Presley laughed lightly, followed by a sigh. “What are we going to do about him?”
“Nothing yet. I want to go up to the counter and ask Irene a few questions about him. Are you comfortable sitting here while I’m gone? I’ll be able to see you the whole time.”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.”
Even though I knew the likelihood of the detective trying anything with so many witnesses was minimal, I still didn’t like leaving Presley alone at the table. But I needed to talk to Irene.
“Well, hello there. What’s a nice lady like you doing with a scallywag like this?” Buck asked.
“Perfect timing, old man,” I said. “Would you mind keeping Presley company while I talk to Irene?”
“As long as you don’t mind us continuing to occupy your table when you get back,” Walter said. “This place is packed, and I don’t feel like fighting for a table today.”
“I’d bet another tattoo on my ass that you’ve never had to fight for a table at this location,” I said.
“I’m going to get you one day,” Walter said.
“We’ve already picked out the tattoo!” Buck said excitedly.
“I wish I had time for you two fuckers,” I said and clapped Walter’s shoulder. “But I’ve got some shit to take care of. I’ll be back in a few.”
With that, I made my way to the counter and waited for Irene. “You need something, honey?”
Leaning closer, I lowered my voice, “Don’t look right now, but there’s a detective by the front door. I wanted to know if he came in here often.”
“I don’t need to look. That’s Detective Coleman. I noticed him coming in for lunch a little over two weeks ago. Comes in a few times a week, looks around, then places an order to go. Today’s the first time he’s eaten here.”
I didn’t think that was a coincidence either. “Thanks. I don’t have time to explain, but I think he’s here because Presley’s here. We’re going to head out now. Will you call me and let me know when he leaves?”
“Of course,” she said and handed me some to-go boxes. “Here. It’ll look less suspicious if you take your half-eaten lunch with you.”
“Thanks,” I said and returned to the table.
“I just got a text from Phoenix. He needs me back at the garage,” I said and passed a box to Presley.
“Oh, okay,” she said and boxed up her salad.
“You guys are welcome to our table,” I told Walter and Buck while I dumped my food into a box.
“Thanks,” Walter said. “We’llseeya.”
“Yes, wewill,” Buck added.
“What the hell was that?” Presley asked as we exited through the side door.
“Irene said Detective Dickhead started coming in two weeks ago, but today was the first time he stayed to eat lunch. If the reason he’s here leaves, so will he.”
Presley almost rolled her eyes at me. “I know that. I was talking about Walter and Buck.”
“Oh. I don’t know. They were acting kind of weird.”
“So, what are we doing now?” Presley asked. “I’m assuming you didn’t get a text from Phoenix.”
“You're right, I didn’t. I just didn’t think it was a good idea to stay at the diner while Coleman’s there, regardless ofwhyhe’s there,” I said. “And I wanted to see if he would try to follow one of us.”
“I figured that,” she said knowingly. “All right. Where am I to drive?”
“Where were you planning on going?”
