THE PRESIDIO – Part 4

ON THE 4th INSTALLMENT OF

THE PRESIDIO

 

BIRTH OF MAN

 

There was a knock at the door. One loud thud. “Sir?” The Don was sitting at his Plexiglas desk, looking at the lights of the city. Dressed for the evening in a pressed black slackswith a velvet smoking jacket – his evening suit, sat there holding an unlit cigar. Kicked the habit years ago – just couldn’t let go. Literally. In so many ways.

“Yes.” He wasn’t in the mood to be bothered. Never was really. This better be good.

“Sir, the eagle has landed.” A smile growing at the corner of his employees’ lips. Sammy was surprised, turned his back on the light show.

“So soon?” His employee nodded up and down, the universal symbol for yes. “Excellent.” Shooed his peon away, gave a wide smile, turned around to admire the city again. There was no better light show anywhere in the world. The lights of Tokyo were dazzling.

Snicker Snicker. Sammy’s memories got the best of him. Closed his eyes, the dancing lights still piercing through. Time flies. It really does. He thought back to the last day he laid eyes on her – well it really was the first day too – having never been face to face with the wicked Detective before – she was a sight. Gorgeous. Relentless. Followed him to the ends of the earth and back again. Dedicated to say the least.

Yet that day – everything changed. Detective Julia caught him unarmed – his arms up high in the air. He’d grown comfortable. He stopped looking over his shoulder and when he least expected it – she pounced. What he didn’t expect was her silhouette.   Julia was round and very pregnant. Never believed he saw such conviction behind anyone’s eyes before. Ever. These career women really took their jobs seriously.

It was conviction alright and pure hatred. She wanted to shoot Sammy dead and stop his evil reign. What started as a half-baked enterprise turned into a worldwide crime network. He was like the Mob, only bigger and much more dangerous. To Julia’s surprise, his claws stretched long and far. They even made their way into Eddy’s heart. If Sammy didn’t exist, Tripp wouldn’t have turned into dirty rotten Trouble. If Trip wasn’t Trouble, then Eddy would never have stood on the wrong side of a bullet. Though she’d still want to save his life. You know, some things are meant to be.

That night, her sights dead on Sammy – Julia’s hand was steady but her trigger finger twitched. Sammy registered her decision in those wide green eyes. He knew she was going to pull, her finger slowly retracting, feeling the slope of metal pressed against it. But then a pain stabbed her in the back. She fell to her knees, grabbing her belly. Sammy never thought he could get this lucky. Labor pains attacked her. When back-up arrived and finally the ambulance, Sammy was long gone into the night. Gone for good. Hours later he emerged onto downtown Tokyo, with its zillion lights blinding his eyes – such a spectacular sight. Baptism by fire.

Two men were born that night. Edward Thaddeus O’Shaughnessy and Sammy Tokyo.

One lived on borrowed time.

 

CAUTION

 

It was the turn of the dead bolt that woke Trouble up. The stale smell of the hospital registered first. Lying on his hospital bed, waiting eagerly for tomorrows discharge – even if it was back to prison. The calculated slide of the thick lock drew him from his dreams. The young nurse from that morning was walking towards him. No longer in her scrubs. Fashioned in a black skirt, black hoody, and a pink lace top peaking through, wore her hair down – this wasn’t a routine visit. Didn’t say a word as she quickly powered down the equipment and dismantled him from the machinery. A huge smile on her face. Trouble perked up. Once his arms were free of needles, Trouble started feeling like himself again. The moonlight played in the shadows as she moved with ease. In the darkness he felt her climb onto the bed, heard the familiar sound of a zipper, the weight across his body. “How long has it been?” She whispered, kissing his neck, the tip of her tongue outlining his jaw.

“Too long.” Trouble’s breath sent chills down her spine. As he tried to reach for her, his arm stopped by his cuffs. A constant reminder. He wasn’t a free man.

