The Lost Reflection by Jones Bruce

Author:Jones, Bruce [Jones, Bruce]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Koehler Books
Published: 2012-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Attempting to maintain a relatively low profile over the past two days, I had purposely avoided areas where any chance meeting might occur, thus delaying a confrontation with my envious, horny mercenary buddies.

Since tonight’s dinner date with the boys was already prearranged, Sam and I were enjoying what might be our last meal until the conclusion of the job. Customary to discipline, I was seated with my back to the rear of the café, facing the front, maintaining a watchful eye on all that moved. While some habits will never die, I had not contemplated the possibility of any covert assault from the kitchen in the rear. After all, this was New Orleans, not South America, and other than the night crawlers, I had not pissed anybody off enough to warrant concern. “Excuse me?” Sam spoke with an appalling glare in her eye to a mystery person standing behind me.

I turned and much to my dismay it was Rob. He did not acknowledge me, as if I was a complete stranger. He continued to stare at Sam intently. I could only imagine what he must have gestured while my back was turned.

“So what do you say, Blondie?”

Sam took one look at my suppressed smile and the cat was loose. “Brian Denman! Please don’t tell me you know these guys?”

“As excruciatingly painful as it is to admit, yes I do.”

Sam had a wildly perturbed gaze in her eyes.

“I would personally like to apologize for my associates’ behavior. I am Jimmy, and these two assholes are Chuck and Robert. I personally did not approve of Robert’s tactics, but he insisted we couldn’t let Brian run off and retire without us approving of the bimbo first, you being the said bimbo.”

“So that gesture was your lame idea to what—see if I’d throw a knife at you?” Sam pointed the accusatory finger of shame directly at Rob.

Suddenly timid, Rob had no response. Chuck came to the rescue with his own half-baked explanation.

“Yeah, we followed Brian back to his hotel and kind of staked out the joint. We decided today was as good as any time to check you out.”

“And then you followed us here?” Sam asked.

“Alright then,” I said, intentionally interrupting any explanation. “You have met her, so now you can go back to work.”

“We bugged the room,” Chuck replied proudly. “By the way, did you guys know how much noise you make when you’re having—”

“Thanks for coming by,” I said loudly, cutting off Chuck’s words as I rose to usher them out the back door.

“No. Wait, Brian,” Sam intervened. “I’d like them to stay, so we can get to know each other.”

The guys smiled and pushed their way past me. “Seriously? Don’t you guys have work you need to be getting done?”

“Nah, it’s lunchtime,” Chuck replied as he pulled a chair across the floor to the table.

“So, exactly how did you bug Brian’s room?” Sam’s attitude shifted from aggressive to curious.

The boys all looked at each other sheepishly, forcing concealed grins. “Just an audio bug,” Chuck responded unconvincingly.

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