CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT – PAYING HER DUES

The crisp morning air nipped at Mara's face as she walked through the park, her heart pounding with each step. She clutched her purse tightly, the weight of the money inside a constant reminder of her predicament. Vinny Masterson had chosen this public place for their meeting, probably to avoid any unwanted attention. But it did little to calm Mara's nerves. She spotted him near a secluded bench, his burly frame impossible to miss. Taking a deep breath, Mara approached. "Well, well," Vinny drawled, his eyes gleaming. "Look who decided to show up." Mara swallowed hard. "I have most of the money, Vinny. I just need a little more time for the rest." Vinny's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Sorry, sweetheart. That's not how this works. You either pay in full, or we have a problem." "Please," Mara pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm trying. I just lost my job, and-" "Not my problem," Vinny cut her off. "You borrowed the money, now it's time to pay up." Mara felt tears pric