12:47 AM
Lopez Auto Repair and Custom Cars
“I swear, Sleepy, I shot the thing five times in the heart, and it did not go
down.”
“I know, compa, I saw you.”
The rogue gallery that now made up the auto repair shop were all sharing their stories with each other. It was very late, and many had already gone to sleep. Others had joined in some late night revelry.
Nick Lopez sat away from the group. Anxious about the safety of his wife and daughter, his stomach churned and twisted in his belly, rattling him like a kid lost in a store. It was the kind of tension that arises when a priority is not met, or a deadline is looming and no work has been done. It was hard to get Sleepy’s attention, as many of the men were looking to the man for leadership, conversation, and guidance. But Nick hung around, waiting for that one opportunity to cash in on his favor.
As the midnight hour ticked away, ready to shift to the second official hour of the new day, Sleepy was ready to turn in. Nick jumped at the chance.
“Hey, Sleepy.”
“Nico. Que paso, buey?”
“Hey. I want to ask for your help.”
“What’s up?”
Nick explained the situation to Sleepy regarding his wife and child, using perfect Tex-Mex: “Mi esposa y mi nina esta en un apartamento en el sur de Austin, cerca de thirty-five.”
“And you want my help?”
“Si, mon.”
Sleepy was quick and decisive. After all, he had a whole sea of minions to choose from. “Ay, I’ll make sure you have some help to get there and back. Muy facil. ’K?”
“’K.”
“Bueno, bye,” Sleepy said. He retired to a prepared dark corner of the garage where dozens of people were already asleep.
Nick smiled. He turned around and, having prepared it earlier in the evening, moved to his own sleeping spot. The blanket was from the prison and was very thin, which was especially noticeable when it was placed on the grimy floor of the garage. The stern scent of gas and oil filled the room, especially along the floor.
But before Nick and Sleepy could settle in, a crew that had carjacked a military Humvee pulled into the garage with their prize. Frenzied cries of celebration were heard all around.
Standing nearby, Sleepy called to Nick, “There’s your ride and your crew. Hardcore killers, buey. They’ll take care of you.”