#20 Michael Howell – Negotiator

Looking left and right, I ran across the street and stopped outside the phone booth. Glancing at my watch, I saw that I was three minutes early. The heavy duffel bag dug into my shoulder no matter how much I shifted it. Handing off the ransom is the part that I dread the most.

The initial contact is nerve-wracking, but there’s a routine to it. Both of us are trying to understand each other, learn the limits that we can push each other. They make demands, I make counter-demands. It’s dangerous, but at that point we both have an understanding. Continuing to talk is the only way that either of us is going to get what we want. They want money. I want the return of what was taken.

But the hand-off is the point where the relationship shifts. They know that they’re getting what they want, but then they start thinking. Did they make any mistakes? Did the victim see their faces or hear a name? It seems it’s better to be safe than sorry. They can take the money and lose the baggage. And there’s shit all that I can do about it.

All I can do is stand here and wait for a phone call.

Category: 2011, Drama