AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His scowl deepens. There’s an old 86s tattoo on his arm, faded, newer ink almost going over it. Almost, but not quite. It says he still finds it useful, but when he ran with them, it was a long time ago. Santiago here also used to work at RoadSide running barback and occasional security.
Until recently.
“The mayor don’t live here.”
I laugh. “Real power.”
“Like the gangs? Fuck, man.” He switches to English and steps aside. “They’re puppets who think they run the show. I see. Why you think I got fired?”
“New owner?”
He drops his voice. “Piece of shit cunt.”
“I’ve’ met him.” It gives nothing away and lays open for him to mold into whatever he wants it to. It’s a trick that’s stood me well for years.
“You get it.” He looks me up and down. “I remember you. Come in if you wanna talk.”
* * *
By the end of the day, it’s like I’ve learned so much it’s taken me in a circle.
Right back to the beginning with nothing but questions.
I’m thinking from the bong and the heavy scent in the air, not to mention the mirror and rolled up bill that Santiago dabbled on the side. And that’s why he got fired.
O’Grady, it seems, runs a tight ship, where he wants to, anyway.
Whatever he’s involved with might be something important to the De Lucas, but I don’t think he’s got anything to do with this. Not with the gangs, and he’s not pulling strings.
It's the same reason Leo doesn’t mess with gangs on the whole. They’re messy, into themselves, and unreliable with more than grunt work.
O’Grady’s smart like Leo.
I did get one place that stands out.
It’s not grimy, a bar, or any kind of hotbed of crime.
Gary’s Furniture Store. There’s also, after a quick Google, a car dealership belonging to Gary. As well as, of all things, a florist. I put them on my list for tomorrow, but it won’t hurt taking a stroll by those places, maybe picking up some flowers for Nadie.
Shit.
I close my eyes a moment as I get ready to get back on my bike and head for town. Flowers? Dinner? Because that’s where my next thought goes.
I want to check out the florist, but the idea of giving Nadia flowers grabs me.
It just leads right down to getting in deeper with her. I told her I loved her.
I do.
That’s the problem, right there. I fucking love her and always have. Sliding into intimacy, arguments, sex, and banter is an old glove that’s molded to me. I know every crevice and line, and yet there’s always something more to find.
Beyond our worlds spinning in different directions, love isn’t enough. I should have learned that first time around, and yet, here I am, wanting her back and another chance anyway.
Even though the fundamental problem’s still there. I’m not talking about how she never stuck up for me, because the more I think about it, it isn’t Nadie. I’m betting her fuck of a father never held up his end of the deal.
No, our problem is she’ll never leave. I can’t live here again. I know that. Living ghosts notwithstanding, this place is fucking poison to me. She was the only bright thing, and I don’t think I can stand watching it crush her too. It will. She’s too good for this piece of shit town.
I watched her with the kids when I watched over her at the church. And like her nephew, she won’t leave them. I’m both proud and devastated by who and what she is. Proud because she’s a hell of a woman, and I’m in awe, and the devastation? That’s pure selfishness.
