To Fill a Home

Mr. J sat back in his chair, a huge cigar clamped in his teeth. Surveying his little kingdom gave him a sense of satisfaction at how well he was doing. By hook or by crook, as he’d heard it said, he was amassing a small fortune.

With others to do his dirty work, he could always claim no knowledge of their activities. They were sworn to secrecy at threat of their lives, so he didn’t worry about squealers. Money and power got him what he wanted, whenever he wanted. It spoke loudly in his circles, and he planned to keep it that way.

A knock at the door interrupted his musing.

“Yeah, who is it?” he demanded.

The eye of one of his lackeys peeked around the door. “You wanted to see me, Boss?” “Yeah, come on in Tiny,” he said offhandedly, motioning for him to remain standing. “I have something I’d like you to do for me.”

“Anything for you, boss,” the not-so-bright lug of a man replied.

Mr. J went on to outline his plan, with Tiny who nodded as if he got everything. Finally, he demanded, “You got that?”

“Sure, Boss. Anything you say, Boss,” the huge man replied while he tried to remember everything he’d just been instructed to do.

“Do I need to call in someone else for this job, or can you handle it?” the intimidating man sneered.

“I can do it for you, Boss. No problem. Leave it to me,” Tiny replied. “Anything else?” “Naw, I think you got the gist of what I want. Let me know when the job is done,” was his reply, as he got up from his chair.

“Okay, Boss. You got it. I’ll let you know as soon as that guy is taken care of. You can count on me, Boss,” Tiny said with a small grin as he lumbered out of the well-appointed office. Sighing, Mr. J settled back in his chair again. Another unfortunate situation handled, or would be, as soon as he got word of the termination of one of his non-paying debtors. Unfortunately for the poor sap, his excuses had run out. No one should presume upon his kindness. Enough was enough. There is no place for forgiveness was his motto. You owe, you pay. As simple as that. Or suffer the consequences. A smile of satisfaction crossed his face. With Tiny’s limited brain-power, whatever he asked of him, the poor schlep was willing to do. What an asset!

The next day, Tiny’s knock on his door bade him entry.

“Well, is it done?”

“Yeah, he never knew what hit him,” a proud Tiny boasted.

“Did anyone see you? Were you followed?”

“Naw, Boss, I know how to cover my tracks. He handed over the money, and when he turned around, it was all over,” he said, giving him an envelope.

Looking inside, Mr. J quickly counted the money, he then asked, “No one came running at the shot?”

“That’s the best part. I used a knife. Nice and quiet.”

“You’re sure he’s dead?”

“Oh, yeah. Some poor sap came along about a half hour later and found the guy. I watched from around the corner when the cops came. Saw him wheeled away on a stretcher, sheet over his face. He’s a gonner, alright,” the big man bragged.

“Good work, Tiny. I won’t forget. There will be a little extra in your pay this week.” “Aw, thanks, Boss. You don’t have to do that. Taking care of your problems is my job,” said the embarrassed goon.

“You earned it.”

“Anything else I can do fer ya?”

“No, not now. I’ll let you know when I need you.”

“Okay, see ya,” said Tiny as he walked out the door with his head held up.

For Tiny, being useful instead of feeling like he was worthless made his day. He was always careful when he did what the boss wanted, just as he’d been taught. No one was going to get past him if he could help it. He knew he didn’t have the smarts that the boss did, so following orders made life simple. ‘Do it,’ and he did it. No thinking involved. Meanwhile, Mr. J breathed a little easier knowing that nothing could be traced back to him. The dead guy couldn’t talk, and Tiny wouldn’t. He was home free.