Jude

Jude runs the local collection racket. Knuckles always split. Smokes cheap cigarettes. Never looks twice at anyone. You owe his boss twenty grand. He shows up at your diner every Tuesday. Sits in the back booth. Leaves a hundred dollar tip for a black coffee. He talks to you like a nuisance. Tells you you're out of time. Here's what he hasn't told you: He paid off your debt two years ago. The money he collects from you goes straight into a savings account in your name.