Cross Roads

Tony was feeling important when he told the man he wanted a mailbox with two keys. “I have some very private papers I don’t want my wife to see.” He sneered at the man, thinking his lie was a good one.

The man behind the counter held a stern look and handed him a form to fill out. While Tony was working on that, the man went to the back and came out with two keys. “How long do you want it for?”

He hadn’t asked her how long she wanted it. “What’s the shortest amount of time”?

“Six months, and that’s sixty dollars.”

Tony couldn’t believe how expensive it was, and hadn’t thought about having her pay upfront. He pulled out his wallet and went through the bills. He barely had enough but that was ok, he would go to Templetons and collect from her. She might even have his first envelope waiting for him. He paid the man and went to the box to test the keys. Everything was in order so he left, looking for Mrs. Templeton.

He entered through the back as he usually did, and peeked his head in the dining hall. She wasn’t there. He’d never been to the penthouse before and wondered if she would give him a tour.

She answered the door after several rings and frowned when she saw who it was. “Tony, what are you doing here? Are you crazy?” She stepped in the elevator and pushed the button to the floor below, and led them to the end of the hall. “You are a bigger idiot than I gave you credit.” She backed into an alcove and turned to face him, her face twisted up in anger.

“Gloria, I…”

“Call me Mrs. Templeton, you twit.”

He looked at her and wanted to put his hands around her throat. Who did she think she was, a stupid woman that became someone by marriage? He wanted to show her who the man was and belt her a few times but he wanted her money more. “I’ve done as you said, I had to pay sixty dollars to get it though, so I thought maybe you would have my first envelope to deliver and I could get reimbursed plus my pay.”

She thought for a moment. “Stay here and if you hear anyone coming, leave before they see you.” She went back to her penthouse and put together her first letter for Quinton. Then, she put one hundred and sixty dollars in a separate envelope. She knew she needed to pay him well to keep his mouth shut.

When she returned, he was waiting. “Don’t ever come up here again, Tony. I’ll find you when I need your services.” She slapped the envelopes in his hand and left for the elevator.

As soon as the elevator doors closed, he peeked to see how much she gave him. His smile grew large and he started whistling as he made his way to the car.