Page 76 of Tango

I started to talk as Hill got close to our table. “I don’t know, some guy named Hill.” I caught Hill waver in his step and shoot a look back at Rivera, who looked at him, confused. I continued with my role. “Ever heard of him?” I never once looked away from Gear.

“Nope,” Gear used his napkin to wipe the butter from his thumb, “but I know Josh, and he’s known to run his mouth after a few beers.” He shook his head and played his part perfectly. “Remember when we were at that bar in New York and that girl was all over you and he got pissed?”

“Yeah, and he knocked his damn beer into my lap.” He closed his eyes. “Asshat.”

“Maybe, but he got to go home with her, so by my book, he won.”

Hill took the booth behind me and Gear and indicated to Rivera to sit and keep quiet. “He’s listening. Keep talkin’,” Ty said quietly over the radio.

“Anyway,” I sipped my water, “Josh says he’s got some video proof that this Hill guy went after that bartender.” I lowered my voice like I was mindful of those around me.

“The Rusty Nail chick?” Gear leaned forward.

Ty spoke again. “Hill just mouthed the words what the fuck to Rivera.”

That’s right, take the bait.

I gave a little more. “Yeah, he wants to show me what he’s got. He doesn’t know who else to trust. He plans to take it to General Frank and wants me to go with him.”

“Unbelievable,” Ty hissed, “Hill can’t help himself. He just turned so he can hear your conversation better. His mouth’s open like he’s catchin’ flies. Can’t believe what he’s hearing.”

“Ah,” Gear fumbled for a second, “why you? Why not go straight to Frank?”

“I don’t know, but he’s scared shitless. I think he’s afraid Hill will make him disappear. If you know what I mean.”

“Shit, yeah. I’m just tossing this out there,” Gear sounded worried, “but do you even want to see it? I mean, from what Josh said, Hill’s batshit crazy. How do you know after seeing whatever’s on that tape you won’t land in a shit-pile of trouble yourself?”

“Not saying I won’t.” I rubbed my face and put more feeling into it. “Josh needs a friend right now. He’s flippin’ out. If we could do that for him, shouldn’t we?”

“Hey, when did this become we?” Gear’s voice went up. “I don’t know.”

“How about this. We’ll just meet up, calm him down, then take him over to HQ and leave it at that.”

“I don’t like being involved at all, and I sure don’t plan to watch any tape.” Gear pushed his plate away with a clatter. “But whatever, I’ll go with you. What time?”

“Just a sec. I’ll text him.” I sent a text to Mike outside for show, and Mike replied. At the ping, I pretended to read it. “He says seven. That’s about an hour from now. I told him to meet at my brother’s place first. I’m house sitting, so he’s not around. That way we can talk to Josh and get him to calm down. If all seems legit, we go see General Frank.”

“Where’s his place?”

“Forty-two fifty-two Clay Street Northeast.”

“All right, let’s get out of here.” Gear and I shuffled out of the booth and made our way outside.

“Paul and Gear are on the move,” Ty narrated for us. “Mike and Moore, stay put outside. Hill and Rivera haven’t said a word to each—” He paused, and I could hear Hill yell something. “Well, as predicted, Hill’s temper just kicked in and he punched the table. Rivera is looking around as a few people are staring.”

“Fuck, take it easy.” Rivera’s loud voice boomed over the radio mics.

“Rivera just warned Hill to shut up.” Ty went on. “Now they’re talking, something about following you.” Ty could read lips just as well as the rest of us. “Oh, nice,” he hissed, “the waitress came over, and that asshole tossed a bill at her and waved her off. What a pig. Her face is red as a beet.”

“Can I get you anything else?” The waitress’s voice grew loud, so I knew she was at Ty’s table.

“Just the check, please.” I heard Ty’s chair squeak as he moved. “Listen, I know those guys, and they’re jerks. Don’t waste your time on them.”

“Jerks isn’t the world I’d use.” The waitress sounded angry now.

“Oh?”

“Psycho, maybe?” She paused. “They’re talking about stalking someone at their home. Why do I get all the freaks?” I looked at Gear, who smirked. We could hear her footsteps as she left.

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