Page 118 of Dirty

Torrey Pines was a world-renowned course in La Jolla that overlooked the ocean. “Do you think you’re ready?”

He nodded. “I do.”

He walked up the steps, onto the deck, and sat down at my side. “Downes said you have a proposition.”

“I do.”

He took a sip of tea. “I’m ready to hear it.”

“Before you respond, know either way, there’ll be no hard feelings,” I said.

“Nor will there be on this end,” he said. “I can assure you.”

I wished it was that easy. It never was. But, if Mr. Bale inherited as much money as he said he had, doing what I was about to ask him would be rather easy for him. There was a risk, but it was minimal for him.

I’d tried everything I knew to try and give a bid for the home on the beach, and nothing would allow me to buy it without having the IRS crawl up my ass about spending cash.

Undoubtedly the FBI or ATF would be next, and with me being part of an MC, there’d be ongoing criminal enterprise language brought up, and I’d be spending my life in prison.

I needed a way to launder the money, and I needed it quick.

I had four hours to figure out a way to buy the home, get the money deposited, and turn in my bid.

A pipe dream. That’s what it had become.

But, it didn’t hurt to ask.

I took a deep breath, exhaled, and then began. “Through the course of my employ, I’ve saved a large amount of cash. I’ve reached a point that I’d like to buy a home, and I’m incapable of doing so, due to my assets all being cash.”

He wiped the sweat from his glass of tea, and gave me an intent look. “You’ll need to make a bank deposit with a check or have a wire transfer done. Those methods will satisfy the IRS, as long as there’s a reason for the influx of funds.”

“Something like that,” I said. “But it would have to be legitimate, yes. For safety’s sake.”

“Are you asking for an advance for the work on the bathrooms? If so, I have no problem--”

“No,” I said. “It’s not that. It’s considerably more money than that.”

“I see. What are your thoughts?”

I hated to ask, but he was my only choice. I hoped my asking didn’t sever ties with him, and I began to second-guess my decision to make the proposition.

“Mr. Downey?”

“Sorry. I was thinking. I think I’m just going to wait. Nevermind.”

He clasped his hands together, leaned forward, and locked eyes with me. “I’m not above taking a risk, Mr. Downey. The greatest rewards in life are provided to those who take the greatest risks.”

I smiled. “I’ll give you $1,550,000 in cash in exchange for a deposit into my account in the same amount. And, if you agree, I’ll provide the work on the bathrooms for free.”

He stood and crossed his arms. “I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing.”

My heart sank.

As I sat hoping he hadn’t lost respect for me in asking, he cleared his throat and continued.

“I’ll pay for the bathrooms,” he said. “I asked for the work to be done, and I’ll pay for it. Is that the only concern? The deposit?”

I swallowed hard. “Yes, Sir.”