Working as a messenger in Manhattan in 1977 was the most enjoyable job I ever had. Bike Forums should have a subforum devoted to messenger stories. Such as:

Me (middle of the day, having just had lunch at the Genroku Sushi Conveyor Belt Restaurant, with several parcels still to deliver, calling the messenger service office): I'm at 405 Fifth; what do you have for me?

Dispatcher: Are you carrying anything? (When they ask you that, you know that whatever it is, it'll be interesting or valuable or both.)

Me (lying, because you want as many runs per hour as possible): Nope!

Dispatcher: Go to 330 Lex and pick up an envelope there. Don't call in---you have to take it directly to the customer---it's $50,000 in negotiable securities.

Me: Will do!

Me (having arrived at 330 Lex and picked up the securities, calling the office): I'm at 330 Lex; what do you have for me?

Different dispatcher: Are you carrying anything?

Me (lying again): Nope!

Dispatcher: Go to 290 Park and pick up an envelope there. Don't call in---you have to take it directly to the customer---it's two tickets to Bermuda for a flight tonight.

Me: Will do!

So: there I was, carrying $50,000 and two tickets to Bermuda. I was only mildly tempted.

Anyone else have any messenger stories?