“Julie, you dragged me here because you said you’re in trouble. So start talking or I’m outta here.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Okay. I’m in trouble. Big trouble.” Her fingers flew to her lips. “I owe someone a lot of money.”
“Who?”
She stared out the window. “This guy. He keeps calling. I made some payments, but not in while.”
“You borrowed from a loan shark?”
“I guess.” She twisted her napkin. “I was desperate. I had to pay off another loan for my car and I don’t know. I got in over my head.”
“When’s the last time you made a payment?”
“Five months ago.” She tore the napkin into pieces.
“So now you’re hiding out here.”
“No. My mom’s sick.”
“I know. She told me she’s been sick for almost a year.”
“She’s worse,” Julie said. “I came because of that, not to hide.”
“It’s just a coincidence you owe this guy money?” A smirk pulled at his mouth.
“Fuck you.”
“What do you want from me? Rough him up? Pay it off? Or both?”
“I just needed someone to talk to. I can’t tell my mom. You’re the only one I have.” A tear slipped down her cheek.
“I’m flattered. How much do you owe him?”
“With interest, it’s about thirty grand.”
“Damn. How much did you borrow?”
“Fifteen.”
“And the payments you’ve made?”
“They don’t matter. Late fees keep piling up, so it never goes down. And the interest is crazy high. I was keeping up with the payments, but I lost my job, then Larry skipped out on me. It’s been a mess.” She dropped her head into her hand, shoulders shaking.
“Take it easy,” Rags said, resting a hand over hers. “He found you, right?”
“Yeah.” She hiccupped.
“When?”
“Three weeks ago. He knows where I’m staying. My mom’s address… everything.” Her voice broke. “I’m scared he’ll hurt her.”
“That’s how they work.”
“She’s sick. I can’t tell her anything about this. I don’t want her worrying.” She covered her face, her breath hitching.
A dull ache stirred in Rags’s chest. It wasn’t love, but a heavy tenderness. The kind felt for someone who lost their way. He hated seeing her like this.
He pulled out a paper napkin from the dispenser and slid it across the table.