Free SOUTHSIDE HUSTLE: a gripping action thriller full of suspense by LOU HOLLY Page A

and pulled the bag up next to him. He opened it and ran his hand over the pile of cash. He loved the texture, the way it looked and smelled. He loved everything about it.
    Trick decided to head downtown to the Magnificent Mile. He needed some new clothes that fit the extra muscle he had gained lifting weights in prison.
    ***
    After purchasing a couple of new sport coats, silk shirts, slacks and other items at Bigsby & Kruthers in Water Tower Place, Trick treated himself to lunch next door at the Ritz Carlton Café. As he sipped his Perrier with a lemon wedge, he smiled, taking in the animated conversation from the next table. Actor, singer and game show host, Bert Convy sat at a white linen covered table with several women who gushed over his thick curly hair and long eyelashes. He wondered who the ladies were, members of a fan club, hosts of a charity event? One table away was a different world.
    Trick gathered his bags and left a fifty-dollar bill to cover his meal plus a healthy tip for the comely young lady who waited on him. Walking past the huge fountain in the center of the expansive lobby, he spotted a few pay phones near the elevators. He walked over, set his bags down and took out the matchbook containing Collette’s home phone number.
    “Hello, Johnston residence. How can I help you?” Trick recognized Collette’s sweet, sexy voice.
    “You can help me by saying yes.”
    “Is this Trick?”
    “Is that a trick question?” Trick examined his fingernails, considering a manicure. “What time should I pick you up for dinner?”
    “You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?” Collette didn’t bother to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
    Trick glanced at his watch and waited several seconds before responding. “I’m waiting. Going once, going twice.”
    “You’re a real character, aren’t you? I should say no.” Collette manufactured her own uncomfortable pause. “OK, Mr. Halloran, you’re on. Come by and pick me up at 7:00.” She gave Trick her address and closed by saying, “And you better be on your best behavior. You’re not the only guy asking me out.”
    ***
    Trick retrieved the bag of cash from the bedroom closet and sat in the living room staring at it. He knew he had to find a place to stash the money very soon. When he was shopping earlier that day, he kept worrying about who else might have access to the condo. Maybe Reggie’s old girlfriend, Tamla, still had a key. Safe deposit boxes, he thought, five of them. Probably get a false identity too.
    As he freshened up and brushed his teeth, his concerns grew. He put on a new sport coat and grabbed the bag, deciding the money would be safer in the trunk of his Lincoln while he was out with Collette.
    ***
    “Dinner was great,” Collette said, taking Trick’s arm as they exited Toby’s restaurant. Feeling the texture of his sport coat, she remarked, “You really dress nice. What are you wearing?”
    “Armani. Thanks.” Walking across the damp red maple leaves that littered the parking lot, still wet from the night’s earlier rain, Trick was moved by the earthy aromas that filled the autumn evening air. He wanted to breathe in all the things he missed when he was locked up.
    “What did you say to the hostess?” Collette leaned her body against Trick in a way that made him want to stop, put his arms around her and kiss her. “You got us such a great table and she took us right back while all those other people were standing around waiting.”
    “Oh, I just told her that if she took care of us I’d let her sleep with you. I slipped her your number. Said she’d call you tomorrow around noon.” Trick turned and looked at Collette with a serious expression. “Use a sultry voice when you answer.”
    “What?” Collette’s mouth hung open as they stopped next to his car, but then burst out laughing when Trick could no longer keep a straight face. “You are such a bad boy.”
    “I slipped her a ten-spot.” Trick unlocked the