Page 141 of Crow
Crow watched Justin climb into the passenger side of a white van that soon disappeared from view.
“Who were you talking to?” Scorpio asked.
“A foster kid my parents took in when I was growing up. I don’t know what the fuck he was doing here.”
“Maybe he came to help out since Jim’s your friend.”
“I doubt it. He’s pretty fucked up from living on the streets with his dad, who used to make him beg for money. The dude’s got a lot of issues. I’m still trying to figure out why he’s in Alina.”
“I can tail him if you think he’s got something to do with all this.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I’m telling you the killer is here.”
“Agreed. I heard the fuckin’ badges talking, and they were saying the same. That’s probably why they showed up. They got a list of the people who came today and yesterday.”
“Justin didn’t sign the sheet, but that’s not a big deal—I know him.”
“Here comes some more of your friends. The brothers and I are gonna search the area around Canyon Trail. We’ll touch base later.”
They bumped fists, then Scorpio ambled away.
“It’s damn hot out here, dude,” Benny said as he approached Crow.
“You should’ve come yesterday when it was cooler,” he replied.
“I told them that, but they had shit to do,” Stu said.
Crow looked at Josh, then clasped a hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for coming, man. I appreciate it. I didn’t think this was your thing or”—he looked at Benny and pointed his finger—“yours. I know your feelings on the homeless.”
“We’re here for you, buddy. This Jim dude means something to you, so we came,” Benny said.
“I remember that night at the diner and how you broke your ass to catch up to him. Then you bought him dinner and probably gave him money,” Josh said.
“He was a good guy,” he replied.
“Was? Is he dead?” Stu asked.
“Between us, I know he is. I just want to bury him respectfully.”
“Fuck, dude,” Stu said.
“He deserves that.” Crow glanced at Josh and pointed to a bandage on his hand. “What happened?”
“Got in a fight. Some fuckers thought that one against three would be easy.” He grinned. “It wasn’t.”
Crow laughed. “I bet you kicked their asses good. Remember how we’d get into fights all the time back at Leland High? I’d have to listen to the usual lecture from my dad every time we got busted.”
“At least your dad gave a shit.” Glumness darkened Josh’s face.
“Yeah, well, it got to be damn old., and it never stopped me from fighting.”
Josh laughed. “Your dad used to pull me aside and give me the come-to-Jesus talk too.” He waved his hand and laughed. “Guess it didn’t have an impact on me either.”
Crow chuckled. “My dad loved giving lecture. What do you hear from your dad?”
Josh visibly stiffened. “My sister and I haven’t talked to him in years. I have no idea what’s going on with him.”
“I know you never talk about him, but I didn’t know you were cut off from each other. Sorry, man. It must be tough.”
