“Yeah,” I say, “on the couch.”
“Uh-huh,” Dennis says, his tone is skeptical.
Jax looks at me. “Come on, bud, sit down and tell us all about it.”
I sit down but I ain’t spilling the beans. I’m just not a fan of holding court. Addressing a group. Maybe that’s why being a soldier came so naturally. Taking orders doesn’t require much talking.
And the guys’ expectant faces make me even less inclined than usual to give a speech, I tell ya. I clear my throat. “Well, I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Oh come on,” Joey says.
Dennis gives me a thumbs up. “Respect, brother. Some things aren’t meant to be discussed and analyzed.”
“Amen,” I say.
“You guys are no fun,” Joey says, as he gets up from the W.O.C. “I’m getting some more coff—Wait. What am I doing? Probie. Refill.”
The local news comes on the TV. It doesn’t take us long to realize the story’s about a police raid on the arsonist’s residence, a studio apartment he moved into after we rescued him from the fire.
“Turn it up,” Manny says.
Jax grabs the remote and complies just in time for us to catch the end of Detective Hargrowe’s statement to the press.
“… a serious threat, and we’re doing everything we can to catch this guy.” Marcus looks straight into the camera now, conviction burning in his eyes. “Evan, do the right thing and turn yourself in. Everyone’s on the look out for you. It’s over.”
The reporters on the television begin clamoring to ask the next question, but Marcus puts up a large palm. “I have nothing further to offer the press at this moment, but as things develop, I will keep you informed in a way that satisfies both your desire for headlines and my commitment to procedural integrity.” He flashes his white teeth and leaves the reporters charmed.
“Procedural integrity?” Joey says. “What the hell does that mean?”
“Who cares.” Manny says. “That sounded good. Marcus is one smooth player.”
Jax snorts but says nothing. Then his phone rings.
“Who is it?” Joey asks.
“The smooth player,” Jax says, before leaving the room to take his call with the detective. When he returns, his face is ashen.
“What did Marcus say?” Manny asks.
Evan’s got our pictures all over his apartment’s walls.”
“For real?” Manny says.
“Yep.”
“Crap,” Dennis says.
“Anything else?” Joey asks.
“Yeah. Plans for a homemade bomb.”
Things are bad enough as it is. Now he wants to blow us up?
Manny punches a wall. “That’s it. I’ve had it. We’ve entertained this guy’s whims long enough. It’s time we went from reacting to taking action.”
“What do you have in mind?” I say.
“Let’s throw a fake birthday party and lure Evan in with the opportunity to take us all down in one fell swoop. Then we catch him in the act.”
