seaempty

The Charming Monkey, Part 5

I slowly got up from my desk, and made my way towards Madison. Behind her was the safe, and as I walked past her, she gave me a solemn look. She knew that I only kept one thing in my safe, and it wasn't money. I entered the combination using the dial, and pulled open the solid door. I pulled out a small, locked box and shut the safe. I spun the dial and returned to my desk.

I sat and stared at the box for a moment, then I took my keys out of my pocket, and unlocked it. I could feel Madison glaring at me as I opened the box. Inside was a small .45 revolver, and a box of bullets. I flicked out the cylinder and checked that it was loaded. I didn't like to use the gun often, but it pays to keep it ready. I learnt that lesson the hard way. I put the revolver into my right jacket pocket, and grabbed a handful of bullets from the box and stuffed them into the left pocket. I closed the box and pushed it away from me. I knew Madison didn't approve of me carrying around a piece, but I wasn't going to take any chances today. Not with Vadas involved.

"Don't look at me like that, Mad", I said to her, sensing she was just about to say something. "I know men like Vadas, and it's just a precaution".

"I know", she said", "but you know how I worry. I think you're going to be asking for more trouble carrying around that thing".

"You know me", I smiled, "trouble finds me, not the other way". She didn't look impressed, but she returned my smile. I downed the rest of my now-cold cup of coffee, and got up out of my chair. I made my way toward the door.

"What are you going to do?", asked Madison as I walked past her. "You don't believe all that lucky monkey business, do you?"

"I don't think it matters what I believe", I replied, "The only thing that matters is that Vadas is involved". It didn't take a psychic to know that Madison was concerned.

"Don't you worry though", I said with a grin, "I'll keep in touch throughout the day, and tell you all about it tomorrow". I continued toward the door, and Madison smiled. It was nice to see.

"Where are you going? The casino?", she asked. I shook my head. I didn't intend to walk into that place before I was ready.

"I'm going to get a drink", I replied and walked out of the office.