Something for Nothing by David Anthony Read Free Book Online Page A

Anderson,” he said. “My long-lost client. Good to see you.”
    Martin nodded. He told himself to maintain eye contact with Val (which, he realized, was exactly what he told Peter to do when he was talking to his supposedly scary P.E. teacher, Mr. Richards).
    â€œSo Val,” he said. He talked carefully—just like he’d rehearsed to himself earlier at work. “I’ve been thinking things over. About the plane runs and everything.” He glanced around, to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “And so, yeah. I’m definitely interested.”
    Val raised his eyebrows, and folded his arms. His forearms were tanned and hairy.
    â€œDefinitely interested?” Val asked. “What does that mean? That doesn’t sound like a yes.”
    Martin sighed. “For Christ’s sake,” he said. “What do you want me to say? One minute you’re a horse trainer, and the next you’re a fucking dope dealer. It’s a little confusing.”
    â€œLook,” Val said. He glanced around, then looked right at Martin, his eyes hard and serious. “I know what you mean. But I’m not a dope dealer. And who cares if I am? Because believe me, this is small time. I’m small time. I’m just out to make a few bucks—pay for the horses, pay off the house. You should see some of these guys. There’s real money in this, you know. And besides, I’m just the guy who picks it up and delivers it to the real dealers. They pay me, and then they’re the ones that get their hands dirty with all the shitbags that buy the stuff. But yeah, if you’re gonna pay me to deliver it, I’ll do it.”
    As he talked, Val began to exude that quiet, calm assurance of his. Previously this had been something Martin had liked and admired. It meant Val was a good horse trainer (or suggested it, anyway). Now, though, it seemed like it might mean something different. Martin wasn’t sure what was different, exactly, but it was there. It was as if Valhad been wearing a mask, one that was an exact replica of his face, down to the last detail, but a mask just the same. And now that the mask was off, his face (though it looked exactly the same in every detail) . . . well, now it was different somehow.
    â€œSo look,” Val said, finally. “You’ve been ducking me for a while now, which is fine. It’s a big decision.”
    He smiled, but then it faded.
    â€œI think it’s time to decide, Martin,” he said. “What do you say?”
    Martin felt a second slide by, and then two. But then he nodded, feeling suddenly impatient. “Look,” he said. “I’m here, aren’t I? I’ve thought about it. I’m all set. Count me in. Absolutely.”
    Val looked at him for a second, and Martin could tell that he was trying to read him.
    â€œAre you sure?” he asked. “Because once you’re in, it’s like losing your virginity. You can’t go back.”
    â€œVal,” Martin said. “I’m sure. Really. I’m sure.”
    Val stood there for another long moment, then clapped him on the side of the shoulder with his fat right hand. Martin resisted the urge to wince. Val really was a strong guy.
    They talked for a while. Or Val talked and Martin listened. But Martin’s mind kept wandering. He posed questions to himself, and answered them just as quickly as they became thoughts. Do I really have the balls to do something like this? (Probably not). What’s it like on the other side of the border? (Scary. Terrifying.). What will I say to Linda if she finds out? (I did it for you—a lie she’d throw back in his face so fast he’d have to duck.) And of course he asked the most basic question of all: What if I get caught? (I’m fucked.)
    And that was that. They talked for another minute or so, with Val saying they’d make a run as soon as two weeks from now—that he’d have to