[Sleeping on down next to a warm body is a very solid sleep. Even that kind can be disturbed. All it takes is a steady, hard set of knocking. Or at least a steady thudding. It's not going to let up. Larry rouses and it only takes a few fractions of a second to realize where they still are.
What the fuck.
He only spares a few pats to Freddy. Surely he isn't gonna sleep through all the noise.]
[Wait he said the g-word. Immediately training comes into play. The kid slinks out of bed to get his own firearm, locked and loaded. Fortunately the old man said 'guns' and not 'shots fired'. However Freddy does give him a look and a gesture: "WHAT DO WE DO?"]
[That's not a plan though, old man. He takes a breath.]
I'll get it, okay?
[Since only one of them has been shot recently. Larry makes sure the safety is off as he raises his voice.]
Just a minute.
[In English. And then as an after thought, in Spanish. He tries to step lightly to the door to get a glimpse. Cops would identify themselves, even down here.]
[Maybe it's room service. Probably not. At least Freddy also thinks it's not the police. That's not how they do things and down here in Mexico where he considers it the wild west they definitely would be busting in already.]
I've got you covered.
[Freddy breathes as he moves into position, not entirely obscured from view but at a slightly more advantageous angle. His gun is drawn, ready to fire but also ready to hide at a moment's notice. PS. He's naked.]
[Grumble of lowered men voices on the other side means there is at least two. Fuck. Not good, not when they're not expecting any visitors. Larry makes it finally to the door. He sees two brown faces he doesn't recognize.]
Who is it?
[Spanish again, ahah. His briefed behind makes it to the side of the door in case this would be their cue to open fire. It isn't.]
A friend, Senor. I was very impressed with your work.
[A friend. Larry looks over to the guy who's got his back. Yes? No?]
[The kid quirks a brow. He mouths the words to Larry even though it probably doesn't matter because it's the first question that'd come to anyone's mind at a time like this!
What work??.]
Habla ingles por favor.
[He speaks up from his position now that they can see each other. It's also Freddy's way of announcing his (very naked) presence. Somehow he just doesn't take into consideration the clear cocksucking factor.]
[What does that mean besides they're being watched? Larry brow furrows dramatically. None of this bodes well. He's starting to feel hot under the collar, sweaty even without any proper clothes on.
Speaking English is a good thing. Also a good let on that there is two of em. Hah. So now it is a fair fight. Anything said is shared information. Being pegged as a cocksucker is about the very least of his worries right about now.]
Ingles? Yes. Si. You have done me the biggest of favors the night before with your gamble. That makes me a grateful man. Please. Let us to be talking face to face. No harm will be coming to you guys.
[That's English. A little too buddy, buddy for just met. Larry frowns. The options are letting them in, telling em to fuck off or opening fire and hoping to kill them then making break for it. The last option is a last resort. The whole joint would be coming this way for the commotion. Telling em to fuck off would make em mad. Mad enough to open fire if armed is yet to be seen. His mind is racing.]
[Oh no. It's one of those kinds of calls. His training tells him to go with the flow, get into this guy's good graces, rub elbows until his guard's down, but Freddy's not undercover anymore. Or is he? Maybe he'll have to be undercover for the rest of his life.]
Where? We just woke up. I don't have my pants on.
[Says the kid, almost to be funny or to affect a more relaxed, casual, and even stupid manner. Of course there's an undercurrent of fearlessness too. Nobody should be that supercool in these circumstances unless he's a fucking professional.]
My time is limited. And I am most eager to speak to you, friend. Or should I say friends.
[So comes from the other side of the door, jovial. Still there is the feeling of someone getting the drop on them, singling them out. Larry knows that the wise choice is to play it cool and innocent. When a fella breaks a sweat and starts acting out under a little pressure is when he gives himself away. That's something that got his ass busted way back when. Besides hard evidence. But a charmer can find a way.]
Give us just a minute. Won't be long at all.
[Larry keeps his gun drawn and then nods to Freddy. Maybe it'd be a good time to stop being nude. His humor does cut the tension even in himself. Good to have him in his corner.]
Nothing you ain't seen, I'm sure but can't have a guy in his birthday suit.