The naughty nurse was tugging at his robe, pulling up her skirt in the process. She eased onto his body with talent. Trouble gave up a long, knotted sigh.   Silently they moved together. He could feel she was enjoying herself. For a moment Trouble thought he’d died and gone to heaven. No way did nurses sneak into your bed at night and give you one hell of a romp. Her hoody was open, her shirt pulled up, with his free hand Trouble felt her body, she moved quickly and hard.

In the end she laid on his chest, slowly breathing. Without moving a muscle, she reached over and unlocked his handcuffs. Just like that. “There’s a car waiting for you at the corner of 3rd. Go.” She was standing now, smoothing out her hair. “Your clothes are on the chair, along with some medical supplies.” Trouble eased out of bed. The grin on her face didn’t go unnoticed.

“Who’s behind this?” He whispered.

The nurse stood at the door, slowly unlocking it. “Let’s just say you have friends in high places.” Took a second to check her watch. “Hurry up – you have less than ten minutes.”   Out of slight in a flash. If Trouble didn’t know better, it was just a wet dream. Scrambled into his clothes and skirted down the hall. It was as empty as a graveyard in Bodie.

The car was waiting where it should be. Trouble slid into the back seat with caution. This couldn’t possibly be a good idea. The driver, without turning his head started the car and made his way down Parnassus Ave headed towards the East side of the city. The piers. Once they passed under the 101, he chimed in.

“The boat should be at the pier by now – it will take you to the ship.”

Not once did the drivers’ eyes glance into the rear view to take an eyeful of his occupant. Trouble was sure of it, never took his eyes off him. With hesitation Trouble started up. “Who sent you? What’s happening?”

“I believe the phrase is – you have friends in high places.” Standard answer.

Let out a chuckle. “Apparently I do.” Clearly this had to be a dream, Trouble continued. “So where is this ship taking me?”

The driver answered quickly. “I am not privy to that sir. My instructions are to bring you safely to the pier.” Trouble fully expected him to take a peak – nope, all eyes on the road. Hands at ten and two. “I’ve taken the liberty to pack your bags Sir; you should find everything you need for any situation.” A smug smile on his face. Still not so much as a peak.

Trouble bellowed, “I’m not entirely sure this is a good idea. If I had any sense, I’d march back to the hospital.”

The driver felt inclined to answer. “Oh yes Sir, this is a very good idea.” Nodded to reinforce his attitude. Well paid. In that moment his phone began to ring. The driver answered it quickly. “Yes sir. Almost there sir. Yes sir. He appears in good health. As you wish sir.” Snapped the phone shut, Trouble wasn’t stirring. Acute as could be.

The lights from the city began to fade as they made it through the blocks of warehouses that lead to 3rd Street. The smell of the bay came through the vents. Salty and thick with fog. It was late, though Trouble had no clue what time it was. The driver cut the lights and softly drove through the pier. This guy was a pro. Trouble knew one when he saw one. At the end of the pier was a tiny speed boat. WHY WAIT painted in script on her bow. Uncanny, he was just considering how he should be waiting – to get back into prison that is. Trouble wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The car was placed into park, the driver already out transferring the luggage. Trouble pulled up his coat and opened the door. It was another cold and damp night in San Francisco. Without a tip of his hat, the driver pulled out and vanished. The skipper cranking the engine and with a nod welcomed Trouble aboard, looked him in the eye. Sitting in the bow, taking the waves like a Viking, Trouble watched as the lights on the horizon make themselves clear. A long and ostentatious boat lie outlined with tiny white bulbs just floating out in the middle of the darkness.   This just had to be a dream. Naughty nurse bit and all.

 

HITS THE FAN

 

Eddy stared at the envelope. ETC scrawled in butchered cursive. It was dirty and stained. It had come a long way. Sitting at his desk, the small lamp casting a soft yellow veil. Took a long pull off the bottle. This drinking habit had to go. With the tip of his knife he cut through the top. Inside was a single piece of paper.

If you want to see your son, you’ll follow directions.

