Twenty More Ways- Part 2

 To Good To Be Okay 

The morning sun had barely crept over the horizon when Landlord Clarke, dressed in his usual pressed khakis and button-down shirt, spotted the envelope on the floor by his office door. A smile spread across his face as he bent down to pick up the envelope, feeling the slight bulge that felt it could be the past due rent money.

"Finally," speaking out loud to himself, folding the envelope and putting it in his back pocket. He'd knew it was all there Without even opening it, and he drove straight to Fifth National Bank, humming the song on the radio.

The bank's fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as he approached the counter, where a young teller greeted him with a practiced smile.

Bank Teller: Good morning sir what can do for you today? 

Landlord Clarke: "Deposit slip? please. 

Bank Teller: "Yes sir, one moment." 

The teller reached for a blank slip. 

Bank Teller: "Here you go, sir."

Clarke pulled his pen out – and began filling out the deposit slip. He opened the envelope. His facial expression turned to stoned. Then darkened. Then disgust and anger. 

Landlord Clarke: "OH HELL NO!" 

His voice echoed through the quiet bank, causing several customers to turn their heads. 

Landlord Clarke: "WHAT IS THIS? JUST $20?" "Then he has the nerve to fold the paper like it's money in the envelope?"

His hands shaking with anger, he unfolded Max's note. As he read the words – "This is all I have at the moment ($20). I promise to get the rest in a month, sir" 

Landlord Clarke: $20 your butt.  

His face turned blank with a dangerous shade of red.

The teller took a step back as Clarke crumpled both the note and the twenty-dollar bill in his fist.

Landlord Clarke: "Two years,". "Two years of nothing, and he gives me twenty dollars? TWENTY?"

The bank teller looking confused standing there holding the deposit slip as he stormed out of the bank. He got into his car and slammed the door so hard that it shook the car frame. As he gripped the steering wheel, one thought came to his mind: This wasn't just about the money anymore – this was about respect.

To be continued... as Landlord Clarke plans his next move.