Page 66 of Tony

“Job’s done,” Gabe announced. “By the way, did you see that guy out front? Is that him, ‘cause I wouldn’t trust that guy for nothing.”

Before Tony could agree, Jobe spoke up. “Got a bad vibe, Captain.”

Nodding, Tony pulled the van away from the curb. He always trusted his instincts, but knowing that his men had the same thoughts…oh yeah, we’ll be watching you.

* * *

Friday night found Sherrie and Jennifer sitting on bar stools at Cantina’s, a new Mexican restaurant in town that advertised early-bird Happy Hour drink specials for women. They had decided to take advantage of the deal and Sherrie and Jennifer were already into their second Aquatini.

“When are the guys getting here?” Sherri asked, feeling the effects of the strong drink. Blinking several times, she tried to glare at the bartender. “I think he’s trying to get me drunk. This thing is potent.”

Sherrie looked resplendent in an emerald green dress with a tight bodice and flowing, short skirt. The bodice was low enough to offer a tantalizing glimpse of the tops of her breasts, while the skirt swayed with each step she took.

Jennifer, looking like a fairy princess in her blue, off-the-shoulder dress, rounded out the duo of beauties. The women talked and laughed for several minutes before the waitress brought several drinks over, pointing to the two men from the bar who sent them. Sherrie shook her head and said, “We’ll pay for our own drinks, thank you.” The bartender nodded and moved to serve the next customer.

“So how’s Ross doing?” Sherrie asked about Jennifer’s brother.

“God, he’s growing like a weed. None of his clothes seem to fit so I threatened to drag him shopping the other day. Ross grumbled, so Gabe stepped in and took him. I was so grateful until they got back home.”

Already giggling, Sherrie asked, “What’d they buy?”

“Black t-shirts and cargo pants,” Jennifer clipped.

Her forehead wrinkled in confusion, she said, “What’s wrong with that?”

“Because that was all they bought. He told Gabe he wanted to dress like him so he got five black t-shirts and three pairs of cargo pants. He’s going to look like a ten-year-old security agent!”

The ladies giggled again at the idea of a little mini-Gabe running around. “I do have to tell you something,” Jennifer said softly.

Cutting her eyes quickly to her friend, Sherrie asked, “What?”

“We’re buying a house. We’ll move into it in about a month.”

Throwing her arms around her friend, Sherrie exclaimed, “Oh my God, that’s wonderful.” Knowing how much Jennifer wanted to raise her brother in a house with room for a dog had her squeezing Jennifer tightly, while tears hit the back of her eyes.

“So…” Jennifer said, “Tell me about you. What’s new with the CASA case you’re working on.”

Sherrie quickly filled Jennifer in on Betina’s case. Jennifer’s background as a social worker had her on alert instantly with the new information Sherrie was giving her.

“I don’t know what’s going on, Sherrie, but be careful. Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t seem right, then go with that gut feeling.”

Sherrie nodded slowly, her mind going back to the art pad. “I keep getting the feeling that there is something there.”

“Then keep digging.”

By the time their third drinks were placed in front of the girls, they pushed them back simultaneously. “Oh, no. No more. I’ve gotta move or I’ll fall off this stool.”

Jennifer slid off her seat and pulled Sherrie down as well. “Let’s hit the ladies’ room, then hopefully the men will show up soon.”

Sherrie stifled a yawn. “If they’re not here soon, let’s catch a cab home and call it a night.”

Pouting, Jennifer agreed. “And we looked so good, too. Just for them.”

Slightly swaying as she made her way to the bathroom down the hall next to the bar, Sherrie said, “Well then, we’ll just tell them about the men that wanted to buy us drinks so they’ll think twice about missing our dates.”

Finishing their business and touching up their makeup, the two friends walked out of the restroom, arm in arm. Hearing a whimper, they turned toward the sound, seeing a large man with his hand clamped around a woman’s wrist, pulling her through the back-exit door.

“You accepted the drinks I sent and you drank them. Seems like I should get some thanks,” he was saying as the door slammed behind them.

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