Before Eddy could register the words, there was a knock on the window. Slowly he pulled out his best friend from the top drawer. Waited for the second knock. He turned off the light; a tall silhouette appeared on the shade. First thing that came to mind, was the preacher.

There was another knock. This time more persistent. With the tip of his gun he pulled back the shade. Sure enough the white collar stared right back at him. With his free hand, pulled the chord to reveal the man.

The preacher indicated he would like the window open. Still holding his aim, Eddy unlocked it, the preacher would have to do the rest. Did so quickly. The cool evening air rushed in. Cleared Eddy’s thoughts.

“Reckon you’re the man I’m looking for.” The stranger said it with a smile. Eddy didn’t flinch. “I suppose I’d have my gun drawn too.”

Eddy wasn’t buying any bull today – just about had enough of it. “What do you want old man? You’re certainly no preacher.” It was a wiseass remark.

The stranger gave a low laugh. “I’ve been looking for you Eddy. Took a while. Wasn’t easy tracking you down here – but I did.”

Eddy didn’t want to chit-chat. Knew a dangerous predicament when he saw it.   Pulled the hammer back. It was a double action revolver, but the extra motion was so dramatic. The stranger didn’t flinch, though he did adjust his body. In the darkness Eddy hadn’t noticed the fellow had a shotgun pointed straight at his chest. No preached ever pulled a gun on Eddy’s before. Without a second thought Eddy squeezed the trigger.

Remember boys and girls always check the barrel & chamber.

When Eddy shot – the gun didn’t fire. Wasn’t loaded. They looked at each other. Check mate.

The stranger gave Eddy specific instructions with a loaded barrel pressed against his head, Eddy was happy to oblige. It took them less than 5 minutes to get out.

When Kitten woke up the next morning, as she usually did, she reached over to feel for Eddy. His side of the bed was cold; when she opened her eyes she realized it was also untouched.   Alarms went off in her head. Kitten jumped out of bed and ran down to the bar. Nothing awry, front door locked, shades drawn, lights out. Her heart sank as she turned the corner towards his office, morning light spilling onto the floor – this was unusual. When she walked in, Kitten noticed that all but one shade was drawn in the office, one window open. The thick light fell onto his desk, a spotlight on his gun – it lied motionless on the table. Closed the window and drew the shade when she turned back towards the desk she saw it, resting against the lamp. He heart stopped. A letter “For Kitten” stared back at her. With some hesitation she opened it. Not sure what to expect.

In a quick font, she made out the words Eddy had left for her.

Kitten my love; forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I got word that the kid has taken a turn for the worse and I must leave right away. I know you understand. I’ll be back soon.

            Love you, Eddy

Relief washed over her. Everything was fine. Eddy was just being… well Eddy. The caring man she loved. Popped the barrel of the gun, unloaded. Silly. Loaded it and placed it back in the drawer. What’s the use of a gun without bullets? Exactly.

Who’d ever suspect the preacher?

Precisely the point.

 

ANCHORS AWAY

 

The speedboat slowed down and glided alongside the yacht. Swanky. Trouble stepped onto the platform and was greeted by the ship’s steward. “Welcome aboard sir.” No one called him by name. Trouble took note. “My name is Max, please follow me. We’ve been awaiting your arrival, your dinner is ready.” The lad led his way through the doorway and into the ship. Awe rich leather and teak met his senses. Trouble followed. You could call him late, but you could never call him late for dinner.

Once inside the dining room, Trouble sipped a beer and enjoyed a massive dinner alone. Once he was finished he felt more alive than ever. Though he suspected this wasn’t how San Quentin released all their prisoners. Something was fishy but he didn’t know what. After dessert and a port – Max returned. Informed him his suite was ready. Trouble took the opportunity to ask a few questions from the curious fellow. The environment rubbing off on him, Trouble was very gratuitous. “Thank you Max. May I ask you a question?” Trouble didn’t wait for a reply. “What am I doing here?” Max blinked twice. Eddy was silent. Wanted answers. The man only waited a second too long to answer – made Eddy a bit nervous. Did he bust out of jail, was he free, or was a favor in order? Somehow this felt like a big favor.

