Jordan paled. “What... what happened?”
I shrugged. “Nothing in particular. What do you think happened?”
“I don’t know!” Jordan growled. “I can’t fucking remember!”
At that point, the guards came, but this time we were ready. No one puked, no one was handcuffed, and we didn’t piss anyone off, so things were looking up. When our breakfast came, I ate the stale toast as if it were a Michelin-star meal, feeling strangely invigorated.
“We should get Crusher off your back,” I said to Jordan when I finished eating. “He’s getting on my nerves.”
“And how do you propose to do that? He’s not the most reasonable person if you haven’t noticed.”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just tell him that you’re my bitch and problem solved.”
Jordan choked on his apple. “Excuse me?”
I grinned. “Yeah, we’ll tattoo my name on your forehead or something.”
“Not funny. And I don’t think it would solve our problem because you shoved a fish patty down his throat. He’s not likely to forgive that.”
“Yeah, probably not. It was a good joke, though.”
“I disagree.”
It was later in the day when they sent us to the yard, and a thought occurred to me. It was a big, dangerous gamble, but alsosomething that could make Santiago sing. I was mulling it over when the person in question approached me.
“Have you heard from the other party?” Santiago said as we headed to the empty part of the yard.
“I have. The Haitians are interested. They suggested a meeting at a neutral place. How does Havana sound?”
“Hmm… not a bad idea. Let me check and get back to you on that.”
Santiago was known as an opportunistic narcissist, so I decided to use this to my advantage.
“Have you ever thought of establishing your own business?” I said as we strolled. “Don’t get me wrong, I dig your boss, but you seem like a capable, smart businessman. Doing your own thing never crossed your mind?”
Santiago smirked. “You’re either a very brave or a very stupid man. And I don’t think you’re stupid.”
I gave him a questioning glance. “Am I wrong?”
“No, you’re not wrong,” he replied, gazing into the distance. “Let’s just say that the current situation is a means to an end.”
At that point, Jordan joined us, still breathless after jogging around the yard.
“Your shadow is here,” Santiago said, giving him a once-over.
I chuckled. “Mr. Smith takes care of the clients. I’m more into procurement. It’s a well-oiled machine.”
“You two fucking?” Santiago said, looking at us both.
Jordan’s eyes bulged as I tried to choose the smartest answer. Did Santiago ask us that because he was a bigot or interested in one of us?
“Don’t get me wrong,” Santiago elaborated. “I’m not homophobic. It’s just that Mr. Crusher likes a virgin ass, so if Mr. Smith doesn’t have one, I suggest letting the rumor spread. Crusher’s interest will probably diminish after that.”
I nodded. “Thanks for the tip.”
“Yeah, I prefer my future business partners alive,” Santiago said, nodding. “I’ll be in touch.”
After he left, Jordan gave me a panicked look. “I don’t know what’s happening.”
