“Sorry for the theatrics, but I just wanted to give you a personal invite to a little gathering out at the ranch next Friday night,” I said.
“Well, damn it, why the hell didn’t you just pick up the phone and call me instead of doing this shit?” Herman laughed nervously.
“See, that’s the thing.” I gave him a knowing glance. “I tried calling, but it seems like you ain’t answering your cell phone, and your secretary always seems to disconnect the call when she hears my voice for some strange reason.”
“Uh, well, sorry ’bout that, but we just can’t—” Herman cleared his throat.
“Can’t what, Herman? Talk to me.” I looked in his eyes and could see what he wanted to say, but he just didn’t have the balls to say it. That was okay, though. I probably would have smacked the shit out of his spineless ass if he had said it. “Now, is it me, or have you just said fuck old KD like the rest of them?”
“It’s not like that. You know I’ve always appreciated everything you’ve done for me. We’re friends.” He tried to smile, but it just looked fake.
“Then how is it?” I asked skeptically. “Because I’m not feeling the love anymore. Not like I used to.”
Herman began to shift in his seat uncomfortably. I could see beads of sweat pop up on his bald head, but he remained silent.
“Before I got arrested, we’d go huntin’ and fishin’ together, and you’d ask me for favors, and in the spirit of friendship, I’d do them. Remember the time I helped you get rid a them fellas from up north who were trying to put you outta business? I covered that shit up real good, didn’t I?” I leaned over a little closer to him. “I swear, it sure would be a shame if someone found those boys’ remains on your property.”
“Bodies on my property?” Herman’s eyes went wide, and he swallowed hard.
“Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you I buried those bodies on your property, didn’t I? I mean, it’s no biggie. Nobody knows where they are but me.”
Poor Herman looked like he was going to shit on himself. “KD, if I’ve hurt your feelings in any way, I apologize. I’ve just been a little busy. Is there any way I can make it up to you? Why don’t we go fishin’ on Sunday?”
“I’d like that . . . but what I’d like most is for you to go to my get together next Friday. I think you’ll find it fun.”
“I wouldn’t miss a party of yours. You know that, old buddy.” He sounded like he was struggling to breathe.
“Good to hear that you’ll be there, old buddy. I’ll see you Friday night.” I leaned past him to tap on the window to signal Tyler, who was standing outside the door. He opened it, and Herman stepped out, stumbling slightly.
Tyler and David escorted Herman back to his truck. He’d barely closed the door before he stepped on the gas, burning rubber as he sped away.
“Well, that looked like it went well,” Tyler said when he returned to the driver’s seat.
“It did,” I agreed. “But let this be a lesson to you, son. Always plan ahead and leave yourself a way out because you can’t trust anybody in this world. Except your daddy.”
Rio
10
Paris and Sasha had talked me into joining them at this club I’d never heard of before, and when we pulled up, I was skeptical as hell. From the lack of a line outside, I was afraid it was one of those locals-only joints. I felt a lot better when I recognized Pierre, one of the guys on the door, and he gave me the rundown on the club. He said it was ladies’ night, so there was no need to discriminate at the door. He also told me one of my good friends, Matt, and his partner were the owners. That was a good sign because Matt never did anything half-assed. The club business was like that—very incestuous. Everybody knew everybody else, from the cocktail waitresses to the bouncers to the owners.
Inside, I was impressed. The club had a rustic, chill vibe, and the music was really good. There was a nice crowd for a Thursday, but it wasn’t so packed that you couldn’t move around. I’d paid for a table in the VIP section, which included bottle service that we immediately took advantage of, ordering champagne and shots. Half a bottle of champagne and a few shots later, the three of us had taken over the dance floor like we owned the place. All eyes were on us, and I, for one, loved the attention.
All doubts about the place had evaporated. I was enjoying myself, and I was also glad that Sasha had loosened up and was having fun. Most times she tried to play it off and tough it out, but she was still grieving over her mother’s and father’s violent deaths. Out of all of us, she needed this the most.
“This spot is lit!” Sasha yelled happily when we returned to our section from dancing.
“It is,” Paris agreed, leaning toward me so that we could take a selfie. We posed, and then she showed me the finished product. “This is cute.”
“Aren’t we always?” I said, reaching for my own phone to snap a few pics. It was vibrating, and Sebastian’s name showed up on the screen with a text alert. He was a guy I’d been dating off and on—lately more on. We were supposed to be getting together the following weekend. I smiled in anticipation of whatever flirty message he had sent.
Sebastian: Really, Rio? That’s how we do now?
My smile quickly faded.
Rio: Huh? What are you talking about?
I watched the three dots
