This was fantastic. You have an excellent ability to describe a character's motivation. In this story, it was brief and embedded within the action perfectly. I'd say you hit the nail right on the head with this:

"His conscience was blacker than the asphalt under his wheels, but there was food on the table and rum in his glass."

Just amazing. Might be my favourite @steemedchitty original.

This needs more eyes. Upvoted and resteemed.