“The usual?” Ricardio the bar tender asked, eying me for either recognition or trying to recall if he remembers what that is. He didn’t turn his back waiting for me to tell him the truth. How this prick knows, I can’t magine. But he earns his tips that’s for sure.
“Stronger, today Ricky.” He nods twice and pours me three fingers of mercury vodka and two shots of mash bitters. Then starts making another.
“It’s in the eyes you know.”
Throwing back the first glass. “What?”
“Whatever you’ve lost this time. It’s more than pride, pride is in the lips. Loss is in the eyes.”
“Sure thing.”
Sliding the next glass under my nose. “You’re not going to find it at the bottom of a bottle. But you know that.”
“Just need some time, Ricky.”
///
Finally a step-up, working security for Krok. His last dog was shot down over getting between him and a junkie. Now I’m that dog, 750 Kroner for covering the weekend deals. Krok has got to be the easiest gig. I mean running was fun and the adrenaline was exciting, but I got a baby girl now and have to be a bit more responsible. All I got to do is be seen, be mean, and throw myself between him and either a pinch or a punch.
The only reason to leave is when the marines are off duty and looking to save some damsels. They come here for a fight, lucky the glow bright. General Rockhard sends his rookie’s here to test them against his brother’s racers. I always liked watching that scuffle. In true fact, I met my baby mama right over by the iHeart box. I tossed one of the racer’s back into the fray, He was being thrown and would have landed on her and her girls night out table. Course being a proper crimesman, I can’t stick around for when the station boys show up at start tazing everyone.
Tonight seems like the port is empty and the deals will be with the regulars.
///
“Because I wanted to play pool?”
Mindy scoffed. “You want to see Gavin on his key-ter?”
“Oh, is he playing here tonight?”
“Honey just don’t throw your panties at him.”
“I’m not going to embarrass you.”
“Just being here is embarrassment enough. How am I to attract the attention of a rich captain? When this is where the bilge crew drinks?”
“You’re dressed to the nine’s look how scared all the men are to talk with you.”
“Ten’s honey, I am a ten of ten even here.”
hngyhngyhppo 