Why did I ever agree to do this? Sure, I can drive, and I could use the money, but I have never done anything like this in my life.
Larry’s instructions were straight forward, “Just keep the car running in the alley behind the bank.”
He makes it all sound so natural and routine. After all, it’s not like I am breaking any laws. I sit here in my car like people do every day of the week. I wish Larry would hurry up. I could leave him here. After all, he never told me everything he intended to do. I could claim his instructions were dubious at best. He never said how long to stay behind the bank. I think it’s been at least ten minutes. How long does this sort of thing take? I guess that question is not something I can Google since Larry did not tell me his plan.
If I leave, there is no payday, and I could use that money right now. The bills are piling up. People say there are plenty of jobs, but not for old worn out geezers like me. Besides, what is the worst that can happen? Nobody suspects an old man sitting in his car parked in the alley. If things go wrong, I can always say Larry is an acquaintance and offered to pay me for this errand. I do wish I knew how he was pulling this off. At least if anyone asks me, I can truthfully say I had no idea what Larry had planned today.
Why am I getting worked up? It isn’t like I am in there robbing the bank. Still, why would Larry keep me in the dark? Wait, what is that? Is that the bank alarm? Oh no, what’s happening?
There’s Larry. “Run, Larry, hurry up!”
“Jerry, back this car down the alley quick! They might be following me?”
“Ok! Hang on!”
Keep your wits about you, Jerry, hold her steady. Whew, I’m glad to be a block away from that.
“What did you do, Larry? Are the police coming?”
“I sure hope so. I just finished getting some cash out of my safe deposit box when these two guys came in wearing masks and waving their guns in the air. I was near the front door, so I made a run for it. Just drive easy and get us home.”
“I don’t understand, Larry. Why did you need me to drive you down here, and what are you paying me for?”
“Jerry, we’ve been friends for a lot of years. You had hired me when I hit hard times and gave me good advice when I needed it. I just wanted to return the favor. I’m putting this envelope in your glovebox. It has some cash in it to help carry you through for a few months.”
Wow, should I tell him what I thought he was doing in the bank? Probably not.
“Thank you. I had no idea that’s what you had planned.”
“We’re friends, Jerry. More than that, we are like brothers. Anytime you need anything, you just let me know.”