LITMIR.BIZ

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again.”

      “Your face is familiar, but I’m not sure. Maybe if I was to see a little more of you.”

      “Like this?” said Natasha, slipping the robe off her shoulders and letting it droop to reveal the tops of her breasts.

      “Exactly ... but I still can’t quite put my finger on it.”

      The bathrobe fell around her feet and Jack took a moment to reflect upon how beautiful she was ... and how lucky I am that she loves me.

      “Perhaps you can’t put your finger on it,” said Natasha, “but it would appear that another part of your body is rising to the challenge.”

      Their bed was only a few steps away, but it was a few steps too far. They made love on Natasha’s bathrobe. When they were finished, Natasha snuggled in with her head on Jack’s chest. He covered her with part of her robe, and then they both fell asleep.

      In the morning Natasha put on a pot of coffee. She did not have to be at work until after lunch. She was pleased that she had convinced Jack to spend the morning with her.

      Jack walked into the kitchen and used the phone to call Danny. Susan answered and said that Danny was in the shower.

      “Tell him that we’re not starting work until one-thirty today,” said Jack.

      “Great. I’ve got shopping to do and he can look after Tiff and Jimmy for me.”

      “You say he’s in the shower?” said Jack, loud enough for Natasha to notice. “Hang on, I should let you speak with Natasha. She’ll tell you what you should do when he gets out.”

      “Jack! Damn it!” said Natasha, as Jack tried to pass her the phone. “No! You are such a turkey!”

      “A turkey?” Jack started to laugh, then said, “If I’m a turkey, then so are you for marrying me!”

      It had been too long, decided Natasha, since she had seen him laugh. She laughed as well. Not so much over what Jack said, but simply because their life seemed normal again ... at least for now.

      They had a leisurely breakfast and Jack told Natasha about his visit with Holly yesterday and her response to what he had told her.

      “Now you know it’s not your fault,” commented Natasha.

      “Part of my brain tells me that. Sometimes another part makes me question the consequences of what I do.”

      “You do what you think is right. You weren’t born with crystal balls ... thank heavens.”

      Jack smiled and said, “I know. Things just don’t turn out as I plan sometimes. I need to think more about potential consequences.”

      “How about the potential consequences of another shower?”

      It was mid-afternoon when Elvis arrived and motioned for Jack and Danny to follow him to Louie’s office.

      Elvis ignored Louie’s greeting and said, “Things didn’t go well. This morning Molen received the second report and delivered it to the secretary. Then he started to act real kinky. Maybe burned the surveillance. Later when the secretary showed the report to Leitch he sent a note on his BlackBerry and then burnt the report in a garbage can.”

      “Son of a bitch!” said Danny. “Leitch and Satans Wrath are on to us! They’ll change how they get the info.”

      “This could draw some heat on our source,” added Jack.

      “Listen, fellows,” said Elvis, “I’m really sorry if these guys burned our surveillance. I feel pretty bad about it.”

      “I’ve been burned on surveillances too,” said Jack. “It happens. It was a chance we took when we decided to try this route. I’m not blaming you.”

      “Appreciate that.”

      “What are your plans now?” asked Louie.

      “I’m going to talk with Legg and recommend that we back off him for a little while. I’ve checked his file. He has a history of alcohol-related incidents. Maybe people won’t put a lot of faith in his paranoia.”

      “Is he married?” asked Jack.

      “Was. Divorced four years ago. No children. What about the other leaks? Anything more on the narc who was recruited?” asked Elvis.

      Jack shook his head and then said, “Did you ask Laura for suggestions?”

      “We usually agree not to discuss work at home, but this time I made an exception. She said she doesn’t know.”

      It was early evening when Jack walked back into the Black Water. He felt a surge of adrenalin when he saw Spider sitting with a hooker near the pool tables. He walked directly up to him and sat down.

      “Remember me?” asked Jack, leaning across the table.

      Spider looked a little surprised but sat back in his chair and said, “Yeah, I remember you. Where ya been? You lookin’ to score?” he added, before Jack could respond.

       Surprised by my abruptness, but not scared. Just as I thought. He’s not involved with anything to do with Holly’s husband.

      “Hey, Mister Kokanee! Another?”

      Jack nodded to the waitress and tried to turn his attention back to Spider but was interrupted once more by the tap of a pool cue on his shoulder.

      “Hey, good buddy! Want a chance to win your money back?”

      “Maybe later,” said Jack. When the man left, he looked back at Spider and said, “I’m lookin’ for some-thin’, but...” He stopped and gave a subtle nod toward the hooker sitting beside Spider.

      Spider waved a hand for Jack to relax and said, “Don’t worry about Ophelia here. She’s solid. What do you want? Crystal meth?”

      “Not now,” replied Jack. “Do need to talk to you in private.”

      “It’s okay, guys,” said Ophelia, her voice sounding hoarse. “I’m gonna hit the street for a while. Can’t even afford a smoke right now,” she added, harshly.

      Her raspy voice was not lost on Jack. She’s the tipster who called Connie!

      “So what ya after?” Spider asked before looking past Jack and yelling, “Hey! Freddy! Hang on!”

      Jack turned and saw a man on the other side of the bar yell, “I’m leavin’.”

      Spider looked at Jack and said, “Hang on. Be right back.” He then walked out of the bar with Freddy.

      Jack stayed where he was and the hours slowly went by without Spider returning. Jack decided not to play pool tonight and sat waiting. He watched three men, all wearing cheap sports jackets, stagger inside and take a seat closest to the stage. Two had their ties loosened around their necks while the third man had his tie half hanging out the side pocket of his sports jacket. As the night wore on, their catcalls became louder. Occasionally, one or the other would throw loose change at the strippers.

      “How ya doin’?” croaked Ophelia, taking a chair beside him.

      “Doin’ fine. Waiting for Spider. Know where he went?”

      Ophelia shrugged and said, “Nope.” She pointed to one of the three men hassling the stripper and said, “See the fat guy there?”

      “Yeah.”

      “Flashed his wallet when he bought the last round of beer. Figure he’s got at least forty bucks in it. Seein’ as you’re a friend of Spider’s, thought I might let you in on it. We’re gonna jump him in the alley. Could maybe use a man. Want in? We’ll split it three ways.”

      Jack shook his head and said, “Thanks. Appreciate the offer but I don’t need any cash at the moment.”

      “Suit yourself,” said Ophelia.

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