thirteen

By the time they got back to the city, it was late. Past midnight. They went directly back to Gato’s mother’s house. They turned the corner onto the street where Gato lived and pulled up next to the borrowed Land Cruiser. Mallen watched his friend. It looked like Gato was struggling with something, and he could bet he knew what was coming.

“What’s your plan?” Mallen said.

“I gotta talk to my madre. Somehow let her know Lupe is still alive without letting her know too much, you know? I have to go down to L.A. man. Very soon.”

“I get ya. I’ll try to have a fuckin’ plan by the next time we talk. Watch your back,” he added as he got out of the car and went quickly over to the Land Cruiser and got in. Watched as Gato drove down the street and made the left at the corner.

He turned the ignition key and got the engine going. Drove for the bridge. There was virtually no traffic. He rolled the window down, the night sea air invigorating him, making him feel that he could come up with a plan that would solve the puzzles he seemed to find himself confronted with. He certainly hoped the fuck so.

It was just after one a.m. when he parked the Land Cruiser in the lot outside the dock where home was. Mallen wondered how long Mr. Gregor would let him use the truck.

Had to admit, as he walked down the pier to his home, the smell of the sea and the slap of water against the pier pilings was quickly becoming music to his ears.