“Are you safe?”
“What the hell do you think? I’m working for bloody Rocky Cummings,” Pete hissed. “If I had a choice, do you think I’d be here? I’m doing what I have to do.”
“Do you need us to get you out of there?”
“No! I just need to be left alone. I need you to walk away and pretend you don’t know me. Fuck it! I need you to have never shownup at all.”
“Your drinks are ready.”
They both turned at the announcement from the bartender. Mitch handed over some cash and whispered to Pete while he waited for his change. “I need to meet with you. Tell me where and when.”
“I’m staying at Rocky’s. I’ll have to let you know.” Pete picked up a tray of drinks and left. He was already seated by the time Mitch put the tray he was carrying onthe table. Pete had seated himself between Rocky and another guy, forcing Mitch to sit opposite.
Bottles of beer were passed around. Mitch took a large swig from his bottle, aware of the scrutiny he was under. Stack sat to his right and Rocky directly across from him, next to Pete. Three other guys took up the far end of the table and were engaged in conversation.
Rocky downed half his bottlebefore speaking. “So you’re looking to pick up some more cash?”
Mitch nodded, the beer bottle still at his lips. He swallowed. “Hell, yeah.”
Rocky nudged Peter with his elbow. “You’ll vouch for this guy?”
“Sure.” Pete didn’t sound sure. His voice was clipped, and he glared across the table.C’mon, Pete, don’t let me down.A couple of moments passed, and then Pete cleared his throat. “I haveno reason not to trust him. He did right by me. Stood by me through some shit. Had my back.”
Pete met his gaze and gave an almost imperceptible nod. It was clear he meant what he said. Memories flooded back: those last few weeks together, the arguments about Pete’s recovery, and Pete’s insistence that Mitch didn’t have to feel guilty and stay any longer. It was as if Pete had resigned himselfto his future and didn’t want to drag Mitch down any farther, so gave him a get-out-of-jail-free card.
“And you had mine,” Mitch said, raising his bottle in a toast.
Rocky’s voice cut through Mitch and Pete’s silent communication. “Come see me at the shop tomorrow. I’ve got something you can help me with.”
“Yeah? That’s great.”
