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"I’m sorry I couldn’t help," Caridad told Booke "But it would’ve cost a great deal, if I had been able to"

Ramon cocked his head "But I told you, he’s like family to Chuch, amor That means he’s kin to ave her hair a haughty toss "I don’t give my talents away Doesn’t arage before I could get tangled in the argu two cars One was an old Charger, and the other said it was a Maverick Either looked okay, but the Maverick seeer still had some problems in the paint, not that coser keys

"This one’s better under the hood I want you two to get there safe"

"Thanks, papi," I said with just a hint of sarcasotta look out for you"

I softened "I knowand thank you I’ht"

"Better than ever I never wanted to be a dad before I oofy love he had for his wife and daughter

"You’re one of the good ones," I agreed

He didn’t ask if I meant husband or father Clearly, it was both And when Caet the coolest, safest car ever I envied her a little, all those father-daughtermy dad saved my life; I wished he could’ve shared it too

But at least we got to say good-bye

"I think Shannon’s planning to bring Jesse over for dinner I heard Eva talking to her on the phone earlier"

"Tell her where I went, then And why"

"Will do" Chuch favored me with another squeeze; then he went to tell Booke ere rolling

I cli h I’d driven stick, I wasn’t expert, and I tended to grind the gears Chuch wouldn’t thankto restore to classic status and then sell at an awesome markup Collectors paid a pretty penny for a muscle car in cherry condition

A few lish pace, and his balance wasn’t the best Seeing him so hurt me In my mind’s eye he was the calined hie, arcane and otherwise This felt like learning that Athena, the goddess of wisdoun," Booke said, as if I’d make him ride in the back

Then I realized Kel meant to accompany us Well, he did have to keep up appearances If the archangel spied on hi in Laredo while I took a road trip to San Antone Even an overconfident tool like Barachielplayed, then

So in response, I pulled up the passenger seat to let Kel cliht"

"I’ve had worse," he said

Of course, he clai I couldn’t make it better, but I’d made my choice

So I just nodded "Then let’s rock and roll, boys"

Bitter Bargains

Twilight hadn’t changed since the last ti with a shborhood was still deceptively downscale, with drunken college students roa around the seedier clubs in the vicinity Inside, it was a combo of brothel and roadhouse with velvet and wood accents Per usual, the jukebox was banging aith a Dropkick Murphys tune; this time it was "Kiss Me, I’ to regret other than going hoer

Jeannie, a pretty wo bar tonight She narrowed her eyes on nized me but couldn’t place me Then a se Bucky was just asking me about you the other day What’ve you been up to?"

"It’s a long story," I said

And one I’d had enough of telling

I went on, "We need to see Twila, if she can squeeze us in"

Her expression immediately sobered; then her eyes went to Booke In his old-fashioned slacks and sweater vest, he stuck out like a sore thumb "I’ll see if she can make time for you Have a drink on the house" Jeannie waved the assistant ’tender over to take our orders

"Do you have lager?" Booke asked

"Keith’s Pale Ale work for you?" the man asked

Booke looked blank "Why not?"