Chapter 17
We were at Waterside, the popular shopping complex and marina on the Elizabeth River, at about eleven the next morning. I picked Joe’s Crab Shack for our meeting with Panko. There’d be lots of people around, all potential witnesses in case our boy, Lurch, got frisky. Glen and I settled into a booth in a small alcove near the back, a good place for private conversation. My pal Leo and his giant sidekick joined us a few minutes later. Lurch could barely get his knees under the table.
It was early, but an Absolut Bloody Mary sounded too good to pass up. A little pricey, but it was my secret plan to stick the Talent Pro President with the check. I was sure he could afford it.
“Good morning, Mr. Macklin. I had a premonition that you might be joining us. You appear to be in great shape. Been doing some heavy lifting, no doubt.” Panko smiled like a python savoring a fat kitten.
Glen shot him a stony glare, but nothing came from his lips. Lurch just stared, the malevolence in his eyes focused and deadly silent. Our server brought the drinks, coffee for everyone else and a thick crimson delight with a crisp stalk of celery for me. I wasn’t really hungry, but since our host was paying, I ordered the Hungry Man Brunch, two eggs, two pancakes, with a side of sausage and biscuits. I didn’t realize I was setting a trend. The rest followed suit.
“We have ordered our repast, Dr. Fleming. To employ the vernacular, let us cut to the chase. We have both suffered what might be termed collateral damage. Most unfortunate . . . but often unavoidable. Every business has its liabilities, its down-side risks. Best that we anticipate them, then formulate strategies that transform them into assets. I was reluctant at first, but I have been forced to admit that you and your violent friend are potentially very useful.”
Not at all what I expected. I had assumed this was a meeting to warn us off . . . imply broken bones, or even makeshift coffins unless we cooperated. But now it was time to play a different set of cards.
“Thanks, Leo. I’m glad you have finally realized that Glen and I have some unique talents and very useful associates. We are in a position to provide valuable service. Of course, it has a price, but the goods you deal in are immensely profitable. Surely a small slice of that pie will be hardly missed, especially if the rewards are hearty and filling.”
It’s always interesting when you’re making the shit up as you go along. I hoped I wasn’t too far off the mark, but if I was, we’d have to live with it . . . or maybe die with it. I questioned my own sick sense of humor for a moment. That might not be so damned funny. Leo feigned contemplative briefly and went on.
“I think we may have a small project for you. You must forgive me if I am a bit skeptical, but it serves me well in my position. It is always appropriate to test the water to insure that it is not deceptively deep. It will take a few days to set things up, so best to keep your schedule flexible.”
“And who, exactly will I be working for? I’ve been lucky in past associations, but that luck has been borne of caution. I like to know who I’m in bed with. Is this operation strictly yours?”
“I like a man who asks questions. It enables the astute listener to ascertain one’s priorities. But you must be patient, my friend. All in due time.”
He raised a finger and wagged it at me as though I were a child. I tried to ignore it, but I felt Glen tense up beside me.
I nodded and Leo began to slice his pancakes into tidy bite-sized portions. Lurch was already sopping up the remains of the butter and syrup with the extra biscuits he had asked for. The well-dressed thugs pleaded a previous appointment and hurried away from the table. Leo casually tossed a folded bill on the table and made for the exit. I reached over and picked it up. A twenty. Hell it wouldn’t even cover the drinks.
Glen and I sat. I glanced out the window at the vessels resting in their slips. I had stopped at Waterside on my way to Annapolis several years ago. The Chesapeake Bay was a cruise destination complete with sweet sailing, great crab cakes, raucous bars, and quiet anchorages where the only boat in the creek was yours. If you were a poker player that was the Royal Flush.
My partner hadn’t said a word past hello and most of the brunch was uneaten.
“Glen,” I said, “I don’t know whether to thank you, apologize to you, or try to run you off. This business may get very nasty before it’s all over. If you want out, just say so.”
He finally smiled. “So this is the Colonel Travis moment at the Alamo where he draws the line in the sand with his sword?”
“Yeah, I guess it is.”
“Well, I’m crossing that line. I’m with you . . . for Pam and Shorty.”
Those were words I was glad to hear.
“Okay, why do I get the feeling dear Leo is just a go-boy for someone much bigger? I can only imagine what kind of errand they’ll send us on. Something nasty, illegal, and incriminating, no doubt.”
“Yeah,” Glen said, “and let’s throw in dangerous.”
“Let’s do. At least Leo’s schedule gives us a few more days to gather information. These people are into much more than dope. Prostitution, probably gambling. Who knows what else?”
“Someone does. How about your friend Bill? He must have some connections . . . maybe a snitch or two.”
“I can ask him, but he told me not to call the station. He also suggested there might be some bent cops pursuing alternative forms of income. We need to give that some serious consideration before we go announcing our campaign to clean up the lovely and vibrant city of Norfolk. Too bad we don’t know any loose jawed hookers.”
Glen was quiet for a minute. Then he said, “I do . . . but she won’t talk to me.”
“Why not?”
“I broke her pimp’s arm . . . in three places. But I can get you a number.”