[Freddy gives an audible snort for that remark. How many people have seen him naked, old man? Besides the occasional third party? Besides the staff at the hospital? Besides his brothers in blue in the locker room? Okay scratch that, how many dirty ass criminals have seen his naked behind? Yeah.]
One minute.
[He calls to the door and makes the scramble for his clothes anyway.]
[Pffft. He waves it off. Just a naked body. Not a specific pale, freckled body with some scars in the works. Larry would prefer to not invite the eyes of a third party since looking is all the action he's getting. Eyes dart from Freddy to gauge how far along he is to the door... until he remembers he's sort of in his boxers. Shit. Gun down flat to the bed he scrambles to put at least some bottoms on.]
Almost.
[Yeah. They don't sound like they were preoccupied or anything. Fuck. Well. It is what it is. If they do end up caught in a trap at least a few things were on the table already. How about that, Dimmy? Dying while out.]
[Briefs, jeans, and a t-shirt are all Freddy manages to pull on. Thank god they had the time to get some new clothes. It's not the comfortable mix they had back in the city or even his comfortable mix from his apartment but it's something. Hey that's ONE thing he can look forward to...somewhere in Los Angeles all his comic book shit is rotting.]
Okay. [He's ready.] What's this all about?
[The gun's coming with. These guys shouldn't be surprised by them wanting to go along perfectly armed.]
[The old man doesn't bother buttoning his shirt, he leaves it open. His hands are steady for shooting, not buttons. He keeps the gun behind his back and then moves to the door. With a hand on the knob he gives Freddy three head nods like a count.
One. Two. Three. Behind the door is a short man in a blue, blue suit. His shirt under it is a golden rod that really somehow pales to compare to the gold buttons that clearly look real enough against his chain, his earring and the rings on his fingers. The same gleam catches on his teeth. Behind him is a tall, more modestly dressed man. He doesn't look like the chatty type but he eyes the old man hard first then those same dark eyes dart to Freddy.
The shorter man, smiles and spreads his hands.]
Business and friendship. You have become my friends, sir. Please. No need to be alarmed. Introductions would help best, yes?
[Larry swallows, and he puts on something like a smile.]
Yeah, I'd feel better about knowing who the fuck you are.
[Freddy nods, catching drift of the count. He's been eyeballing tall dark and not handsome already, but when the other guy starts talking, all smiles and palms up, he thrusts a freckled hand out.]
Cisco Kid.
[He introduces himself without missing a beat. Yeah, fucking supercool. Yeah, he can't possibly be surprised by the use of an alias.]
[Larry tucks his gun into the back of his jeans. Being open handed means no threat meant. Caution still is on his mind as he steps back and holds the door.]
You. You're funny. No. Ray Reyes is my name. Some people call me Rey Ray.
[Only Senor Reyes thinks it is funny. Tall and dark keeps on looking at them as though he is a shark waiting for something to drop into the water. Ray continues with his own introduction.]
I'm a modern business man. Many do not care for my trade or the benefit it gives. I give safety and happiness.
[So he's some sort of a gangster, Larry figures. His choice of dress would say he may also pimp. The old man rubs his chin.]
[Seeing as how this was their wake up call. As long as the golden blue dude keeps talking though Freddy's going to pointedly ignore the taller one (but not lose track of his position).]
Safety and happiness huh? So how'd the old man here help you with that?
[One flap of his hand to indicate the old man he's talking about is Lawrence Dimick.]
[Solid fact that Larry here is the oldest one in the bunch. He takes it in stride this one time.]
I have many competitors. Men with money and we know money can be pretty powerful. Your win has taken power from an enemy of mine. I want to thank you.
[Rey Ray seems to be happy enough with this, and he rubs his hands together.]
A game is a game, I wasn't out to make any enemies here.
[Or friends for that matter but looks like they don't have a choice.]
No, no. He won't be of any harm to you. Not as long as I'm around... Perhaps I should elaborate a little. Your winnings would have been lawyer fees, hush money and freedom for a fucking animal. Without it, I'm afraid he will not be fairing so well in his issues. Really, his fate is not one to pity.
[One gangster is fuck out of luck is what it all means to Larry he scratches the back of his head and sends a look sidelong to Freddy. Rey Ray may be the greater devil.]
