Page 11 of Crow
Pulling away from the curb, he slowly merged into the traffic and headed back to the pool hall.
“What the fuck took so long?” Muerto asked as Crow strode toward the bar.
“The traffic’s shit, and the place was jammed,” he replied as he removed the sandwiches from the bag and slid Muerto’s sub and soda down the counter.
Leaning against him, Brandy asked, “Where’s mine, sweetie?”
Smiling, he handed over her sub.
“Thanks,” she murmured as her lips brushed across his cheek.
“Wanna a beer?” Muerto asked.
“I’ll take one,” Jim answered.
Laughing, Muerto shook his head. “That’s a given, dude.” He pushed a bottle toward him. Looking at Crow, he said, “What about you?”
“Nah, I’ll pass.”
Muerto laughed. “That’s a first.”
“I’ll take Crow’s,” Jim said in a low voice.
Crow put Jim’s sandwich in front of him. “Eat something first. I’m gonna get you a room for a bit at the Blue Spruce Motel.” He raised his hand in front of Jim’s face when the older man started to protest. “It’s settled, so don’t bother bitchin’ about it.”
Jim grumbled something inaudible under his breath before taking another gulp of beer.
“We should probably close early.” Muerto jerked his head toward the window. “The snow’s really coming down.”
“They’re upgrading the storm to a blizzard,” Brandy said as she slid onto one of the stools.
Crow ran his hand through his thick hair. “Fuck, I better call Valerie. We’re supposed to go to the mall to get some stuff for Noah and Maddie.” He pulled out his cell phone.
“The only time I hear from my brother is when he needs money. I can’t remember him ever helping me out with anything,” Brandy said. “You’re such a great brother and uncle.”
Crow winked. “Yeah, they broke the fuckin’ mold.” He pushed away from the bar and walked to the employee room, then tapped in Valerie’s number.
“Hey,” he said when she answered.
“You’re canceling, right?” A hint of disappointment laced her tone.
“Not by choice, but there’s no damn way the mall’s gonna stay open. We can go in a couple of days.”
Silence hung in the air between them.
“How’re the kids?”
“Driving me fucking nuts.”
Sighing, Crow leaned back against the wall behind him. “Just take a breather. Maybe your friend down the hall can spot you for a bit.”
“Theresa? Fuck no.”
In his mind, he could see her rolling her eyes. “I thought you guys were good friends.”
“She’s a bitch—she’s after everyone’s guy.”
He clenched his jaw, then relaxed it. “Like that loser you’re with?”
