“Touche,” Jagger chuckled.“’Bout time.”
Apollo showed no emotion, simply shut the truck off and stepped out.Great, he’d pissed them both off.What the hell did they expect?For him to keep on taking it?Fuck that.This may not be his place in the world, but he wasn’t someone’s punching bag.Those days were far behind him.
Rocko found himself alone with his thoughts in the backseat of the truck.He opened the door and followed the team members to the powerboat.The salesman was waiting for them, nervous smile in place.He welcomed them and handed each a spec sheet on the boat.Huh.I can see why he’s so nervous about getting this sale.Probably make his full target in one bite.A DONZI 39 VRZ was priced at $599,000 - used.Rocko’s brain couldn’t fathom paying that much for anything.He wondered how Apollo and his team had made the money to buy something like this.His detective brain wouldn’t let it rest.
He was only half-listening to the salesman describe the triple Mercury Racing V10 400R engines, their operating hours, the hull and space, blah, blah blah then he zoned out.When he re-focused, Jagger was pelting the poor man with question after question.Technical data, range, wiring, operating systems, and more.When the rest of the group decided to climb on board to look around, Rocko decided now would be a good time to catch his breath.
He folded the sheet and stuffed it into his pocket to have a better look later and wandered toward the water.The marina’s docks were already out, a few boats bobbing, waiting for their owners’ return.Behind the three half-closed bay doors across from the dock, Rocko heard the technicians working, likely preparing boats for the season.
It wasn’t until he heard someone mention the DONZI powerboat that Rocko paid closer attention.
“That rocket sure is sweet.”
“Yeah, you’d be surprised how many powerboats are up and down this lake.With Lake Champlain so long, you can let those beasts out for a good run.”
“Who are those guys?”
“They got a piece of property outside of town.Keep to themselves mainly.”
“Shit, you can say that about eighty percent of the folks around here.”
“Yeah, but there’s something off about them.”
That comment got Rocko’s attention.
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know exactly, but that big guy looks ready to rip your head off if you breathe in his direction.”
“Heard he helped out old man Fitzgerald.”
“Frank?”
“Yeah.He had some issues with his property, and Apollo brought his guys over.Heard they fixed him up and asked for nothin’.”
“Huh.It’ll take more than one bit of kindness to make me trust that guy.”
“You scared of him, Joe?Whoa, you ain’t scared a nothin’.”
“Don’t talk shit.Get your ass back to work before I come over there and show you how scary I can be.”
Rocko committed the name Joe to his memory bank
“Needed some fresh air?”
Rocko turned to find Apollo standing a few feet behind him.He’d been so caught up in eavesdropping he didn’t hear the guy coming up behind him.Damn, for such a massive man, he sure did travel quietly.
“You could say that.Might want to keep the name Joe on your radar.”
“Joe?”
“Yeah, I overheard a conversation from out back here, and he thinks you’re one scary bastard.Or I may be paraphrasing,” Rocko chuckled, unable to stop himself from embellishing a bit.
“He’s right.I am,” Apollo said unapologetically.
“Helps keep people away.”
“Damn right.”