“We’ll make it to Mexico tomorrow afternoon. Where you will be taken to meet a mutual friend.”

Another slight chuckle escaped Trouble’s lips. Lots of friends these days. Where were they all his life? This had to be a joke, though Trouble didn’t know anyone who could take a joke this far. Suppose it had to be the truth. Finished off his port and leaned back into his chair. Whatever the case may be, this Case was going to make the best of it. “Great. So where’s the hot tub?” With a polite nod the Englishman lead Trouble to hot water.

He took it from there.

Sitting under the stars, leaning back in the hot tub Trouble was awakened by a familiar sight. His little naughty nurse had returned. This time clad in a black bikini. Without a word she slid into the tub.

“Funny meeting you here?” She cooed – a slight smile at the corner of his lips. Eased into the water, puckered her lips and blew, batted her lashes. Trouble couldn’t believe his change in luck. He watched her simmer. Delectable.

“So.” Easing into the conversation. “What brings you here this fine evening?” Really wanted to ask her who she worked for – but you just can’t jump into these things.

Sensing his mood she smiled. “This boat belongs to a friend of mine.” Flashed a sinister smile. “A friend of yours too.”

Let his head fall back, looking at the stars above. The sky off shore was amazing, breathtaking. Back to the blond Bond girl at hand. “The names Eve.” Eve – the women who started it all. Extended her hand. “How do you do?” Trouble reached out gave her a good shake. Eve continued. “They weren’t kidding when they warned me about you.”

Trouble picked up. “They?”

She nodded. “Our mutual friend.”

“Oh.” – he nodded.

“You just have a knack for being in trouble – don’t you?”

Witty too. He shrugged. “It has a way of finding me.”

Eve leaned over and grabbed two smokes, lit both, handed one to him.

While she exhaled, Trouble started. “So, maybe you can answer some questions for me.” Trouble eyed her, trying to keep his priorities in order. It wasn’t easy for a man of his reputation.

Slowly inhaling, she sighed, “Maybe.”

Their legs touched under water. His finger pointing to himself. “You already know who I am.” She nodded a yes. Universal symbol. “What else do you know?” Trouble slowly stated, savoring his smoke. She didn’t answer. Tried another question. “What am I doing here? Did you bust me out for prison?” Eve laughed. It was a naughty chuckle. Again with the head nod. Up & Down. “What?” Trouble dead serious now. Didn’t want to live a life looking over his shoulder. Been there, done that.

Eve nodded back and forth – this time for no. This game was getting old. Trouble gave her a hard stare. Took a slow and deliberate puff off her cigarette. Exhaled and returned his stare. “Your reputation precedes you Mr. O’Conner.” Another puff. Agitation seeping into this face. “Don’t worry – you won’t have to look over your shoulder forever. To those on the outside – it looks like you busted out.” Pause. Inhale. Exhale. “It’s what everyone has come to expect from you. It’s what it should look like.” Pause. Inhale. Exhale. “Expect, this time – no one will come looking for you… and I mean NO ONE.” Pause. Inhale. Exhale.

Trouble got to the point. “So what’s the catch?”

Smiled as she stood up, her body all wet. “You want to get your nephew back – right?”

His eyes lit up. “Abso-fucking-lutly!” She didn’t say anything else. Instead, Eve started to step out of the tub, Trouble slid up behind her, grabbed her wrist, she turned around. “Don’t want to tarnish my reputation.” Sly smile across his lips, pulled her in, kissed her hard. She kissed back. As expected. Trouble took it from there.

 

NEW YORK NEW YORK

 

Julia was reluctant to leave but Gavin and Harry were adamant. Best to tie up loose ends, put in for vacation, anything to keep suspicion down and Julia available. At the gate, Gavin wanted so badly to kiss her. Too selfish, too tacky. Instead he held her face and gave her safe advice. “Rest up Julia.” For what’s to come… her doomed mind finished. What will be, will be. Her little voice retorted.

