CHAPTER 5

Persephone: 15 Months Ago

Had to cool my heels in lockup for a time whilst the “financial arrangements” were made for my release. Wonder what the cop’s take was on the deal. No matter.

When the cell door finally opened it was filled with one of the biggest men I’ve ever seen. Seems to me I know this guy from somewhere, but my head’s still muzzy from the kicking, and being used as a battering ram. When I said “through the door” earlier I meant just that. Ow. Hurts even to think on it.

“Let’s Go, McAllister. We don’t want to keep the boss waiting, now do we?,” the man-mountain rumbled.

The trip to Barty’s place is free of conversation which suits me just fine. I’m content to simply try to keep my brains from leakin’ out my ears. The way my right ear keeps ringin’ I’m hopin’ the eardrum ain’t busted, that whole side of my head is swoll-up and prolly sportin’ a boot-shaped bruise. I ever figger out who done it I’m gonna tear off his leg and beat him to death with it.

I’m ushered into an elevator on the ground floor of a fairly decrepit-lookin’ warehouse. Business must be good, there’s plenty of crates in various sizes and shapes, loaders movin’ stuff around. Legit cover for the dirtier side of things? Likely enough, I’d seen similar before.

Barty’s office, now, this is sumthin’ else. Posh pretty well covers it. Framed pictures on the walls, big shiny desk, hell, there’s even a potted plant over by the window. Guess crime pays pretty well around here.

“Mr. McAllister, please, come in, sit down,” Barty says, coming out from behind the desk.”May I get you something, a drink perhaps?”

“Water, and a pain-killer’d be great, thanks.”

This ain’t right. He bails me outta the local greybar, now I’m sittin’ here bein’ treated like I’m an honored guest. Wait for the hook, it’s gotta be there.

“Jacob. May I call you Jacob?” he asked, returning to his desk.

“Just Jake is fine, sir. “

“Of course. Jake, then. You are no doubt wondering why I would trouble myself to pay the bill