Cracks

Chapter 17 Give and take

Things were slowly looking better for him. The moment he turned fifteen, he had asked Marco for a job in his carshop. He could make his own money, money that he didn't have to hand over to Vincent. The side jobs continued, but at least now he could save up some cash for a rainy day. Marco had even promised he could get his own place, above the carshop. There was a vacant room where he could bunk if he wanted to. One of the guys was showing him the ropes and it didn't take long before he could strip a car all by himself.

Ray looked up when Darren sauntered into the shop and he wiped his hands on a cloth before approaching his friend.

"Hey man, look at you!" Darren smirked, "almost like a pro." The two shook hands and bumped fists.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ray asked, "almost a pro? Really?"

Daren chuckled. "I'm just messing with ya, man. You know me."

Ray snorted. "So, what are you here for?"

"Got a nice Escalade outside for Marco. Is he in?"

Ray motioned with his head. "In the back with Alec. They're planning somethin' big. I wouldn't bother them right now. Just drive the car in and wait for him here."

Darren sighed and seated himself on the hood of one of the cars. The boys knew to mind their own business.

Ray waved him off. "Don't scratch the car, will you? Marco's gonna kill me. I just polished it. Client's gonna pick it up today."

Darren raised his hands in defense and slid to the floor. "Alright. Keep your cool. So, what's up? Decided to move in here yet?"

Ray sighed. "Thought about it. I ain't sure yet. Marco said he'll deduct the costs from my wages, but I need the money. What I do on the side, I have to give a cut to Vince. You know what he's like."

Darren let out a dry laugh. "Tell me about it. Why don't you consider Alec's offer though? He pays well."

Ray shook his head. "His business is way too shady for my liking. I value my life." He picked up a wrench and turned back to the car he'd been working on.

Darren shrugged. "Suit yourself. I'm gonna bring in the car. Be right back."

Ray waved the wrench in his direction as a greeting. Just another hour and he was off the clock. He wanted to have this car finished by then.

The door in the back of the shop opened and Marco and Alec walked in. They seemed to have come to some sort of agreement, because Marco nodded at Alec and the two parted ways.

Marco walked over to where Ray was working. He inspected the car and nodded content. "Good work, kid. You'll get far. Keep it up and I might have some other jobs for you as well."

Ray nodded his thanks. When he heard the engine of an Escalade, he turned around. Darren drove the car up to where Ray and Marco were standing and grinned. "Well, what do ya think?"

Marco narrowed his eyes. "What did I tell you about bringing cars into this shop during the day? The deal is, you call me when you got something and I tell you when to drop it off."

Darren pouted. "The opportunity presented itself. I couldn't pass it up."

An annoyed sigh escaped Marco's lips. "You're lucky you're good at what you do. At least drive it to the back. Tell the boys to work on it right away. Get rid of the VIN."