Didn’t they understand? Julia didn’t want to go home because it would hurt too much. The prospect of walking through the door without her little Thad crushed her. Broke her down. But – Julia didn’t have much of a choice; they would have carried her onto the plane. On the flight to New York, she only bummed two smokes off eligible bachelors while waiting to board. Ignored their obvious advances. Drank through the flight. Super grateful for touchdown. Town car waiting. Drove the three hours home in traffic. Walked up the steps opened the door, stepped in, dropped her luggae and practically collapsed.   She made it. Held it together allllllllll the way here. Walked down the hall to her bedroom, fell onto her bed. Julia felt like she could sleep for days.

Two in fact. The sound of her telephone shocking her back to reality. A tug towards his room – a tear when she realized her little man wasn’t there. Answered the stupid phone. “Hello?” Didn’t bother looking at the Caller ID. Had an idea of who would be calling.

“Julia, so glad you’re home safe.” The good Governor sounded worried. “How you holding up Champ?”

She could hear the sincerity echo in his voice. This was just as hard for him. Eddy was his godson. “I’m a fighter Harry.”

He could hear the smile on her lips. She was. “One of the best.” He confirmed. They were quite for a moment. Julia noticed she was still dressed in her traveling clothes, her hair a knotted mess. Neither one of them wanted the conversation to continue. Somehow if you didn’t say it – you could pretend it didn’t happen. No you couldn’t. It did happen. Could hear the city bustling outside. Loud and determined.   When Julia didn’t chime in, the Governor did. “The funds have been transferred.”

Static. “Thank you Harry. Thank you so much.” From the bottom of her heart. Julia bit back tears. It was happening. Unraveling. Straightened up, ran her fingers threw her hair long hair and gave a hard tug. Anything to keep from crying. Her eyes stung.   “Have you heard anything else?”

Julia could hear the sigh he released slowly. “No. Afraid not.”

Sometimes no news was good news. Right? Just stick to the plan. “Well that’s good.” Neither had given up hope. She could hear rustling on the other end. It wouldn’t be long before he had to go.

“Well, you take care of yourself – we’ll be in touch.” There was a mumble but it wasn’t directed at her. “Call you later Champ.”

He waited for her to respond. “Talk to you later Boss.” With that she heard the click.

Julia fell back into bed, the tears digging tracks into her skin. She feared the worst. It was hard not to. When she got her hands on Sammy Detroit, she would wring his neck. It angered her that the prospect wasn’t realistic. It was morning and she couldn’t possibly sleep anymore. All she could think of was getting her son back.

Rose and went for a swim on the roof top pool. Better be in tip top condition. Bring it.

 

SOMETHING’S GOT TO GIVE

 

During the night, the ship had docked in Puerto Vallarta. The Englishman informed Tripp to be ready for shore at high noon. It was a gorgeous morning with a slight cool breeze, made time for a swim, enjoyed breakfast on the top deck. Never in his life did he feel so alive.

At noon he was escorted to the car and together they started driving the 200 freeway north towards, ironically enough, San Francisco Mexico – Tripp sat in the back seat of a vintage white Rolls Royce. This was the life. What Trouble always strived to achieve in the first place though – by less scrupulous means. But let’s cut him some slack – it was the only opportunity that presented itself. Then again – look where it got him – life in prison. Whatever this guy does – was better. Shake Shake. Trouble could learn a thing a two. Took note.

Taking the right fork in the road, they pulled away from the beach scenery and into the plush green forest of trees, still heading towards the sleepy town of San Francisco. Making their way up a winding road when the car crested, the top of a huge adobe hacienda appeared. Surrounded by palms, shrubs and flowers, it was phenomenal.  His jaw dropped. It was the most beautiful home he had ever seen.

