The Loan Shark

After a short cat nap, Antoine arrived home, with a man that Elizabeth didn't know. He was shady looking, Antoine's age, heavier with grease laden fingertips and stains on his shirt.

"Baby, this is Mr. Charles Broadus," Antoine said. "He and I went to high school together."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Broadus," Elizabeth said politely. "Are you both going to catch up? I'm still tired."

"Well, it was business, baby," Antoine said. "Mr. Broadus offers loans to people like us that need help, and he's offered us enough to get us back on our feet."

"We'd just need signatures of the guarantors, Mrs. Jefferson," Charlie said smoothly. He looked at her from her feet to her face. "I think the collateral is quite sufficient, Antoine."