Page 39 of Pitbull
“I know you’re upset,” Tex said. “But you can’t take it out on us. We’re tryin’ to help.”
“I know.”
“Then tell me what’s goin’ on in that head of yours.”
Pitbull went through the story of his parents and Claudia’s slip into madness. When he was finished, he was physically exhausted. Telling the story always left him out of breath as if each time he relayed it, a part of him died.
“Dang.”
“Yeah." Pitbull's voice cracked. "Leaving her was the only thing I had left. I couldn’t watch her kill herself and I didn’t want to fall into the same hole she was in.” Pitbull exhaled. “And even that didn’t help her. Because now she has this idea she’s saving someone and now she’s looking at serious time.”
“Pitbull, your sister is an adult. Anything to happen from here on in is on her. She’s made a choice and must now suffer the consequences.”
“It still doesn’t make me feel any better.”
Silence wrapped around them except for the periodical vehicles moving about the compound. From time to time someone would jog by and call to Pitbull and both men would wave.
“I have a gift for you,” Pitbull said.
“Aww, you bought me a present?” Tex teased. “You can’t deny you love me now. I have proof.”
“Ass.”
“But a very sexy one.” Tex laughed.
“Seriously for a second. I know we don’t tell you nearly enough how much you mean to us.” Pitbull swallowed. “I mean, I know I don’t. Even though you’re not a part of our team, you’re a part of it because no matter when or how many times we call, you’ve been there.”
“Aww-hell. Think nothin’ of it. You hobos are family.”
Pitbull laughed. “So, I can keep the gift then?”
“Let’s not act hasty now.” Tex bounced him with a shoulder. “Gimme my present or I’m holding your truck hostage.”
Pitbull groaned. “Fine. When you get a chance, pop by my place.”
“Deal. Now, you ready to end this nonsense?”
Pitbull rose and extended a hand to help Tex up. Once they were both standing, Pitbull nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Back in the room with the others, Pitbull remained silent as they plotted out what was to happen. The three men Pitbull and Zero brought in were to be taken before a judge. Claudia would be taken in a little later in the day as there were new charges that were to be filed against her. Barbie and Pitbull were to head back to Pitbull’s place to get Anke and relieve Zero while Beast and Mozart would head into Hennef to relieve the cop watching over Ruby.
Tex would stay at the headquarters and keep working from there.
With their orders, the team dispersed. Pitbull handed Barbie his keys and sat in the passenger side, staring out the window as she maneuvered the truck through the streets of Sankt Augustin.
“Barbie? Why are you turning?”
“Don’t look now but I think we’re being followed.”
“Say what?”
He glanced in the mirror and arched a brow.
“Black Benz. It’s been on our asses ever since we left HQ.”
Pitbull growled but kept his eyes on the car. “Make a left turn up ahead.”
It took a little more driving before Barbie did as he suggested. Sure enough the car behind them followed right along. After another five minutes, Pitbull took a breath. “Packing?”
