Page 64 of Framed for Life
Who would have thought?
I’m just glad the mob is off our back, and Katie’s brother is selling cheap flip-flops in Florida. Right where the private eye can keep an eye on him.
“You’re right on time, but I was almost late,” Anna mutters as she staggers across the grass under the weight of three camera bags. She’s also juggling a small ladder that is the last thing I expected to see.
“Your punctuality is still hot,” she adds.
“Worked in my favor last time even though I didn’t know I was showing up for something.”
She sets her load at my feet and props her hands on her hips, trying to look annoyed.
“I want it on the record that this is extortion. You can’t just call a professional photographer and inform her she’s shooting a wedding for free.”
“Sure, I can. I did it.”
“Skull, you’re a bully.”
“Anna.” I cross my arms. “Whose pictures blew up the internet? Hot Date Pics went from your second job to you being booked out a whole year in advance.”
“I think it was yourbike,” she declares, already pullingout a big camera. “Your face was more of a problem with all those scowls.”
“You’re welcome.”
She huffs, but she’s fighting a smile. “Fine. The wedding shoot is free. But if a single biker touches my equipment?—”
“The club will buy you new equipment,” I say. “We’re flush.”
Really flush with cash thanks to the deal with the deed.
I leave Anna and head for the picnic table under the tree.
Our table.
The one where I stretched out an unconscious blonde two months ago and found the thing I didn’t know I was missing.
Prez is already there, in the shade of the tree, reading off his phone. He’s also muttering under his breath.
“Tell me you’re not practicing.”
“I got ordained on the internet for nineteen dollars,” he says without looking up. “I’m getting our money’s worth. There’s a whole script.”
Oh, Jesus. This is gonna take too long.
“Skip to the good part.”
”Speaking of,” he says, glancing round to see who is listening. “Paid off Pit Bull’s house today so his girl can stay there for good.”
“And the women’s shelter is up and running. It’s been a good few weeks,” I add.
He pauses, nods. “Yeah it has. We’re well on our way to having a fuckton of legitimate businesses.”
“Look at us, all legal and shit.”
He chuckles. “Still a bunch of rowdy fuckers.”
I follow his hand as he points to the parking lot where Rio’s shotgunning a beer.
In broad daylight. In the park.
