“So we’re two steps away from the club then?” said Danny.

Jack could feel the excitement in his body. “If I order enough to bypass Red and get to Leonard, we’ll only be one step removed. It worked with Spider. Tomorrow I’ll see if I can do the same with Red. I’ll pick you up after lunch. This time you’ll hide in the back alley to watch. If Leonard is stashing it there, I want to know where.”

The next morning, Jack lay in bed and stared up at the ceiling. He had been awake for over an hour, but it was too soon to go to work. It was the time of day he hated. Being alone gave him too much opportunity to reflect upon events of the past. His telephone rang.

“Susan would like you to come over for lunch,” said Danny. “She wants to meet you. I understand if you don’t have time. We are pretty busy.”

Jack felt a sense of relief. He enjoyed being around families — especially complete families. “I’d be glad to come. I’ve been looking forward to meeting your family, as long as your kid doesn’t barf on me.”

A few hours later, Jack couldn’t help but laugh out loud as Tiffany squealed and laughed when he made blowing sounds into her neck. When he pulled his head back, her eyes flashed and she smiled and giggled in anticipation of more. He caught the sparkle in Susan’s eyes as she watched. This is a great family … lots of love.

Jack invited them out for dinner on Sunday night. It would be his treat. They were to include Tiffany as well. He was pleased when Susan eagerly accepted but said that she would prefer to get a babysitter.

Danny seemed less pleased with the invitation. He looked at his watch and said, “Shouldn’t we be going to work?”

Jack waited until they were in the car, then said, “What’s the matter? I sense there’s something you’re holding back. Are you upset with me?”

“No.”

Jack reflected for a moment, then said, “You’re worried about me buying dope without permission, aren’t you?”

Danny didn’t respond.

“I’m certain that nobody will find out, but if they do, I’ll swear that you had nothing to do with it. If you’re that stressed, then wait in the car and I’ll do it myself.”

“You would protect me, wouldn’t you?”

Jack was taken back. “Of course. We’re partners!”

Danny was quiet for a few minutes, then asked, “How much can you afford to buy?”

“Is that what’s bothering you? Don’t worry, I’m not that broke. I can afford dinner … plus an ounce and a half.”

“Think it will be enough to bring out Leonard?”

“Let’s find out. I have to stop at my bank on the way.”

“We’ll stop at my bank, too. Two ounces would improve the odds.”

Jack looked at Danny. “Thanks, but no thanks. You’ve got Susan and Tiffany to support. This is my fight.”

“Look at my damned hand! I’m in this fight, too.”

Jack felt good. It wasn’t the money. It was having a partner he could count on and trust.

On the way to the Black Water, Danny stopped at his bank and gave Jack the money. Jack was grateful but caught the guilty look on Danny’s face.

“Hey, have you talked about this with Susan? I don’t feel right taking —”

“Take it!” Danny snapped.

Jack accepted it but could tell that Danny was still troubled as they drove. He looked at Danny’s bandaged hand and said, “I really don’t mind you waiting in the car. This den of snakes, as you call it, there’s no real need for you to be there.”

“Yeah, except to cover your ass. Like you said, we’re partners. If you’re going to wallow in that filth, then I should be there alongside you.”

Jack smiled, then reached into the back seat and handed Danny a bag.

“Glad you feel that way. I got you a present.”

“A present?” Danny looked in the bag. “Coveralls and a box of latex gloves?”

Taggart stood in the alley behind the Black Water and studied the pile of garbage that overflowed the Dumpster. He adjusted a green garbage bag strategically on the pile. The bag was ripped and coffee grounds spilled out. The afternoon sun didn’t improve the stench.

Danny’s muffled voice came from within. “That’s enough! I can barely see!”

“Welcome to Intelligence work,” said Jack, as he walked away.

Red sat at a table in the back of the bar with a hooker as Jack approached. An untouched hamburger and fries sat on a paper plate in front of them. He heard them talk as he got close.

“Damn it, Crystal! I’m sick of waitin’ around all the time for those fuckin’ whores. I want the money on time. If they can’t make it, tell ’em I said to give you the hundred bucks and you can bring it to me.”

“Some of the girls said that it’s a lot of money to be payin’ you every day.”

“Tough titty. Besides, you know it ain’t goin’ in my pocket.”

Both women quit talking when Jack sat down.

“You lookin’?” asked Red.

Jack nodded.

Crystal knew that privacy was needed and she immediately left the table.

Jack told Red what he was looking for.

“Two ounces? No problem. Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

Red disappeared into the lobby for a minute and then returned.

“You’re gonna have to wait. Can’t get hold of someone. Maybe try again in an hour.”

“No problem. Let me buy ya a drink.” Jack wondered how difficult it would be to convince her to introduce him to Leonard. She didn’t bat an eye at selling two ounces. His chances didn’t look good.

Danny watched a hooker with a customer in the back alley. The customer stood with his back to the brick wall of the hotel. The hooker undid his zipper and got to her knees. Two minutes later the alley was empty again.

It was dusk when a young girl came down the alley. Danny figured she was between ten and twelve years old. She cautiously looked around as she walked. She approached the steel door at the back of the hotel, hesitated, then rapped lightly on the door. A moment later she rapped louder.

Red opened the door.

“Hey, Marcie! You’re here!” Red used a chair to block open the door, then stepped outside. She handed a hamburger and fries to Marcie and sat beside her on the step.

“Sorry it’s cold. Was expectin’ ya sooner.”

Marcie had already started cramming the food in her mouth. “No. Thanks! It’s great!” Between mouthfuls of food, Marcie said, “And thanks for lettin’ me crash at your place last night. Some guy was hasslin’ me in the park and I didn’t want to stay there, so…”

“Don’t worry about it, kid. Come on. Give me a big smile, that’s all I ask.”

Marcie turned her head and looked at Red. Danny couldn’t see if she smiled or not, but he heard Red.

“Ya call that a smile? I’ve seen dogs eatin’ shit smile better than that!”

Red pulled a syringe out of her purse. “Tell ya what. I’ll give you a little treat. Guaranteed to make ya happy. I hate bein’ around people who aren’t happy.”

“No, I mean I used to smoke sometimes, but…”

“Hey. Okay by me,” said Red, cramming the syringe back in her purse. “Just tryin’ to help. Speakin’ of which, remember I told you about the guy who pays big bucks for young models? I checked and he thinks he could squeeze you in for an appointment this evening.”

“Yeah, sure! That’s exciting!”

“Wait here. I’ll go check.” Red kicked the chair out of the doorway and the steel door banged shut behind her. Danny watched as Marcie looked nervously up and down the alley. He felt sick, and it wasn’t the smell of the garbage.

A few minutes later, the door opened and closed again as someone stepped outside. He recognized a hooker who frequented the hotel.

“Hey, kid, what are you doing?” he heard her say.

“I’m waiting for someone. Red. Do you know her?”

The hooker nodded, then sat beside Marcie and asked, “Is she family to you?”