nynecrymes

 The caller breathes for a moment, rotating a quarter through his fingers while speaking into the telephone booth 
 "....Let me get this straight...You, don't have ANY work for me?  I mean...if its because of the old rep, please...I'm past that."

On the other end, an almost mechanical voice retorts-  "Blake - I know that, and you know that. A lot of folks aren't willing to take a chance on you. Maybe when I have something come up that I need taken care of.."

"That's not goo..." He catches himself, remembering his situation. "Look...I need "something".  You know just as well as I do that I'm better than Floyd, or Arthur, or most anybody else that's on the payroll.  You found work for Capt. Boom...you know who, of all people, Noah."

"I know. More a testament to my talents than his, I'm afraid. And don't underestimate Mr. Lawton - he does excellent work. Let me see here.." The sounds of a keyboard clacking away can be heard. "Well.. I don't know if you'll like it, Blake.."

"Noah...I'm desperate here."  He rests his head on the pay phone. " I mean, there's only so many favors I can cash in.  Not only that, but...I ran into someone who politely told me to stay the hell out of Gotham."

"I have a few odds and ends.. basic B&E.. that could make you some money in the short term, but the one thing that might interest you.. well, how are you on Lex Luthor?"

That name, wasn't expected-. "....Luth...wait, I know Wilson's not in on this one...how are you...WHY are you...?"

"I talk to everybody, Blake. It's my job."

He swallows hard on the other end. "....I'll do it.  I don't...Noah, you know me.  I don't have any other choice here."

"I didn't realize how hard things had gotten for you, Blake."

"Yeah, well...you put us in line for good work, but your 401K sucks." 

"I charge a little extra for the investment advice. But the return's always worth it. Maybe you'll take me up on it this time."

"How much?"  This is going to hurt.

"Five percent. Standard rate."

"Done.  Take it out of the Citibank account."

A low whistle on the other end.  "You are hard up, aren't you? I can take it out of your cut form the job, rather than in advance. As a special favor."

" ...What do you mean I'm hard up?  I just checked the balance on that...Okay, okay...try the Royal Canadian account. " -Thomas absentmindedly starts clawing at the phone-

"Nothing, nothing. I'd just have expected more - you pulled off some big heists back in the day.  You have enough to cover it, sure - but why not take me up on the credit offer? I don't make them often."

"I DON'T WANT A FAV..." He explodes on the other end, before trying to calm himself.  "not like that...Jesus...how did I get like this?  My God, Noah...All I wanted...all I needed was a shot.  I'm better than that...aren't I? "  Blake bites down on the webbing between his thumb and forefinger.

"Calm down, Blake. It's not charity, it just means I trust you."

This calms him some.  But before saying something rash, he sets the phone down, taking a breath. "....fine.  But...sure.  Fine.  I won't forget this Noah, and I'll pay you back in double what you're asking...I swear."

"You may not be so happy with me when it's over, Blake. You know Luthor's reputation, and I'm not sending people his way lightly."

"At least the checks won't bounce...wait, have him contact me on..." -Blake pauses to think. "Shit...how's he going to get in touch?"

"Get a pen. I can arrange a drop of a disposable cellphone."

He pulls a half pencil from near the phone.  "I got it."  A few scrambles and pulls out a receipt from his thinning wallet.

"Small green box, alleyway on the south side of 5th street, between Oak and Main.  Three hours from now."

"Done.  Thanks again, Noah.  I'm serious about the terms too."
 
"Just keep yourself alive, Blake. Luthor tends to view people as expendable."

"That's not a worry.  I was dead enough to suit me a few times before.   And Noah...I won't get like this again, I promise."

"I'm glad to hear it. You're one of the respectable ones, Blake."