Page 24 of Fighting Salvation

“No, I’m just trying to be less of an asshole.”

Val cocked her head as they walked past restaurants and shops. “It’s unnerving.”

“Woman.”

Val laughed and it felt good to be with him in this place but she knew he wouldn’t open up unless he wanted to. Instead of grilling him about his past like she wanted to do, she asked about the contact. “Tell me about this contact we’re meeting.”

“Frankie D was a local thief, harmless but he has his ear to the ground and nothing goes on in this town that he doesn’t know about.”

“So if Hansen has been around, he’ll know?”

“Exactly.”

He guided her down a side street and she saw a myriad of tents and shelters made from whatever could be found. “He’s homeless?”

“Poverty is horrendous here but you don’t see it as much in the tourist areas.”

Val moved closer to Bás as a scruffy man with two missing teeth leered at her. His arm came around her and he growled at the man in warning. It might be the most anti-feminist thing she’d ever thought but she was so thankful Bás was there.

“Most of them are harmless, just down on their luck, but let’s keep moving.”

A man sat at the end of the road. He must have been at least sixty years old but it was difficult to tell because the life he’d led hadn’t been kind and reflected on his face.

When he saw Bás, his wide smile transformed his craggy face. “Well, I’ll be damned if it isn’t the little Irishman.”

Bás stuck out his hand and Frankie D took it in both of his, taking the note Bás slipped him. “Looking good, Frankie D.”

“Of course I am, man. I’m Frankie D.” His eyes skimmed over Val who smiled back. “Now who is this lovely lady you brought to see me?”

“A friend.”

Frankie laughed. “Like that is it? Well, I don’t blame ya, boy. So, what brings you to my humble abode?”

Val could hear shuffling behind her and turned to see three men, including the one who had leered at her, watching.

A loud whistle lit the air and she turned back to see Frankie D pointing at the three men, and he didn’t look like the friendly man from a few moments ago.

“Be gone with ya. You got no business here.”

“We just looking, Frankie.”

“Well look someplace else.”

The men grumbled but moved away and she swung her gaze back to see him watching her.

“You too pretty for these parts. You should go.”

Bás braced a hand on her arm, settling her racing heart and she wished she had Scout or Monty with her. Nobody ever bothered her when they walked beside her, although Bás was a great second option. The difference was, she felt the desire to prove that she was as strong and fearless as the others.

“You seen Hansen lately.”

Frankie tensed and Val sensed fear from the man who seemed to own these streets. “Don’t be asking me that, boy.”

Bás leaned in closer. “Please, Frankie. It’s important.”

Frankie sighed and shook his head. “You gonna get an old man dead, boy.”

“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”