This was it. I had to get out of here. It wasn’t because I didn’t fit in- I never fit in. It was all because of the rumor. The stupid rumor that started the beginning of the end.

It was meant to be a harmless joke. I was annoyed that he seemed just so damn happy all the time. He got his work done on time with zero complaints, he seemed to have plenty of friends and then I discover his family had money, like real money. Give me a break.

It started when I realized she was interested in him. Of course she would be. This guy had everything and now he’d get her too. Perfect, just perfect.

She asked me if he was single. I said yes and regretted it immediately. Why did I have to be so goddamn honest all the time? That’s when my gears started churning.

**I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t say it right now. **

_“He’s single but I’d be careful if I were you. It’s rumored that his family is connected to the mafia. “_

Her eyes got big. She said nothing but I knew the job was done. She was going to stay away. Satisfied with myself, I whistled on my way to home. Sure I may not have his looks, his charm or his wealth but at least I was witty enough to come up with something on the spot. We had one thing in common -we were both single.

It was all fine until things got weird. I was having my morning coffee and noticed a black car outside my house. Odd, I’m pretty sure that black car was there yesterday too. I forgot about it until I went to get lunch- suddenly the black car was outside the deli, which was a few blocks away. Were they following me?

Then the calls started. I’d pick the phone up up and they’d hang up. First I presumed some teenagers got my number but when the calls started coming in at 3 am, it got rough.

After a week of no sleep, I had enough. I saw the black car outside and marched up to it. I banged the window. It slowly came down and two sets of eyes stared at me. And then I saw the barrel of a gun.

_“What’s going on? There must be some kind of misunderstanding.”_

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_“You tell us. Are you a copper? How did you know about our boss’ business? Either way, you’re finished. “_

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“_Your boss? What business?! I don’t know anything!”_

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_“ oh yeah? You know Tom Goretti, don’t ya?”_

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_“ Tom? Yeah I work with him at the icecream parlor. Wait, hold on. Ohhhhh shit. ”_

This was it. I had to get out of here. All because of a stupid rumor I made up. Now I lose my house, my job and the girl. Thanks for nothing, Godfather.