The walk does the old guy good,” I said, gesturing toward Harry. Pete’s setting up a direct deposit system with the bank to make it easier for all the tenants.” You know, you two don’t have to hand-deliver this every month. She smiled and laughed, taking the check from me. “Just your two favorite tenants, Eli and Harry Marks, with this month’s rent,” I said cheerfully.

I stepped forward, putting my body in front of Harry’s and holding the check out to her. “Well, if you want to talk about fairness, since I wrote the bloody check and it’s coming out of my bloody account, I don’t think you have any legitimate claim on its ultimate distribution.” He waved the check in my face for emphasis and I snatched it out of the air just as Megan said, “And how can I help you today?” “You gave it to her last time,” I hissed through clenched teeth. “What are you, five years old?” he said, not bothering to match my vocal volume. “Give me the check,” I said in my best sotto voce whisper. As we waited in line to give her the rent check, I surreptitiously tugged on Harry’s coat sleeve. I tried to keep from staring, but it was hard not to. She looked stunning and, as is often the case with naturally beautiful women, seemed to have no idea of the visual impact she was making. While two young clerks roamed the aisles offering oil samples and answering questions, Megan stood behind the counter, merrily ringing up sales and chatting warmly with each customer.

The Ambitious Card by John Gaspard