People change, but they do so reluctantly and with the tinest of increments. (NYPD Blue)

“Right,” Vincent scoffed. “That’s quick and secure.”

“Disguise it. Speak in code.”

“What does that even mean?” asked Tony.

“Like write it on a birthday card or something?” asked Tommy.

“Penny will help you write in code,” said Rider. “I’ll understand.”

“Do you think we’re too dumb?” asked Vincent.

“No, I just–”

“Penny will help,” Senior confirmed.

“Just because we didn’t go to school like them doesn’t mean we’re not as smart as them.”

“Drop it, Vince,” said Tommy. “So what’s the big plan?”

“I’m going to hang up now.”

They bid Rider adieu and discussed the mammoth project.

“If this goes as planned it could keep us in the clear for a decade,” said Vincent. “One of my men from my platoon in Vietnam is working on a container ship now. He owes me a personal favour so he is getting me on the ship. I’m going to use a fake identity. I have a fake id ready. I’ll work on the ship like a regular smuck. I have my papers ready to apply for leave from the army.”

“Wait, you still work?” asked Tommy.

“Sometimes,” he shrugged. “Post-traumatic stress, I come and go as I please. Anyway, my contact on the ship promised me there is enough room to sneak at least three extra crates on if they match. I’m going to have them made and waiting at the port. My diplomat friend can get me as much as I can move. He is connected everywhere.”

“Why don’t we work at an embassy?” asked Tommy.

“The dip will get it to Thailand. We’ll pick it up there. Smuggle it on the boat. Smuggle it off in California. Rider will help move it on land. He promised that he can sell a crate there and we’ll truck the other two back here.”

“How?” asked Tommy.

“That’s where you come in. You and Penny can drive it across the country in a camper or a van or a campervan. It shouldn’t be difficult – no border crossings.”

“I don’t want Penny involved.”

“Come on, Tommy. I’m doing the lion’s heart of the work here. Senior and Tony are in jail. Rider is receiving. You just need to the product across the country with your inconspicuous pregnant wife.”

“I’ll ask her.”

Vincent laughed, “Never imagined you’d be the kind of guy who lets his wife call the shots.”

Tommy tackled him out of his chair and they wrestled on the ground until Penny walked in and announced: “I’ll do it.”