“I’m trying, but talking to you is like trying to herd shopping carts in a tornado!” Kieran blasted.
“He got some pills from Tommy,” I blasted back. “He was in a lot of pain, wanted a break, and got two pills.”
“Twopills?” Kieran was doubtful.
“Yeah. Two.” I challenged, stepping close enough that our toes bumped. “You trust me?” I asked quietly.
“You know I do,” Kieran replied.
“Well,Itrust him.”
Kieran searched my unwavering stare for long minutes before relenting. “I had to be sure.”
“I know.” I allowed it.
“Be sure about what?” Haz interjected.
We ignored that too.
“Tommy was waiting inside his apartment when Rett got home. Trashed the place, broke his headphones, and threatened him.”
“About what?” Kieran asked.
“He seems to think that two pills means Rett is on the hook to deal for him now.”
“Rett can’t deal drugs for Tommy,” Haz announced.
“Way to point out the obvious, my guy.” I patted his head.
“He’s not your guy,” Kieran growled.
“Before I could just remove the problem altogether, the little dick jumped out the window and ran off. Probably in my Uber,” I explained.
“So you moved him into your place so Tommy wouldn’t find him when he came looking a second time,” Kieran surmised.
“I moved him into my place because I love him.” I corrected him.
“I knew it!” Haz exclaimed.
Kieran rolled his eyes. “I told you.”
“You also told me not to let it make me blind. Here’s me with my peepers wide open,” I retorted, pulling my eyelids wide.
Kieran turned to Haz. “How big of a problem is Tommy going to be?”
Haz considered it. “The last few months, he’s been gettinga little bolder. Rumor has it he’s trying to increase business. He’s definitely not someone who just talks.”
Kieran’s eyes sharpened. “He’s killed people?”
“I can’t prove it.” Haz hedged.
“But you think he’s capable?”
Haz chewed his lower lip.
Kieran grabbed his chin and forced his head up. “You know I won’t let him hurt you, right?”
“I know. I was more worried about you.”
