The Plymouth Duster
Belonging to his father, the Duster is the last connection Bug has to his father and is not yet willing to get rid of it. His father as a getaway driver introduced him to the criminal world but he chose to leave that life behind. The muscle car attaches Bug to this past and the memory of his father, therefore, demonstrates his longing for the criminal past. Hence the Duster symbolizes his relationship with his father and his interest to recommence his former life. Though he is reformed, it only takes a chain of events for him to get back to the criminal activities.
The Last Job
The common illusion of most criminals is that they will conduct one last gig that will set them up for life. In the narrative, Bug hopes to do the last job that will allow him to secure his business and solve his financial problems. However, the last time he engaged in a crime it was his last until now again, which will also not turn out to be the last. Engaging in crime resembles a drug addiction where the user convinces themselves to have control of the situation. As expected, Bug reenters the criminal world after attempting to execute his ‘last job’.
The Jewelry Store
Though Bug has managed to live a legitimate life, temptation comes knocking on his door after many years. The financial problems in his household and the criminal connections tempt him to participate in the diamond heist. Valenti Jewelers is the target of their heist hence it symbolizes the ecstasy that drives his motives. The store reminds him of the thrill of taking risky jobs during his time as a getaway driver. Though the heist is supposed to be easy, it turns out to cause more problems in his life forcing him to be a criminal again.
Precision Auto
Bug and his cousin have had the opportunity to build their auto repair shop to become a reputable establishment. However, the arrival of Precision Auto Repair poses stiff competition to their shop as they begin to lose business. The new auto shop symbolizes the threat to his legitimate lifestyle that will soon be disrupted. The competitor prompts Bug to think that his legitimate business cannot survive the pressure and hence has to engage in crime.
Duality
The narrative focuses on the protagonist's internal conflict since he cannot reconcile his two sides. As a family man, Bug has embraced an honest and noble attitude towards life as he depends on his hard work. However, his younger self has known the other side of existence thereby constantly tempted to go back. These conflicting feelings create the basis of the story, as Bug has to make a difficult decision about who he is. The pressures of life make the decision tougher for the older Bug than it ever was for his younger self.