Stepping out into the light, Trouble was breathless with awe. The hilltop was lush with a huge green lawn, grove of trees, bubbling fountains all awash with color. When from this oasis a lovely young woman apeared. Walking through these massive oak doors wearing a lime green dress that flowed behind her. Made his heart stop. Now that’s a woman. Carmel skin singeing before him. “Welcome Señor. Right this way, please follow me.” Trouble would follow her just about anywhere. She knew he would, they all did.

The inside of this place was just as amazing. A short tiled hall held a round candelabra suspended from a stained glass window in a ceiling. Light pouring through a picture of the sun rising over the ocean, of mixture of blues, reds and bright yellow. The figure before him walked through an archway that led to the open courtyard. The bright blue sky right in the heart of the home. Trees, palms, bushes and flowers lie in patches to each side, a stone path cutting across it – in the middle a massive stone fountain. She turned briefly to catch his eyes. They were mostly fixed on her. Smile caught his gaze. On the other side of the court yard, twin glass doors led to a study. Two more doors to a patio.

Outside stood a man smoking a cigar, one hand in his pocket. This was the man they called El Guapo. Dressed in a white linen suit, a fedora perched perfectly on his head, gray beard and mustache – turned and summed up Trouble in one breath. Cut from the same cloth. Extended his hand, careful not to blow smoke in his guest’s direction. “Welcome. Please – sit down.” Motioned to chairs under a canopy. A silver bar service to his left. “Before we can begin, we must have a drink together.” El Guapo was now standing by the bar, pinching limes, crushing mint. “Tell me, what would you prefer?”

Intrigued. “Whatever you are having, thank you.” Being around all this money just brought out the manners in a guy.

“Mojitos are my favorite drink. I make the best, I assure you.” Trouble didn’t doubt it. He had the best by far. The vixen offered him a cigar, he graciously declined. This was just getting better and better. Something’s gotta give.

“Have you ever been to Mexico my friend?”

Tripp gave a nodded. “No sir, never been.”

El Guapo gave a wide smile. “Welcome then! It is a marvelous place.” Handed Trouble a tall cold drink. Took a seat before he continued. “Well congratulations my friend, a toast to your first visit.”

“Cheers!” Trouble could drink to that.

In silence they sat there together. Sipping slowly, the rum soothing them over. Eyes absorbing the amazing view. From this hilltop you could see the ocean crashing on the beach, behind them the lush green mountainside. Tranquillo. Could sit there for hours. Just Trouble couldn’t relax – still didn’t know what he was doing here. Though if he could stay here a free man – who cares?   El Guapo proceeded. “I am sure you are wondering what you are doing here?”

Truly did, with a nod Trouble chirped. “You could say that.” Took a long sip off his drink. Cool Crisp.

The old man let out a slow smile. His sunglasses just tinted enough to hide his steel gray eyes. “Well – we have a mutual friend.” Really – you don’t say? “And this friend has asked a favor from me.” Again with the nod from the peanut gallery. “I have a pulse for the criminal activity around here.” El Guapo was the perfect gentleman, spinning the yarn. Trouble knew trouble when he saw it. This guy was no saint; this guy was the Mexican Mafia, Drug Cartel. Paused – took another sip, another drag. So calm, so mellow. It drove Trouble crazy. Had all the time in the world.

Trouble didn’t feel that way.   “Listen, I appreciate your hospitality and the kindness of our friends. But frankly – I need some answers…NOW! Could you – please – shed some light on this – being that you have the – pulse!” Settle down Spraky.

El Guapo exhaled. Gave one single laugh, quick and hearty. Liked the kid. Spunky. Insubordinate – but spunky. “Yes Mr. O’Conner, I too would have questions.”