All we were in for is the money.
[No friends. No enemies. Just money.]
Which you have, will have. Navidad. Please.
[Oh look, Freddy. Navidad is that mean fuck. And he reaches into his blazer. It's a smooth motion. Larry tenses.]
[Navidad pulls out an envelope. He takes a half step forward to hand it to...Freddy. What.]
That's...that's really nice of you, Ray.
[The old man can feel sweat beading on his skin right out of each pore, burdened and waiting for the release. Strangers giving money out of kindness? It's fishy as all fuck.]
I dunno what to say. I mean, we went about our business. And fuck, I don't want to be the asshole that looks ungrateful. We dunno what you're business is or want to impede.
Please. I am a lowly coke dealer and gun runner. That is all. I'm not snatching children and making people believe they are sex objects. You put a real shit where he belongs. Let me give my thanks.
[Caramel green eyes stare at the envelope, suspicious and cautious. Freddy reaches out to take it after another breath but his character doesn't break for a second. He doesn't hesitate to open it...for Larry.]
You got a point.
[The kid nods with regards to Rey Ray's comment. He hands the envelope off to the old man to actually look inside. It's not anthrax, he hopes.]
[Lowly as he might be, how'd he find em? Why oh why do they gain his attention when it could have been anybody. A real sweat is going to break out if this keeps on rolling. Keep it cool, Dimmy. This isn't a shakedown at least. And he still has the metal of a gun against his skin.
Why didn't the kid open the-? Either way. The seal breaks easy. It's busting with contents. All pesos but money is money. There's a shit ton of it.]
A token of appreciation. I insist. You really have done me a favor.
[Except the more he says it, the more uneasy Larry feels. Even if it is free dough.]
[He takes it. He takes it because he is called Rey Ray. And because many names come from many places. Who is he to judge from here?
Larry tucks the envelope under his arm and extends his hand. Even though they owe no business, a skin to skin shake as gentleman and to get a real feel of him is the next step. As expected, he has smooth hands, clean hands. The better to hide the dirty scum. Shake. Shake. Release.
The old man can't wait until he gets the fuck out.]
Really. Thanks. Just like another jackpot.
[He laughs and then elbows Freddy. Please laugh too. Rey Ray joins in. Navidad cracks a smile. Maybe it'd be best if he didn't.]
[Huh? Oh right. Hahahahahahaha Freddy laughs. What are they laughing about? Who knows, the kid's just following his cue. God he hopes this guy doesn't invite them out to lunch. No matter how good the food might be they could be better off without the association. Or can they? This isn't the world of law-abiding citizens anymore, Newendyke. You left that plane.]
Cool wake up call.
[He adds, just so he's not only laughing like an idiot.]
Y'know, we should do lunch. I will be staying the night here. The hour is late.
[Late? Early? What time is it even. The old man is nodding his head. Whoops. Well, in his book so far Ray has given them no reason to fear them. It's clear that he would have already with Navidad here. They are packing, no question.]
We'll catch you sometime tomorrow.
[And that's it then. Navidad opens the door and scouts the hall. Larry gives them a wave and steps close so he can lock the door behind. Oh boy.]
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What the fuck.
He only spares a few pats to Freddy. Surely he isn't gonna sleep through all the noise.]
Guns. Where are the guns?
[Oh. Nightstand. Yes.]
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Huh?
[Wait he said the g-word. Immediately training comes into play. The kid slinks out of bed to get his own firearm, locked and loaded. Fortunately the old man said 'guns' and not 'shots fired'. However Freddy does give him a look and a gesture: "WHAT DO WE DO?"]
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[That's not a plan though, old man. He takes a breath.]
I'll get it, okay?
[Since only one of them has been shot recently. Larry makes sure the safety is off as he raises his voice.]
Just a minute.
[In English. And then as an after thought, in Spanish. He tries to step lightly to the door to get a glimpse. Cops would identify themselves, even down here.]
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I've got you covered.
[Freddy breathes as he moves into position, not entirely obscured from view but at a slightly more advantageous angle. His gun is drawn, ready to fire but also ready to hide at a moment's notice. PS. He's naked.]
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Who is it?
