“Only a few cars, and absolutely no people. Should we drive somewhere first for a time before we return to the hotel?”
“I think so. Drive over by the hotel. When you get there, call On-Star. Ask for directions to Mehanata, the Bulgarian bar Boyko Sarac frequented. We’ll go in, and I’ll show you the Ice Cage where they serve the ice cold vodka. We’ll have a couple pops, walk Deke around to clear our heads, and then head for the Trump for a couple more sips.”
“Going to Sarac’s favorite bar is a little creepy, Muerto.”
“Only a little? Damn… I was shooting for despicable.”
“I figured as much.”
*
Rachel, Tina, and Jean met the bar hopping adventurers and canine companion Deke at the door. After Deke received the attention demanded for his long absence, he left his human male buddies, adjourning to where a fresh beef rawhide bone awaited his attention.
“Where the heck have you two been,” Rachel asked. “It’s well after midnight. We watched a whole movie since Gus went down to join you.”
“Sorry. I should have called. I took Gus to a Bulgarian bar I knew of for research. There’s a small scene in ‘Assassin’s Folly’ that takes place there in the room they call the Ice Cage. We had a couple of vodkas, and toured the neighborhood with Deke. It was a neat place, huh Gus?”
“I don’t know if neat describes the Mehenata. Guys were dressed in soldier outfits, as were some of the women as if they had arrived from the Russian front. Muerto here speaks Bulgarian, so he immediately became the life of the party when one of the guys turned out to be a fan of the Diego series.”
“Gus got to play his role as Jed too,” Nick added. “We’re going to sit down and swig a couple in front of the great view. Tomorrow’s another signing so we’ll have to hit the sack in another hour.”
“We’ve decided to see a play rather than attend another signing, Hemingway,” Rachel said. “I think we get the general drift of bestselling author signings – boring as hell.”
“Yep, I figured you might think that. Jed here will be going along as my real life prop to help me through the day. They’re not opening the bookstore until noon, so we’ll have some sleep in time.”
Jean grasped Nick’s hand. “Did everything else go okay?”
“Everything’s fine now. You groupies are going with us to Stamford, right?”
“Yes, we’ll be going to Stamford with you, Gomez,” Tina said. “I want to see winter in a small town port city. I liked your book signing until you were attacked at knife point.”
“Let’s put that behind us, Tina. Shit happens. I’ll have to keep track of the Kader family though. It seems they have tendrils reaching back here to the East Coast. Move aside so we can come in and get settled where it’s warm. You can yap at Gus and me while we have some sippin’ whiskey in hand.”
“Yapping… I’m…” Tina saw Gus shake his head. Gus Nason was the most fearsome man she had ever met; but in spite of the sarcastic give and take between Gus and his partner, Gus deferred to Nick in a subtle but absolute manner. She could tell it was not only fear, but respect for someone more deadly. “Sorry Gomez. I’m new to the Addam’s Family. Come sit down, and I’ll pour you a nice double. Do you want ice?”
“Not tonight, Tina. Thanks.” Nick walked in to take a spot on the divan where he could look out at the lights. “It was cold in the park tonight, huh Deke?”
Deke looked at Nick questioningly from chewing his rawhide bone apart. Seeing his master didn’t expect anything from him, he went back to his treat.
Jean hugged and kissed Nick. “I’m glad you’re okay, Dad. I want toast and tea with you tomorrow morning.”
Nick grasped his daughter’s hand with both his. “It’s a date. Knowing how much Deke loves buttered toast, I’ll bet he’ll want some too before his walk.”
“You’re going to walk him in the park? Can I come too?”
“Sure. There’s nothing to be afraid of in the park. It will be cold though,” Nick warned.
“I’ll dress warm. Goodnight everyone.” Jean hugged the rest of the adults before heading to her bedroom. Deke followed her, rawhide bone in mouth.
Rachel handed Nick his drink, while Tina handed Gus his. “We’re retiring for the night, Muerto. I know you were a busy boy tonight, so I will leave you two alone.”
Rachel sat next to Nick, leaning in provocatively across him. “If you want… wake me.”
Nick stroked his fingertips over her cheek. “Count on it. I love you.”
Rachel smiled, gripping his face in her hands and kissing him. “So you say.” She straightened away from Nick and walked Tina to the door.
Nick raised his glass to Gus. “This was a good night, my friend. We will need to deal with the Kader connection sometime in the future. I guess we’ll have to expand our threat zone.”