Page 43 of Dark Alleys

“I heard it was the pres of the Tango,” said Crissy. “Some of the boys who hang here are feeling pretty bad about it.”

“Javier Perez,” said Brandy. “I might’ve done him a couple of times in the men’s room.” She made a face.

“I never did him,” said Crissy.

“He liked me better than you,” said Brandy, but he couldn’t have been much if I can’t even remember how big he was.”

I chuckled. “You’d better go to his funeral and pay your respects.”

“Funny guy, Lukas. I heard the boys talking about having a big ride for him.”

“I believe that” I said. “Those huge rides are something to see. A lot of beautiful paint jobs on the bikes.”

“Wonder if the cops caught the guy who killed him?” asked Crissy. “The club members will be out looking for the killer too.”

“Don’t doubt that for a minute, Crissy. The club will find the guy quicker than the cops,” I said. “Bet most of the club are out looking for him right now.”

“That guy is walking dead when Leo finds him,” said Brandy. “He’d better find a good place to hide.”

“I’ve got to go, girls. I’ll order you a round on my way out.”

“Thanks, Lukas. You’re the best.”

Guess they’re not mad at me anymore.

I sat in my truck for a minute before leaving. All I’d found out was about the upcoming ride for Perez. Wouldn’t be for a couple more days, but I texted the advance warning to Blacky.

“Gonna be a ride for Perez. Probably the day of his funeral, boss.”

“Copy, Lukas.”

Dry as a Bone. MLK. Austin.

Thinking I’d do better at the Bone, I drove out the MLK Parkway and tried my luck.

The Mex Mafia boys were laughing and hollering at their reserved table at the back of the barroom. I had to sit at the bar where I couldn’t hear much of anything. Sparky would have to be my ears.

“Anything happening with the Mex boys?”

Sparky shook his head. “All the talk today is about the pres of the Blast going down. According to the rumor, most of the Blast crew are beating the bushes for Perez’s killer.”

“Do they know who it was?”

“I don’t think so. If they did, the guy would be dead by now and the search would be over.”

“True enough.”

I finished my pitcher and headed for the men’s room to get rid of a half-gallon. When I stepped out of the can into the hallway, Lucia was leaning on the wall waiting for me.

“Hey, girl. You should stay away from me. Vega catches you and you’ll get both of us killed dead.”

She giggled. “He would never hurt me.”

“That’s what his last girlfriend said.”

“You are so funny, Lukas. I think that’s why I’m so fuckin’ hot for you.”

“Believe me when I say, I’m the wrong choice for you, Lucia. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

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