Page 29 of Army
“He used to take care of us when my ma died. He’s the best dad.”
“My dad was the fucking worst. So there you have it,” Shark said. A comfortable silence fell between them, and Shark stared out the window at the cacti and red rocks.
“So, how are things going with you?” Noe asked.
“I’m bored out of my ass, but other than that things are okay.” Shark motioned for two more beers.
“You’re always bored.” Noe chuckled and ran his finger up and down the can. “How’s Mia?” he asked in a low voice.
Shark shook his head. “You still got the hots for her?”
“Just asking. Last time we spoke, you said she was in Tucson, but when I went through there, the salon said she’d moved.”
“It’s been that long since we talked?” Shark scrubbed his face. “That’s too fucking long, bro. Mia moved to Durango. She just told me that she wanted a change. I helped her get her own booth at a salon. She’s competing in MMA fights, and she kicks ass.” Shark laughed.
“Really? I knew she was into MMA, but I didn’t think she wanted to compete,” Noe said.
“Me neither, but she’s tough. Growing up the way we did, she had to be, you know? You should give her a call. I can give you her number.”
“I’d like to give her a call. Now that I got help with my dad, I’d like to start dating Mia.” He glanced at Shark. “You cool with that?”
He grinned. “Fuck yeah. I’d love Mia to be your woman. I’ve known you for years, and I know you’d treat her right.” He clasped Noe’s shoulder. “It’s good to have you here. How long are you staying?”
“Just the night.” He looked around the room. “Where are the club girls?”
Shark laughed. “You need some pussy?”
“Fuck yeah. I miss pussy without complications.”
“Then you’re in luck ’cause we got five sexy ass bitches who’ll show you a damn good time. Tonight we’ll have a fiesta.”
After they talked, and Shark showed Noe to his room, he went into his office and called Blueman. He told him they needed the shipment in a month or less. The 39thStreet asshole backpedaled a bit but then finally agreed when Shark told him he was taking his business to the Los Malos in Pueblo—the rival gang to the 39thStreet Gang.
Shark put his phone down and leaned back in his chair. The notion of Noe making Mia his woman was perfect. It would mean he wouldn’t have to worry about his sister anymore, and Noe would keep her safe. Ever since puberty had hit Mia, Noe had been in love with her. When she was a freshman in high school, Noe had asked her to his senior prom; Shark had brought his main squeeze at the time, and they’d all had a real good time.
Shark knew Noe had it bad for Mia, so he just had to convince Mia that Noe was the perfect man for her. The more he thought about it, the more hell bent he became about them hitching up. He’d make sure it happened because when he wanted something, he always made sure he got it.
