For Luck (Ray)
by Linda

Ray strode purposefully towards the shiny, black limo that sat idling in the curved driveway of his home. The noonday sun was sending shimmers of heat off the hood and Ray quickly unbuttoned his silver Armani suitcoat as he walked. Alphonse had the door open and ready for him and as he took the last few steps toward the cool, inviting interior, he casually slipped a hand into his pants pocket.

Ray stopped dead in his tracks with a muttered "Shit". The three men following closely behind quickly side-stepped each other to keep from walking headlong into their boss. The tallest one gathered himself first and spun around to face the quietly fuming Italian. "Somethin' wrong, Mr. Langostini?" he asked.

"Of course there's something wrong, you moron", Ray said as his hands continued to fumble in both pockets. "I forgot my lucky penny. I can't meet with the Ganduccis without my lucky penny. What, you want me to get my head blown off?!" Ray's voice rose with his temper and he sharply turned on his heel and headed back to the house.

"Want we should come with you, boss?" the taller of the three men called after him. Ray just shook his head and disappeared into the doorway.

Inside the cool dark bedroom Ray quickly went to the dresser and opened the wooden change-keeper that sat on top. His long, well-manicured fingers sifted through the coins until he found the one he wanted. The one he had to have if he was going to survive this little tete de tete with the Ganduccis. He gripped it tightly in his fist and shoved it well down inside his pants pocket. Looking up into the mirror he smiled with one side of his mouth, winked at his reflection, and left the room with long even strides.

As he once again exited the big house Ray noticed the three men still standing by the limousine, red-faced and sweating in the sun. Ray threw up his arms as he walked towards them. "For Chrisake, get in the god-damn car! You want to get heat stroke?"

"After you, Mr. Langostini," the smaller of the three said and gestured to the open door. Ray swiftly ducked inside and the three men slid in beside him. Ray closed his eyes and breathed in the cool, leather-scented air.

"You get your penny, boss?" one of the men asked. Ray nodded and leaned comfortably back against the seat, his elbow on the armrest. He heard one of the other men whisper, "What's with the penny, anyway?" His companion whispered back, "It's his lucky penny. He don't go nowhere without it. It's a Canadian, I think. Somebody gave it to him."

Ray smiled to himself and slowly slid his hand into his pocket, curling his fingers around the treasured coin.

The small man looked at his watch and ventured to no one in particular, "We're going to be late for the meeting."

Ray opened his eyes and looked at him. "Let 'em wait," he huffed.

The four men laughed together at the remark as Alphonse smoothly glided the limo out into the street.

End