Cash Landing by James Grippando Read Free Book Online

Inside was an assortment of high-end watches, mostly Cartier and Rolex. He removed a man’s Rolex.
    â€œThis one here you might like for yourself,” said Sully.
    â€œThat’s the one I bought,” said Jeffrey.
    â€œDiamond-encrusted Rolex Daytona,” said Sully. “Forty-five thousand.”
    Ruban’s jaw dropped. “Forty-five thousand?”
    â€œToo steep? Maybe this one,” he said as he pointed to a Cartier. “I practically gave that one to Jeffrey for thirty thousand. You can have the same deal.”
    Ruban shot another harsh look at his brother-in-law. “You said you only bought one watch.”
    â€œI said one Rolex ,” said Jeffrey.
    â€œLook, I’m a wholesaler,” said Sully. “I don’t sell to people who buy one watch. I’m making an exception for you because Jeffrey tells me he’s thinking of getting into the business.”
    â€œIs that so?” asked Ruban.
    â€œWe’ll talk about that later,” said Jeffrey.
    â€œYeah, you bet we will,” said Ruban.
    â€œOkay, fine,” said Sully. “One woman’s watch is what you want?”
    â€œTwenty grand is my top price,” said Ruban.
    Sully shook his head, not pleased. “Twenty grand? I don’t know. I have a two-tone gold that goes for no less than twenty-five even in the discount shops. And at that price, it’s probably a knock-off or stolen. I sell the real deal. I guess I could go twenty, seeing how Jeffrey bought four of them.”
    â€œFour! ” said Ruban, the numbers quickly adding up in his head. “A hundred grand on ladies’ watches? Seventy-five more on men’s? Are you out of your damn—”
    Ruban stopped himself, his gaze locked onto his brother-in-law’s face.
    Jeffrey froze. “What are you looking at?”
    Ruban hadn’t noticed his brother-in-law’s teeth earlier. “What is that in your mouth?”
    â€œNothing.”
    He nearly lunged at him, prying his lips apart. The gold crowns on the bottom sparkled back him. “Are you getting your teeth capped?”
    â€œGuys, guys,” said Sully. “Do you want to buy a watch or don’t you?”
    â€œNo, forget it,” said Ruban. “Jeffrey, let’s go.”
    Ruban grabbed his brother-in-law by his shirt and pulled all three hundred pounds from the couch. Jeffrey made an awkward apology to Sully, stumbling as Ruban dragged him out the front door. Ruban waited until they were back in the car before dressing him down fully.
    â€œWho are you buying four ladies’ Rolexes for?”
    â€œNone of your business.”
    â€œJeffrey, if you are giving twenty-five-thousand-dollar watches to strippers, I am going to kick your ass from here to Yemen.”
    â€œI’m not giving them to anyone. They’re an investment.”
    â€œOh, bullshit. Jeffrey, if you start flashing money, we are dead meat. Either law enforcement is going to take notice, or you’ll be targeted by some of the scariest motherfuckers you’ve ever met in your life. There are entire gangs out there who do nothing but steal from other criminals. Do you understand what I’m saying? For the last time: Lay low.”
    Jeffrey didn’t answer.
    â€œAnd don’t forget that I’m still holding a half million dollars of your share. If you flash money, you lose it. Final warning.” Ruban backed the car out of the driveway and headed toward the highway.
    â€œSorry, bro,” Jeffrey said softly.
    â€œI’m telling you this for your own good,” said Ruban.
    â€œWhat should I do with the watches?”
    Ruban grumbled, searching his mind for a solution. There was none. “Keep the damn things, I guess. But no more gold caps. Stop with the bottom teeth.”
    â€œOkay.”
    They rode in silence for a couple of blocks. Then Jeffrey spoke in his most contrite voice. “You want to give one of the