“You want the truth…from me? How ironic, considering that you deem me incapable of telling such a thing. You haven’t trusted me since the Chicago heist. You see anything I do as a ‘manipulation’ in order to ‘destabilize’ the team; you think I called you in a ‘panic’ instead of being concerned and very much aware that there is more at stake here than just money. Why should I tell you anything? I tried telling you the truth once. Not that it did me any good then. And it’s not like you trust me enough to believe me now.”
Leigh moved towards the window and turned her back to Aaron and looked out onto the water. The sun was almost gone and the remaining light colored the horizon a deep red which was fading quickly. Leigh heard Aaron move towards her and stiffened.
“Leigh, just tell me what’s got you so scared?” Aaron was behind her now and slid an arm around her waist, his voice a whisper against her ear. “C’mon, baby, you can tell me.” Leigh struggled to move away from him and turned to face him. The look on her face said it all.
“Don’t.” She was pissed. “Don’t you dare use what we once had as a way to try and manipulate me now. Don’t give me another reason to hate you even more than I already do.”
Aaron took one look at her and knew immediately that he had used the wrong tactic with her. For a brief moment he looked almost sorry. Then the mask came down again. It was back to business as usual.
“If you don’t tell me what’s going on, you’re out of this deal. We’ll move on without you.”
It was an empty bluff and they both knew it.
“We both know that you can’t do this heist without me. But if that’s how you feel, I’ll leave here first thing in the morning.” She turned and headed to the door to leave. He grabbed her arm and she spun around looking like she could punch him.
“You are the most difficult woman I have ever met!” he said fiercely. He was trying not to let his anger get the best of him, but she was really trying his patience.
“And you’re an arrogant son of a bitch who can’t handle someone not blindly following your every word,” she said, wrestling away from his grip. “Yeah, we need to get on that boat, but why must we be out in the open? What’s so important that Viv and I can’t stay hidden and unseen with the rest of the crew?”
“Tell me what’s got you so scared, and I’ll tell explain why you and Viv can’t remain behind the scenes.”
Leigh appraised him deciding if she should tell him everything. They were silent for a few moments, and then Leigh walked over to the table, opened a beer and sat down. Aaron took the seat across from her and pulled out his cigarettes and offered her one. She took one and he lit hers and then his.
She took a long drag and watched as the smoke curled upward from the lit end in a slow swirling motion. Then she began.
“Everyone here is excited about the payout if this heist goes through, but what no one seems to have questioned is: why I would want to get involved when I’m already wealthy? My money may have started dirty, but I’ve been able to parlay it into a small fortune. I don’t need the money, I already have plenty, so why would I be here?”
“I’ve wondered that myself.”
“Of course you have. You always were one to question everything,” she said quietly. “Remember what I said when I called you? This is more than just about the money. Lives are at stake. I wasn’t panicking or over-exaggerating. We’re dealing with Ramos here, and he’s not just some drug dealer who has eluded the law. He’s more than what he appears to be. You know that expression, ‘politics makes strange bedfellows’?”
“Yeah. What about it?”
“Well, Ramos has a few in his pocket, here and there. Judges, cops, but most importantly politicians.”
“Not unusual for a man in his position,” Aaron said, waiting to see where this was going.
“Information is power, Aaron. Youknow that.” She paused, clearly debating whether she should continue or not.
“Go on,” Aaron coaxed, wanting her to continue now that she had started.
Leigh flicked her ash and watched the smoke rise for a few seconds. Then she took a deep breath and told him what he wanted to hear: the truth.