Cocky as usual. “Great, then you can relate. Because just the other day, I was inmate #304132 putting my life on the line for a nephew I just met. The next day, I wake up from surgery and the little tyke’s been snatched. By none other than – Sammy Fucking Detroit.” Trouble paused, suspicion – caught in a trap.   “You better not work for that son-of-a-bitch.” Stopped and stared. El Guapo didn’t even flinch. Trouble polished off his drink, most of the rum at the bottom, it was sugary and sweet. Hit him hard. His tolerance not what it once was. Prison has that effect on ya. Sat down again. No need to get hot under the collar. Changed the subject. “But I’ll tell you. Some gorgeous nurse uncuffed me in the night and gives me one hell of a bon voyage party… I bet I have you to thank for that.” Gave the old man a wink. The tension eased up. If only for a moment. Like I said – he liked the kid.

The wind blew through, it was cool and salty. El Guapo didn’t change his disposition. Sat there listening carefully. Courteous to every development. When Trouble finished, he motioned and another drink was brought, the empty glass removed. Had a refresher himself. Stubbed out his cigar, offered Trouble a cigarette. This time he took it.

“I can see why you are angry. I too would be pissed off. I am sorry you were not properly notified. Under the circumstances, I can see how it was overlooked.” When he wanted too – El Guapo could be very soothing. His thick accent fascinating. Trouble relaxed, really couldn’t complain. Good Times Good Times. Trouble leaned back into his chair, sipped his drink, smoked his cigarette.   El Guapo gently continued. “To begin. Let me clear the air. No. I do not work for that scum.” Spit to the floor. Made his point. Found Troubles’ eyes. “You and I have a mutual friend who would like to remain anonymous.” After some contemplation he added. “After all, he has a prominent role in your society.” Trouble nodded. Get on with it. No clue what ‘friend’ this was – doubted he ever knew the guy. And then without any warning. Trouble got a huge slap in the face – figuratively speaking. “I was asked to find your brother, before Sammy does.”

This Trouble didn’t see coming. “Find my brother?” Sat up. Shock painted over his face.

“Yes.” El Guapo nodded.

Hadn’t seen that fool since the night he arrested him. Never saw him again after that. “What – he lost?” Rhetorical questions. “So where’s my good brother now?” Literal now.

“You’ll be happy to know, married – owns a tiny bar on the Gulf.”

Trouble nodded. Sounded delightful. “Lucky schmuck. So what does my brother have to do with this? I already saved the kid’s life – don’t need him now.”

El Guapo laughed. “Aside from being the child’s father, Eddy was responsible for taking down Sammy’s crew – namely you.” Took a puff off his smoke. “And the child’s mother – she’s been chasing Sammy her whole career. Locking you up gave her a promotion.” That left a sour taste in his mouth. “Doesn’t matter.” El Guapo sat up. “Sammy’s got something cooking and it can’t be good.”   Tick Tock. The kid was gone. Where is the kid? Where is the kid? Trouble considered the information. El Guapo summoned his vixen with the twitch of his finger. In an aside, he instructed her to bring out the Aqua Dente. El Guapo then leaned in over the table. Poured two shots. Handed one to Trouble, he didn’t hesitate.

“Now, this is the good stuff.” Down the hatch it goes. Felt like fire.

Without skipping a beat El Guapo continued. “Tomorrow we leave for Agua Dulces. By plane I will take you to a private landing strip on the edge of town. From there you must get to the bar alone. I have arranged a motorbike to be waiting for you. The bar is at the southern end of town on the beach, hard to miss, it’s the only one in town. That is where your brother resides Mr. O’Connor. Goes by the name, Jonathan E. Sinclair. His wife Vivian. So…” El Guapo stood up, cut the conversation. “We have some work to do. Much to discuss.   Let us share some lunch, talk some business.” Gestured Trouble to follow.

The information sobered Trouble right up. Took a long drag off his smoke crushed it out, obediently followed. So his big brother was living it up on the beach. Good for him little fucker.

A smile crossed his lips, part sinister part…

 

TO BE CONTINUED…  Part 5

Thank you so much for reading.  I would love to know your thoughts, favorite quotes, or surprises you enjoyed – please share!

Happy Tales! xox Pulp Paige

My name is Paige Turner and I write Pulp

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