this job, to make this judgement.
    Peterkinney’s in his car. He’ll go back to the flat first, stash the money. Would be nice to find out a little more about this Howie Lawson before he does the job tomorrow. No chance. Peterkinney doesn’t know enough people in the business that he could ask. Not yet. Only been involved for a couple of months, mind you. He’s learning fast and learning well. He has a few contacts of his own already, and he’s picking up more as he goes along. He has the intelligence, and he has the attitude.
    Would be nice to hang out with Glass for a while, but what’s the point? He’ll be with little Ella Fowler. Always with Ella these days. Living the life, is what Alex calls it. She practically lives with him now. Going out to parties all the time. She works a lot of parties. Glass goes along and has fun, apparently. Peterkinney still hasn’t gotten his head round that. She’s a very sweet girl, in a girly sort of a way. But she does get on his fucking nerves. All sweetness and light, giggles and mumbles. Glass has fallen for her big time. Fair enough, she’s pretty, and she’s obviously into him. Or some idea of him. A hooker and a jobless thug, trying to play happy families. Trying to pretend that they’ve got something unique going on. That’s what gets on Peterkinney’s nerves. They can’t see how hard you have to work to get anything good in this business. He sees it. He’s doing it.
    Fine. Let her take Glass to her parties. Let them get hammered every night. Let them wallow in their childish idea of a loving relationship. Whatever keeps them happy. Not like he doesn’t have other things to be getting along with now. Marty’s given Glass a few jobs, but it’s real garbage stuff, and it’s only now and again. He always has something for Peterkinney, as long as Peterkinney’s willing. Today, he is.

2
    Last night was a good night. Lots of drink. Some coke that was given out free. Got home about two. Ella got back around six. Glass doesn’t know where she went. Hasn’t asked. Won’t ask. She makes more money than he does. She seems to like it. She seems happy with her life. He isn’t going to do anything to rock that boat. Why would he? This is what he wanted. What he always thought was the perfect life. Parties most nights. Drinking every night. Out with his girl. A pretty girl. A girl who loves him back. That’s what it’s all about.
    Been like this for a couple of months. Honestly, he’s pretty exhausted. And it ain’t cheap. All the drink, all the drugs. That costs money. Sure, some parties have freebies. The big parties. Most don’t. It’s an expensive life. Money he doesn’t have, going up his nose or down the toilet. Wouldn’t be a problem if he could get more work from Marty. Marty isn’t helping him out as much as he should.
    This is another thing that pisses him off. Why is Marty giving Peterkinney all the work, and hardly any to Glass? That doesn’t make sense. It was Glass that set up the job on Holmes. It was Glass who led the job. They did a good job. Must have, because Marty’s using them both still. But he uses Peterkinney all the time. Glass hardly at all. Occasional jobs that don’t pay much. Not much use. Just doesn’t seem fair.
    He’d mention it to Peterkinney, if he ever saw Peterkinney. Hardly ever comes round these days. Seems like he’s working hard to keep his distance. Obviously doesn’t like Ella. Or doesn’t like the fact that Glass has a girl and he doesn’t. Or maybe just doesn’t like the life that Glass and Ella are living now. A couple. A proper relationship. Hard to tell what his problem is. Probably because he doesn’t like Ella, which is another thing to piss him off.

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