[Spanish again, ahah. His briefed behind makes it to the side of the door in case this would be their cue to open fire. It isn't.]
A friend, Senor. I was very impressed with your work.
[A friend. Larry looks over to the guy who's got his back. Yes? No?]
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What work??.]
Habla ingles por favor.
[He speaks up from his position now that they can see each other. It's also Freddy's way of announcing his (very naked) presence. Somehow he just doesn't take into consideration the clear cocksucking factor.]
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Speaking English is a good thing. Also a good let on that there is two of em. Hah. So now it is a fair fight. Anything said is shared information. Being pegged as a cocksucker is about the very least of his worries right about now.]
Ingles? Yes. Si. You have done me the biggest of favors the night before with your gamble. That makes me a grateful man. Please. Let us to be talking face to face. No harm will be coming to you guys.
[That's English. A little too buddy, buddy for just met. Larry frowns. The options are letting them in, telling em to fuck off or opening fire and hoping to kill them then making break for it. The last option is a last resort. The whole joint would be coming this way for the commotion. Telling em to fuck off would make em mad. Mad enough to open fire if armed is yet to be seen. His mind is racing.]
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[Oh no. It's one of those kinds of calls. His training tells him to go with the flow, get into this guy's good graces, rub elbows until his guard's down, but Freddy's not undercover anymore. Or is he? Maybe he'll have to be undercover for the rest of his life.]
Where? We just woke up. I don't have my pants on.
[Says the kid, almost to be funny or to affect a more relaxed, casual, and even stupid manner. Of course there's an undercurrent of fearlessness too. Nobody should be that supercool in these circumstances unless he's a fucking professional.]
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[So comes from the other side of the door, jovial. Still there is the feeling of someone getting the drop on them, singling them out. Larry knows that the wise choice is to play it cool and innocent. When a fella breaks a sweat and starts acting out under a little pressure is when he gives himself away. That's something that got his ass busted way back when. Besides hard evidence. But a charmer can find a way.]
Give us just a minute. Won't be long at all.
[Larry keeps his gun drawn and then nods to Freddy. Maybe it'd be a good time to stop being nude. His humor does cut the tension even in himself. Good to have him in his corner.]
Nothing you ain't seen, I'm sure but can't have a guy in his birthday suit.
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[Freddy gives an audible snort for that remark. How many people have seen him naked, old man? Besides the occasional third party? Besides the staff at the hospital? Besides his brothers in blue in the locker room? Okay scratch that, how many dirty ass criminals have seen his naked behind? Yeah.]
One minute.
[He calls to the door and makes the scramble for his clothes anyway.]
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Almost.
[Yeah. They don't sound like they were preoccupied or anything. Fuck. Well. It is what it is. If they do end up caught in a trap at least a few things were on the table already. How about that, Dimmy? Dying while out.]
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Okay. [He's ready.] What's this all about?
[The gun's coming with. These guys shouldn't be surprised by them wanting to go along perfectly armed.]
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One. Two. Three. Behind the door is a short man in a blue, blue suit. His shirt under it is a golden rod that really somehow pales to compare to the gold buttons that clearly look real enough against his chain, his earring and the rings on his fingers. The same gleam catches on his teeth. Behind him is a tall, more modestly dressed man. He doesn't look like the chatty type but he eyes the old man hard first then those same dark eyes dart to Freddy.
The shorter man, smiles and spreads his hands.]
Business and friendship. You have become my friends, sir. Please. No need to be alarmed. Introductions would help best, yes?
[Larry swallows, and he puts on something like a smile.]
Yeah, I'd feel better about knowing who the fuck you are.
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Cisco Kid.
[He introduces himself without missing a beat. Yeah, fucking supercool. Yeah, he can't possibly be surprised by the use of an alias.]
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You. You're funny. No. Ray Reyes is my name. Some people call me Rey Ray.
[Only Senor Reyes thinks it is funny. Tall and dark keeps on looking at them as though he is a shark waiting for something to drop into the water. Ray continues with his own introduction.]
I'm a modern business man. Many do not care for my trade or the benefit it gives. I give safety and happiness.
[So he's some sort of a gangster, Larry figures. His choice of dress would say he may also pimp. The old man rubs his chin.]
What's that got to do with us?
