“I will. Until then.” Nick disconnected.
“Who was that,” Lora asked me. She and Al had moved closer so as to eavesdrop on my conversation, with Lora pretending she hadn’t heard Nick’s name.
“Death and destruction.”
Lora sighed. “So soon? I figured after the cruise, trouble would be at an end for a while.”
I remembered Muerto’s phrase he used often now. “Doin’ right ain’t got no end.”
“You stole that line from Nick,” Al said.
“Nick appropriated it from a movie called ‘The Outlaw Josie Wales’. He’s found another nest. We either handle it or prepare for some other catastrophe to happen. He’ll be sending me the details. Nick already has an okay from Paul Gilbrech. That means Denny will be calling to make it official. It’s Friday. Let’s go have dinner at The Warehouse. Maybe Denny and the crew can meet us.”
Lora sighed. “Great. Another Monster Squad night out. Did Tommy give you the weekend off from the Bay Poking sessions?”
“Yeah. Tommy wants me to do ground and pound on weekends. The fight with Costigan is still up in the air. Besides, the Rock doesn’t like ground and pound. Neither does Berserker. Whichever one wins the rematch will be mandated to fight me. I have to train now for both.”
“Is Lynn mad about not being allowed in on the training?”
“No,” I answered Al, refraining from making the sign of the cross and saying thank God. “Lynn’s busy tracking people with Clint for their FBI contacts. Lynn has been getting back into the serial killer manhunts again. Clint and Lynn helping keeps Sam and Janie on our side. They came through for us with all the prisoners we needed watched during the ‘Starlight’ mission. In addition to their help, they relieved us of all but a couple prisoners Denny wanted to keep. What about dinner?”
“I like it,” Al said. “I love being around all of you. Jean and Sonny are depending on me to keep them informed. We have our own message drop. Don’t worry, Dad. We don’t discuss anything coming or ongoing. They like hearing about anything to do with Lynn.”
“I’m for dinner too,” Lora said. “Will you be inviting Claude Chardin? He went out on a few training sessions with you, didn’t he?”
“Yeah. The prick enjoyed the hell out of watching Tommy poke the crap out of me. He even took a turn. Claude liked the background part he played in the ‘Starlight’ gig and the money. His contacts in Dubai really helped. Denny told me he really liked having him along in the AWAC surveillance plane. His insights and observations during the Iranian Migs encounter kept Denny calmer during what was the most dangerous part of the gig. I’ll ask him to come along tonight. I’d like his input on whatever names Nick sends me.”
“Good. I like his wife. I hear Claude and Nick hit it off too.”
“Like peas from the same pod. Nick knows Claude was turned from the dark side. Claude would like a more active role in our outings together. He has bills to pay. I’ll bring him in on this latest one if I can.”
My iPhone dinged. It was Denny. “Just the guy I wanted to talk to. I take it Paul talked with you. Nick’s sending me an invitation to the dance.”
Denny sighed. “Good. You’re familiar with part of it.”
“Give me a chance to go over the invitation. You can have dinner at The Warehouse with us later to discuss the invitation. I’m asking Claude in too.”
“Good idea. I’ll call Claude. I already have Nick’s info. I want to test Claude’s knowledge as you do, I’ll bet. I like something else Nick mentioned as an alternative to a full ‘Ride’ too.”
“I’ll look forward to reading the invitation. That was my plan with involving Claude,” I answered. “I’m spreading the word for six. Is that okay?”
“Yes, but I’ll be there earlier if Alexi wants in too. I like having Alexi, Claude, you, and me at five for a private chat if that’s okay.”
“Sure. I’ll be there.”
“Until then, DL,” Denny said. “Claude let me know how much he liked your training sessions. It’s nice of you to invite your new friend.”
“I will smack your smart-mouth into next week, Spawn.”
“Sorry. Did I say that out loud? I’ll see you at five.”
“Yeah.” I disconnected. I pointed at Al. “Are you sure you want to get into basketball? Lynn already told me she wants to coach with me on the sideline with her.”
“I want to do it, Dad. Being involved in any sport with Lynn as the coach psyches me. Sonny wants in too. We’re lucky we can play coed leagues still. Will Lynn have a problem coaching boys too?”
“Crue and I mixed it up a little on the court. She plays very well. We went over basics and patience with the kids. She’ll be fine. Clint will be helping too, especially during practices. They have Clint Jr. to raise. You know he’ll be wanting to play sports.”