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Milo wiped a tear from his cheek discreetly. “Maybe there’s a way to get it another way. You know people who …”
“Damn it, Milo! Those people … They’re in the same league as this Cisco—I don’t even need to know him for that.”
“I could earn it somehow. But I need a job that only you can get me.”
Leaf shook his head. “No, that’s not a good idea.”
“Please, Leaf! I’m desperate! No chance I’ll make that up with a few drum recordings.”
“How much time do you have?”
“I have enough time. If I keep paying regularly, Cisco will be satisfied. But I need a decent income for that.”
Leaf sighed. Yes, he had connections, but did he want to be the one to introduce Milo to this industry? On the other hand, when he didn’t think he was on a lucky streak, Milo was a reliable guy. And with Tristan on tour and him being able to take a break from looking after his little brother, he had time to deal with this problem. Or he had enough time to screw up everything.
“Please, Leaf. I wouldn’t ask you if you weren’t my last resort.”
“I can introduce you to Diego. He deals drugs and is always looking for runners. But don’t screw it up. Got it? I don’t want to regret this.”
“I won’t. Cross my heart,” Milo said seriously. “And you won’t say a word to Tristan.”
Leaf rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
With all his strength, Leaf slammed on the brakes. The driver in the car ahead threw his hands up in frustration and cursed the vehicle in front of him. Leaf exhaled his fright and gripped the steering wheel even tighter.
Everything around him flickered as the memory dissolved like an old cellophane film, and he found himself back on the streets of L.A. He had been driving around aimlessly, lost in thought, until Milo caught up with him. The car in front of him kept moving steadily. Leaf cautiously pressed the gas pedal, then reached for his phone and dialed a number on his speed dial.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Hi!”
Leaf hesitated. “Are you home?”
“Yeah.”
“Can I come over?”
“Of course.”
Leaf got on Highway 10, then switched to Venice Boulevard and headed toward the coast. When he parked outside Nathan’s house around nine o’clock, he remained in the car for a moment, taking a deep breath. His pulse was no longer racing, and the chaos in his head had somewhat subsided, but his whole body still yearned for relief.
As he climbed out and walked around the car, Daisy announced his arrival with loud barking. Though tied up at the far end of the porch, Leaf still didn’t trust the Bull Terrier. Nathan appeared in the doorway, grinning.
“You look like crap,” was his greeting as he opened the screen door. “Come on in.”
“Hi,” Leaf muttered and entered Nathan’s house.
“Daniel’s coming over with some friends,” Nathan said, limping ahead into the basement. “Do you know him?”
“No.”
“Where have you been?” Nathan turned down the radio, where “Hotel California” by the Eagles was playing.
“Nowhere,” Leaf replied, sat down on the couch, and lit a cigarette.
“Sorry, man,” Nathan said, placing a beer in front of him and sitting down as well. “Hate to break it to you, but there’s no opium available right now.”