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[Seeing as how this was their wake up call. As long as the golden blue dude keeps talking though Freddy's going to pointedly ignore the taller one (but not lose track of his position).]
Safety and happiness huh? So how'd the old man here help you with that?
[One flap of his hand to indicate the old man he's talking about is Lawrence Dimick.]
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I have many competitors. Men with money and we know money can be pretty powerful. Your win has taken power from an enemy of mine. I want to thank you.
[Rey Ray seems to be happy enough with this, and he rubs his hands together.]
A game is a game, I wasn't out to make any enemies here.
[Or friends for that matter but looks like they don't have a choice.]
No, no. He won't be of any harm to you. Not as long as I'm around... Perhaps I should elaborate a little. Your winnings would have been lawyer fees, hush money and freedom for a fucking animal. Without it, I'm afraid he will not be fairing so well in his issues. Really, his fate is not one to pity.
[One gangster is fuck out of luck is what it all means to Larry he scratches the back of his head and sends a look sidelong to Freddy. Rey Ray may be the greater devil.]
All we were in for is the money.
[No friends. No enemies. Just money.]
Which you have, will have. Navidad. Please.
[Oh look, Freddy. Navidad is that mean fuck. And he reaches into his blazer. It's a smooth motion. Larry tenses.]
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[Freddy shrugs, remarking on the status of the loser Larry cleaned out. A cockroach looking to eliminate another cockroach is still the trash.]
Will...?
[A blonde brow quirks. He's got his eyes hyperfocused on Navidad's motion. Don't say GUN, Newendyke, don't say GUN.]
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That's...that's really nice of you, Ray.
[The old man can feel sweat beading on his skin right out of each pore, burdened and waiting for the release. Strangers giving money out of kindness? It's fishy as all fuck.]
I dunno what to say. I mean, we went about our business. And fuck, I don't want to be the asshole that looks ungrateful. We dunno what you're business is or want to impede.
Please. I am a lowly coke dealer and gun runner. That is all. I'm not snatching children and making people believe they are sex objects. You put a real shit where he belongs. Let me give my thanks.
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You got a point.
[The kid nods with regards to Rey Ray's comment. He hands the envelope off to the old man to actually look inside. It's not anthrax, he hopes.]
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Why didn't the kid open the-? Either way. The seal breaks easy. It's busting with contents. All pesos but money is money. There's a shit ton of it.]
A token of appreciation. I insist. You really have done me a favor.
[Except the more he says it, the more uneasy Larry feels. Even if it is free dough.]
Thanks. Thanks a lot.
You're welcome, Mister-?
[Oh.]
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[Freddy sounds, curious and skeptical, which shows in a lift of a single butterscotch blonde brow.]
Luck.
[Harry Luck, he answers for the old man. Rey Ray can't argue that kind of name can he? He did just call Lawrence Dimick such a thing.]
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[He takes it. He takes it because he is called Rey Ray. And because many names come from many places. Who is he to judge from here?
Larry tucks the envelope under his arm and extends his hand. Even though they owe no business, a skin to skin shake as gentleman and to get a real feel of him is the next step. As expected, he has smooth hands, clean hands. The better to hide the dirty scum. Shake. Shake. Release.
The old man can't wait until he gets the fuck out.]
Really. Thanks. Just like another jackpot.
[He laughs and then elbows Freddy. Please laugh too. Rey Ray joins in. Navidad cracks a smile. Maybe it'd be best if he didn't.]
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[Huh? Oh right. Hahahahahahaha Freddy laughs. What are they laughing about? Who knows, the kid's just following his cue. God he hopes this guy doesn't invite them out to lunch. No matter how good the food might be they could be better off without the association. Or can they? This isn't the world of law-abiding citizens anymore, Newendyke. You left that plane.]
Cool wake up call.
[He adds, just so he's not only laughing like an idiot.]
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[Late? Early? What time is it even. The old man is nodding his head. Whoops. Well, in his book so far Ray has given them no reason to fear them. It's clear that he would have already with Navidad here. They are packing, no question.]
We'll catch you sometime tomorrow.
[And that's it then. Navidad opens the door and scouts the hall. Larry gives them a wave and steps close so he can lock the door behind. Oh boy.]
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