Payback

Rocco and Marie entered the sparsely populated, failing suburban mall and headed directly for Sharps Jewelry store. Though in their late thirties, Marie had employed her makeup artistry to give the illusion they were much younger. Completing the disguises, they wore colorful sweatpants and bright red and white jackets from the local college.

The pair had rehearsed their plan over and over in their apartment, and even here in the mall. Thus they knew the best time to strike and exactly where the most valuable pieces were. The robbery went quickly and flawlessly, with the stolen goods stashed in a briefcase Rocco carried. Lastly, just before leaving, they forced the manager and the sales girl into the break room and temporarily disabled them with stun guns.

Once outside store, they strolled quickly, but casually down the mall to a narrow hallway leading to the parking lot. The restrooms were also located off this corridor and that’s where they headed. In the Men’s washroom, Rocco rapidly stripped off the jacket and sweatpants, under which he wore a business shirt, tie, slacks, and a casual blazer. He also donned a ball cap. He then hurried out and waited by the Women’s room door. When Marie opened it, he stopped her and quietly asked if anyone else was in the washroom.

Marie shook her head, but then Rocco motioned behind her saying, “Don’t look now.” Marie spun around and Rocco fired two rounds from his silenced pistol into her back. He pushed her against the wall.

“I spent two years in jail after you ran off after our last job, Marie.”

Sliding slowly down the wall, she mumbled, “I had to. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, well, maybe two years from today, I’ll be sorry,” said Rocco.

He turned and walked away.