Page 125 of Crow
“I’ll follow you home and then come back.”
“That’s silly. Your friend … what’s his name?”
“Sangre.”
Angie waved her finger in the air. “Yes, that’s right. Anyway, Sangre put in some heavy-duty locks and a complicated alarm system—”
“That you keep forgetting to set,” he said.
A slight scowl raced across her forehead. “It’s hard to get used to it, but I’ve been much better about turning it on. I remembered today. Anyway, I’m good with going home alone. Dom’s coming by along with Nick and Maria. We’re planning my aunt’s surprise birthday party.”
“Call me when you get home. If I don’t hear from you, I’m heading over.”
Angie laughed. “I’ll call you.” She slid off the stool and kissed him. “I promise.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
“I’m parked right in front.”
“I’ll still walk you.” He picked up her purse from the countertop, and she took it from him. “Come on.”
When Crow returned to the pool hall, he walked straight to Justin’s table.
“Valerie said you were in town,” he said, setting his foot on top of an empty chair at the table and leaning on his leg.
“Is that girl your girlfriend?” Justin asked.
“Yeah. So, how long have you been in town?”
“She’s real pretty. Has a hot body too.”
Irritation clawed its way along his nerve endings. “Watch it.”
Justin darted a look at him. A grin spread across his cracked lips, and Crow noticed the black lesions covering several of his teeth.
“You’re jealous.” He wiped his nose with his hand and then smeared it on the front of his stained T-shirt.
Ignoring Justin’s comment, Crow’s dark gaze bored into him. “When did you get in town?”
“A while ago.”
“Where are you staying?”
“Here and there.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” His patience was waning while his temper rose.
“I’m staying with this chick who has a trailer.”
“Why are you in Alina?”
“I don’t know. I thought I’d see what you and Valerie were up to.”
Crow leaned over the table and stared at Justin. “Cut the bullshit. You’re here for a reason.”
“To see you guys.”
“I know that’s a fuckin’ lie.”
