“You can’t invite your godfather inside?” He clucked his tongue. “I know Lenny taught you more respect than that.”
His tone was teasing, but Bowen heard the underlying steel. Jesus, these old-school guys didn’t take disrespect lightly. Neglect to invite them in for coffee and you signed your own death warrant. Furthermore, Wayne never failed to bring up his father every time they met. Bowen knew he was suspicious about the events leading to his business partner’s arrest, but since he didn’t have concrete evidence of Bowen’s role, he settled on needling him every chance he got.
He didn’t want to invite Wayne inside, but not doing so would be suspicious.
The last thing he needed was added scrutiny while he had Sera under his protection. He’d just have to hope Sera knew enough to stay out of sight in the back bedroom.
With a tight smile, he stepped back.
“Coffee?”
“Nah, I’m good. I only got a minute before I have to split.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets, doing his best to ignore Wayne’s usual amusement over the paint-covered walls. “What’s up?”
“That crew from Central Brooklyn we took care of a few weeks ago is back.”
The older man picked up a paintbrush and let it drop. “One of our guys said they were selling again down on Kings Highway. Either they’ve got balls of steel or they can’t read a map. We told them to keep it in their territory, but they ain’t listening.”
Bowen inwardly cringed, knowing Sera could hear everything from the back room. It wouldn’t matter to her he had immunity with the police as long as he cooperated. But immunity didn’t mean he hadn’t committed crimes. It only meant he wouldn’t pay for them. As soon as she was clear of this personal crusade, he and the NYPD would be back to playing cops and robbers, just like before.
It was for the best his criminal status stayed fresh in her mind. As often as possible, she needed to be reminded to keep her distance. This is who he was.
Not a painter or someone she should be letting kiss her neck.
Bowen leaned back against the kitchen counter. “We’ll pay them a visit tonight and remind them. Although after the last time, I’m not sure what’ll get through to them.” He hated the look of anticipation that entered Wayne’s eyes. “Anything else?”
“Yeah.” Wayne chuckled. “Our boy Tony still hasn’t paid for the big hit he took on the Jets’ loss last week. He’s been ducking me.”
Bowen massaged his eyes with the heel of his hand. “God, this guy doesn’t learn.”
“Let’s hope not. That’s how we make money.”
A sour taste flooded Bowen’s mouth.
“If I wanted a punching bag, I’d go to the gym. He’s never good for it on time.
Why do we keep taking his bets?”
Wayne spread his hands. “We get the dough eventually, don’t we?”
Exhaustion washed over Bowen.
“Give him another couple days to make good before we go see him.”
“You can’t go easy,” Wayne warned.
“You go easy, word spreads that you’re soft.”
“I’m not soft.” His voice quieted. “I don’t see you throwing the punches.”
Distracted, Wayne bent down and fished a lacy pair of underwear from the plastic grocery bags Sera had left in the living room. “What’s this?” Bowen tried not to react. “You wearing ladies’
underpants now?”
“Are you really asking me that question?”
Looking uncomfortable, Wayne shifted on his feet. “You got a girl here?”
Again, Bowen repressed the need to hide her in the closet, before guarding it with his life. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
“Not my business?” His lowered voice vibrated. “We’re out here talking shop while your latest piece of ass can hear everything we say? That sure sounds like my business.”
Rage filtered through his body at hearing Sera referred to as a piece of ass, but he managed to keep himself in check. “She’s asleep,” he said through clenched teeth, hoping she would overhear and follow suit. “I spent the morning wearing her out. Been a while since you did that to a woman?”
“Touchy, aren’t we?”
Bowen ignored the question. “Are we done here?”
“Not until I’m satisfied she didn’t hear anything. You know what happens when people have the misfortune of hearing too much.”
He took a step closer. The older man arched an eyebrow at the action. Very rarely did he challenge Wayne, even though he technically held rank over him.
He’d known the man since childhood, had once even viewed him as a father figure. With Sera’s safety in question, he didn’t hesitate to pull rank now. “Are you questioning my judgment? I wouldn’t suggest it.”
The older man’s chin went up. “That’s the first time you’ve ever reminded me of your father. It’s almost enough to bring a tear to my eye.”
Nausea roiled in Bowen’s gut. Even though the comment had been insincere, it still made him feel ill. “Then you know how Lenny would deal with someone who questioned him.”
Wayne gave an exaggerated nod.
“Very well, kid. If that’s how you want to play it.”
At the use of the old nickname, Bowen’s hands bunched into fists.