[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.]
[Freckled hands are raised with palms open as if to say "No thanks, I can see it just fine from here."]
I get it I guess. With that he doesn't owe you one, does he?
[That's what the kid wants to figure out. Rey Ray, Ray Rey, Rei Rei, whatever, was cordial enough but two-faced backstabbing is practically a given in this world...for crooks and cops.]
Not by my call. He is really, really trying to make nice. Get on our good graces with a present. Presents to involve paybacks.
[Flip, flip. So much money. Way more combined with the winnings. This will give them two solid months of funds if they plan it correctly.]
I dunno him though. A lunch would help put more cards on the table. I really think with the man he brought in with him, if he wanted to be violent we would be dead. You pick up a vibe?
What kind of vibe? You mean Mexican mafia vibe? That's a little obvious.
[At least Freddy's keeping his voice down so their conversation isn't so obvious. Nice place this is, with all the plants and some rock water garden deal. Of course with them being associated with Rey Ray who knows what word could get back to him if anyone eavesdropped. Freddy's got his ears and eyes open.]
Why take us on a double date then? The more people who see us together the messier it is for those guys.
[Freddy says thoughtfully, freckled fingers rubbing at his chin now. Yeah yeah, Larry, he'll stomp and do other old school ticks for you. For now he just gives a slight nod for complying.]
Plus that'd be a waste of talent like yours. You have to admit.
[Waste of talents he calls it. Larry smiles and squints as he looks off. Them. The money. The situation.]
He either thinks we're queers or you work for me.
[In case that didn't entirely register.]
Both aren't outta the blue but you're right, it's seldom an open thing.
[Here. In this time. Not the City though. It was a pride parade in South Beach looking back.]
I think the worst we can expect out of this, aside from getting into a shoot out is making good friends. Guys like this, they're flashy. They wanna give you things. They wanna trust you and for you to trust them.
[Freddy gives a most casual matter of fact shrug. They damn better well know he's got the old man's back. The kid might not look like much but that's one of his strengths, taking people down by surprise.]
Do you wanna trust him?
[Practically speaking he knows from a crook's perspective this is a good deal. From a cop's perspective it's a no-go unless he's conducting an investigation via undercover. That's not your life anymore, Newendyke.]
[As his boy on the side or handyman Freddy has an important position. Good. It means he has an excuse to be here. Underestimating the fox faced man would be the worst decision they make.]
I think it'd be smart to.
[That isn't the same as want. Larry combs back his hair and takes a drag from his cigarette.]
Seems pretty nice as far as his type go. I think trusting him a little wouldn't be the worst decision we'd make here. He knows the place better. Fuck, he might set us up with some sort of a living situation.
[Freddy adds with regards to the living situation. It almost pains him to have to say it, as if he's officially and verbally acknowledging letting go of is former life. If only Rey Ray knew he's about to harbor a cop killing fugitive (yay for the crooks) and an actual if former cop.]
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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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Okay....
[He's not going to panic. He's not going to freak out. Just keep calm, Newendyke, keep calm.]
....That was fucked up.
[Freddy says with cool restraint. Inside he's screaming it.]
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Sure was fuck not what I was expecting when I opened up.
[He pulls the envelope out from under his arm to look at it again.]
I dunno. I think I'm okay with this kinda fucked up. Take a real look.
[As he passes the fat wad into flappy hands hoping it would be a distraction for just a bit.]
You don't go giving that to someone you want to hurt.
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I get it I guess. With that he doesn't owe you one, does he?
[That's what the kid wants to figure out. Rey Ray, Ray Rey, Rei Rei, whatever, was cordial enough but two-faced backstabbing is practically a given in this world...for crooks and cops.]
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Not by my call. He is really, really trying to make nice. Get on our good graces with a present. Presents to involve paybacks.
[Flip, flip. So much money. Way more combined with the winnings. This will give them two solid months of funds if they plan it correctly.]
I dunno him though. A lunch would help put more cards on the table. I really think with the man he brought in with him, if he wanted to be violent we would be dead. You pick up a vibe?
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[At least Freddy's keeping his voice down so their conversation isn't so obvious. Nice place this is, with all the plants and some rock water garden deal. Of course with them being associated with Rey Ray who knows what word could get back to him if anyone eavesdropped. Freddy's got his ears and eyes open.]
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[His voice is just as low. A smoke would be great. He fishes one out, ears open himself.]
Stomp on my foot or something if you get a whiff. I'll do the same.
[Flicking his lighter and inhaling, he takes the moment to try to put together his thoughts with more care.]
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[Freddy says thoughtfully, freckled fingers rubbing at his chin now. Yeah yeah, Larry, he'll stomp and do other old school ticks for you. For now he just gives a slight nod for complying.]
Plus that'd be a waste of talent like yours. You have to admit.
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He either thinks we're queers or you work for me.
[In case that didn't entirely register.]
Both aren't outta the blue but you're right, it's seldom an open thing.
[Here. In this time. Not the City though. It was a pride parade in South Beach looking back.]
I think the worst we can expect out of this, aside from getting into a shoot out is making good friends. Guys like this, they're flashy. They wanna give you things. They wanna trust you and for you to trust them.
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[Freddy gives a most casual matter of fact shrug. They damn better well know he's got the old man's back. The kid might not look like much but that's one of his strengths, taking people down by surprise.]
Do you wanna trust him?
[Practically speaking he knows from a crook's perspective this is a good deal. From a cop's perspective it's a no-go unless he's conducting an investigation via undercover. That's not your life anymore, Newendyke.]
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I think it'd be smart to.
[That isn't the same as want. Larry combs back his hair and takes a drag from his cigarette.]
Seems pretty nice as far as his type go. I think trusting him a little wouldn't be the worst decision we'd make here. He knows the place better. Fuck, he might set us up with some sort of a living situation.
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[Freddy adds with regards to the living situation. It almost pains him to have to say it, as if he's officially and verbally acknowledging letting go of is former life. If only Rey Ray knew he's about to harbor a cop killing fugitive (yay for the crooks) and an actual if former cop.]
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