Page 84 of Goose

“Training everyone on how to handle weapons, clear rooms, and take hostages? It’ll take a while. Goose is the only one who knows weapons.”

“I can handle a weapon,” Cash bragged.

“Properly handle a weapon,” Reno added.

“I’m back to what I said earlier,” Baker said. “At least for now. We’re going to lay low for a while. I can’t risk everything to keep egos and bank accounts fed.”

“Oh, so for the few of us that aren’t as well off as others,” Cash whined. “We just suffer?”

Baker shrugged. “Should have made better financial decisions, I guess.”

“I’m going to need to get a second job,” Cash complained. “I can tell you that.”

“Get a second job,” Baker said. “If that’s what you’ve got to do. I can’t put everyone at risk because we don’t have anyone that is willing—or able—to drive a getaway car.”

“Got a question for the group,” I said.

“Open floor,” Baker responded. “As long as you’re not making stabs at Cash.”

“I know this chick that can crack safes. She—”

“What do you mean, crack safes?” Cash blurted.

“She can manipulate the locks. Open them without cutting into them,” I explained.

“Lock manipulation can be taught,” Tito chimed. “But it’s truly a gift. I’ve tried it, and it’s not for me. It takes sensitive fingertips, and a real knack for understanding the inner dynamics of the piece of equipment you’re working with. There are people who can crack safes in minutes.”

“She’s one of them,” I said, alternating glances between Baker and Tito. “She can manipulate a lock in minutes.”

“Where are you going with this?” Baker asked.

“I’m just thinking out loud,” I responded.

“I’m listening,” he said. “But when you’re done, I’d like to know where this ‘chick’ came from. I thought you’d sworn off women after the divorce.”

I rolled my eyes. “Comes as no secret that we’ve all got our strengths. We each offer something to this club. If we all had the exact same abilities, this would be one lop-sided group. Our talent base gives us diversity. Agreed?”

“I’ll agree to that,” Baker responded. “I’m still waiting to see where you’re going. You looking to outsource work? Use this chick as contract labor? If so, I’m not willing to jump on that idea. We’ll have no outsiders knowledgeable of this club’s operations.” He gave me a look. “You know that.”

“What if she wasn’t an outsider?” I asked.

“Whoa,” Cash said. “You’re saying we should let this chick in? A fucking girl?”

I looked at Cash. “What? Are you in fucking kindergarten? You want to push her down or pull her ponytail?”

“Girls are fine. But I don’t like ‘em all up in my business.”

I looked at Baker. “She can drive.”

“Everyone can drive.”

“She can drive like Ghost. Has that same humble attitude, too. Held the track record at some racetrack out in Connecticut in 2005 and 2006.”

“Lime Rock Park?” Tito asked.

I nodded. “That’s it.”

Baker seemed to be considering my recommendation. “Who is this chick?”