Permutation

Chapter One

"I don't like mistakes. You know that."

Most everybody silently sighed.
The hot sun beat down at a raging 93 degrees on to the Chicago summer air as it crept into August. The distinct sounds of the city continued as the day went on. A Chicago train ran through downtown as it does everyday; heightening the desire for the sweet science of air conditioning for the few men standing in the alleyway. Some willingly wiped beads of sweat accumulating form the heat.

"Mistakes equal problems. Problems lead to the feds," the man said. He stood from the hood of his car, his goons behind him. "Now, you guys are my favorite acquaintances. Work buddies. Partners. But I gotta set some boundaries here, ya know," He motions toward the man adjacent from him. "Richard, you must understand my concern, right?

Richard takes off his cap, scratches his head, then replaces it. Sweat has already accumulated on the armpits of his shirt and back.
"Thanks, Joey, but this was small. No way the feds get a sniff of this." Richard saunters over to a skittish young man teetering on his heels, not making eye contact with either of the men. "Tell ya what, it was a rookie mistake. Honest. Georgie, over here, stays away from the drop offs, it never happens again. Problem solved. No feds." Richard says something quietly to the boy, allowing him to retreat back into the bar.

After a brief moment, Joey nods. "Alright, Rich. I'll take your word for it. But it might make me feel better if I appoint one of my guys to your side of the block. For reassurance."

Near the back of the few men that stood on Richard's side, some men began to quietly converse amongst themselves.
"Where's he at?" One man asks another.
"I don't know but he best show up soon."

*****************************

"Watch it!" a passerby yells as he wipes away the coffee that landed on his shirt from it's cup. The culprit continues to jog across the street until he enters a bar, 'Danny's Embassy' written above the doors, surrounded by lights.

Entering the door with a ding and out of breath, both due to the running and the heat, he carefully scoots past the many customers hiding in the air conditioned bar enjoying their drinks and meals.

"Hey, Jorge!" he says as he rushes by the young man now tending the bar.

"It's George, asshole!" George shouts back as the boy jogs toward the back.

The young man makes his way through the kitchen to the back of the bar. He stops abruptly and grabs a napkin dispenser, inspecting himself. His long curvy locks both hang in his face and stick up in many places. His mother had told him to get a haircut but he never managed to get around to it. He begins to fix his hair. The men outside don't need him to look anymore a fool than he already does. He eventually shrugs it off, straightens his shirt and heads out the back door.

He steps outside and sees two small groups of men, adjacent to each other, one being men from his side of the block. George and Joey are conversing. He began to wonder just how late he was.

"Actually, I already found somebody," Richard said.
The men all turn and look at the sound of the back door coming to a close.
"Ah, here he is," said Richard. "He's the man I'm talking about." He motions the young man over to him.

Joey scoffs. "You serious?" The young man now stands at Richard's side, a slight smile forming on his face. "Come on, Rich, he's just a kid. Younger than the other guy."

"Yes, he is young. But, I'll tell you now, he's the best man for the job."

"I thought I made it clear that I would like to avoid the feds. Not set out a welcome mat for them."

"Of course, Joey. Jesus, if the police find anything out, we both go down. I'm gonna make sure we get our system flowing again. And I think, know, Elliot is the right man to help us out," said Richard.

Joey sighs. "Explain to me how this is better, Richard. What can he even do for us?"

Elliot watched both the men closely. He wondered how Joey wasn't sweating buckets from wearing a long sleeved black shirt. It seemed as if he forgot it was the middle of the summer. Elliot didn't know if his obliviousness to the heat was some sort of power statement or not; he thought Joey just looked ridiculous. The way he moved his hands when he talked, trying take up as much space as possible; so desperate to prove that he's the boss.
Richard looking like he doesn't want to be there anymore than the rest of them, yet still keeping his ground. He could just as easily take Joey down if push comes to shove. Elliot knows he'll always admire him.

Before Richard could speak, Elliot takes a step forward. "I get why you're skeptical, but, like you said, we're you're most trusted partners. I know it's a big responsibility for me, but I trust Richard enough to make it work."

Joey looks at Elliot for a moment, giving him a look over. "He's just a kid," He said, looking over at Richard. Elliot wondered, as well as other, how much reassurance would be enough for this oaf. He was already beginning to sweat.

"Look, just trust me. Elliot right kind of guy for the job. You should see him at work. You can, if you want." Richard said with a smile.

Joey rubs his chin and takes another look at Elliot. It was clear to Elliot, after a few moments, that Joey himself already knew his decision. He must not have had that many other options and he was desperate. This man was so self aware of his image, he most likely didn't even have a choice.

"Alright, Richie," Joey said with a nod. "I'll take your word for it. I'll trust you." He walks up to Richard and Elliot, stretching out his arm. "Welcome to the business, kid."

Elliot returns the gesture, mustering up as much of a sincere smile as he possibly can. He was glad that this meeting was over and eager to enjoy the cool air within the bar.
Suddenly Joey pulls on Elliot's arm, bringing him down to eye level. "Just don't mess up, kid. No mistakes." Elliot wasn't sure if it was more of a threat or a cry for help derived from fear.

"You won't need to worry," Elliot said, adding 'sir' for good measure.

Joey lets go of his hand and gives a big smile. "Pleasure doing business with ya, Rich,"

"And you, Joey."

The two men part ways, Joey and his men heading back to their two vehicles. Richard, Elliot and his men retreat back to into bar.

Once they're inside, Richard grasps Elliot's shoulders. "Mark your calendar, Elliot. Today, you're officially a criminal."

Besides the fact the he felt like he got a promotion, Elliot wasn't sure how to feel about that.