Bang Bang(20)
The lady’s eyes narrowed.
“That came out wrong,” I grumbled. “Can you help her find some clothes? She needs a whole new wardrobe, shoes, underthings.” I coughed into my hand and looked away. Bar, bar, where was a freaking bar?
“Sure.” The lady pressed her lips together, probably trying not to laugh hysterically at my expense, and motioned to Amy. “Why don’t we go check out Savvy, I think I can find you some great pieces. What’s our budget, sir?”
“No budget,” I barked out. “Is there a place to get a drink around here?” I tugged at my t-shirt but it didn’t alleviate the choked feeling I had at sitting in a department store with a gun in my pants—literally...
“Actually,” she said smoothly, “Right around the corner is a nice bar that Nordstorm specifically put in for men to sit at while they wait for their significant others to shop.”
“Well.” I sighed happily, “That was a stroke of brilliance.”
“You should see that place during the Anniversary sale.” She winked. “Why don’t you go have a beer… or three and I’ll take…?” She tilted her head. “I’m sorry what was your name, dear?”
“Amy.” She gulped.
“I’ll take Amy and we’ll come get you once we’re finished.”
“Great.” I released Amy’s hand. “You going to be okay?”
“It’s shopping, not the Hunger Games.” Amy grinned. “I think I’ll be fine.”
“Yeah well…” I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “Keep the bow and arrow just in case.”
With that, I walked towards the bar and ordered a beer. When I sat down it was like coming home. Men were everywhere — eating, drinking, checking their watches, texting. Hmm, it really was smart, give the men beer and their women could shop all damn day. Seriously brilliant. I needed to text Sergio or Nixon… or someone.
I suddenly felt very alone.
When you can’t text your brother because you’re still pissed at him.
When you can’t text your boss because technically you’ve been shitting on him for the past five years.
I groaned into my hands just as my cell rang.
I barked out a “What?”
“Wow, you’re in a super good mood. Remind me to call you every day in order to make sure the sun’s still shining.” It was Campisi, Tex.
“Sorry, I’m shopping.”
“Pretty sure that wasn’t in the job description.”
“Yeah.” I took a sip of beer. “But she had shit, Campisi.”
“Tex,” he corrected smoothly.
“Fine, Tex.” I rolled my eyes. “She had no clothes, they were destroyed. She has a toothbrush, a damn toothbrush to her name. What was I supposed to do?”
“Take her shopping,” Tex said softly. “Nixon will pay for it.”
I chuckled. “I think we both know I don’t need Nixon’s money.”
“Snobby rich Abandonatos.” His chuckle joined mine, but we both knew that since he was the Cappo he was just as rich. Hell, he could buy a small country.
“Yeah, yeah, so what’s up?”
“Just checking in on one of my favorite associates, making sure you’re still alive and breathing, you know the drill.”
“You want my heart rate too?”
“Is that your way of saying your heart’s racing? Because I gotta tell you… I have the same feelings… when we speak.”
I burst out laughing. “You’re a scary son of a bitch, but hilarious as hell.”
“I’m charming, that’s what the wife says.”
“You should say that next time you shoot someone.”
“I did, he still pissed himself, but whatever.”
I rolled my eyes. “Anything else?”
“Yeah.” He sighed. “We’ve got you… me and Nixon… Chase, Mil, Phoenix, we’re family. Things aren’t like they used to be. We’re a team, all of the families are a team, and you’re a part of it whether you like it or not. So if you need anything we aren’t just your bosses, we’re your friends and I treat my friends with the utmost respect.”
“Until they double cross you.”
“Well yeah, then I just kill them.”
“So glad we’re friends then.”
Tex laughed out loud. “Have fun shopping… don’t let her go too crazy, and if you see anything suspicious let me know. I’m sending you a picture of her father, he looks a bit different then he used to. If you see him or the other man that’s in the picture, shoot. Don’t hesitate, just shoot.”