night in Vietnam. James turned left on Broderick St. and pulled up to the curb. “Five left after this one.” James said, with a smile on his face. Thomas smiled back and climbed down from the cab. James knew he would miss his partner; he always got matched up with the best. His brain was uncertain, it bounced all over: Helen, his sweaty palms, plugging Thomas with the gun, Stone, fishing, driving to Idaho. James thought of the consequences of his actions, he wondered if he would be alive by the time he got out of prison. Thomas was already at the back of the truck, he knocked on the door. James jumped in his seat and snapped back into reality. He reached down and popped the door for Thomas, the last honest thing he would do for his partner. Thomas climbed back into the cab. “You okay?” Thomas said. “Ya, I’m fine.” James looked over at Thomas and smiled lightly. He put the truck in gear and pulled out. Immediately James turned right into the empty lot. “What are you doing?” James eyes were looking past Thomas as he gave a nod to look out the window. Thomas turned to his right. “Isn’t that your truck?” Thomas was pointing out the window to the lone truck in the empty lot. James already had the pistol out, pointing it at Thomas, waiting for him to turn his head. One last look from the best partner an armored truck driver could ever want. To himself, James uttered words he hadn’t said in over twenty years. “Hail Mary, full of Grace. The Lord is with thee…” 66 theMeadow
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