[The kid blazes past that first question because it's irrelevant it's simply small talk that gets in the way of the meat of this situation.]
Did you know he was following you?
[A carefully crafted question. Was he following the old man? Or did the old man know he'd be there?? Freddy finally opens the bag to dig into his sandwich because like hell is he going to go hungry, he'll eat the damn thing while talking to Larry.]
[He's a cop, remember? Was a cop anyway...it's his job to be curious and ask questions. Was his job anyway...
Chomp. The kid starts eating his sandwich nonchalantly and yes he's going to talk with his mouth full. It is a good sandwich, he'll give Larry that much.]
You don't want to look too interested. [Are you interested, Dimmy? Are you?]
I got to wandering, I also wanted to check in I guess but not look like I was trying to seek him out.
[Larry isn't sweating balls under hot, hot lamps so there is that. And he doesn't feel like he needs to call a lawyer or anything. The whole feel as though he is going to have an unfair charge placed upon him is lingering in the air.]
That's a good way to put it. I don't wanna look too interested. We're trying to make friends but not get wedged into a situation we can't get outta. The money has done us real good.
[Fiscal benefit is the angle. But so is sticking to what he knows.]
Are you gonna tell me what the doc said about you or grill me more?
[SHRUG. Followed by a big chomp of his sandwich. Mmphrmmphmff mrphfhfhmr hfmfmfhrmpph. That's Freddy sort of talking around his food as he answers Larry's other question. Wait for it. Wait for it. He swallows.]
The doc says I'm fine. Take it easy, keep the food bland.
[He thinks. As to the grilling he will leave that all up to the kid to determine. At least for now. The defensive, clever fox face is better with some time to cool and think.]
You don't think so? [Om nom nom. The battle ain't over, Larry Dimick, just you wait. Freddy shakes his head.] Over the counter painkillers, I gotta come back if I get a fever.
[Because that would mean an infection but so far so good.]
[Casual question. A freckled hand makes a grabby motion indicating he wants a beer too. Look Larry you've known Freddy for how long by now? This is the kid showing an amount of restraint.]
[You're playing this real subtle, old man, real subtle. But the kid thinks you know he's not pleased with the luncheon date what the fuck ever. Freddy takes a generous gulp of his beer. Plunk back down.]
Fuck me, I didn't leave today with a planned out lunch. I thought I might see our buddy. Might. I wanted to get the fuck out. You had an appointment. I didn't have no reason to say no because what if Ray had someone watching. Then what?
[Then it looks like the old man doesn't want his company or anything. Grand. He takes a long drink like it will wash away some of what he's got in his brain and in his throat.]
[Sandwich and drink down means he can flap his hands.]
You could have gone somewhere else. I can't believe you walked right into his hands. You're right what if someone was watching, what if he had that big tall fuckhead with him? You didn't have to go that way did you?
He can get us money, Freddy. And get it to us faster. I also think he is a ticket to security. Did I go on and suck his dick to get in good favor? No. Just the same as I didn't put it on my to do list to go have a meal. If I saw him, then I saw him. That's what I figured.
[Why does it all have to sound guilty? He sighs and gives his chin a rub.]
I don't have to believe you because I'm gonna make it happen when it happens.
[Freddy insists, satisfied with his intuition. He just knew the old man was setting himself up for another opportunity. Years after they met Freddy's accepted that Lawrence Dimick is an opportunist. Freddy Newendyke is too, just lawfully so.]
[There you go. Hands spread like he's presenting the fact to the air.]
We didn't talk about anything that important. The football or soccer team that's local may as well be tripping over their own balls. The weather's good. Dumb shit. He asked where you were, I said you were taking up some time on your own.
[That's better. His fox hide is soothed by the very motion (almost like a bear's surrender).]
Did you tell him why? Make something up? He can't go on thinking I'm just a... ["Piece of ass." is what Freddy wants to say.] A tool or something. We don't split even when we're split up.
[He doesn't speak immediately. Drinking is the physical reason. The other is wondering when he was okay with rolling over. The things you do for peace. And peace is pretty important, Dimmy. The two of you are the biggest asset.]
[One with Freddy this time. He asks only because he takes Ray Rey for the type to propose one and Larry for the type not to turn down an opportunity from which they could benefit.]
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