North American Vampire Council & Past Calling (Hypernaturals 12 & 13)

I Am Ready

"I completely forgot you know Angel, Sam." I said. "You and Morgan met Angel on that Exotic Dancer case. The one where it turned out the dancer died accidentally but it was covered up for a while. Angel was working as a waitress at some sort of a nude dancer place down in Galveston. That's how they met: Angel was the waitress that took care of Morgan when she went there. Nakoma was brand new and Angel was doing the gig to make ends meet, wearing a gold waist chain and her usual smile."

"Still have it." Angel inserted. I knew that as I was there when she modeled it for Vera once when she bought Vera one.

"Janie was working there too before she moved north to that other club." I continued. "That must be eighteen years ago?"

Sam raised my grade. Not so hippy-dippy as I look. Also, he narrowed his eyes, as he had been a suspect in that case for a while. Now Sam knows I know. I just underlined Morgan's 'partner in all things' by letting Sam know she and I talk. I know more about him than he knows about me.

Sam, the partner, will not let that stand. That is good. The expression on Morgan's face told me that is what she wants.

"Oh, yes. Exactly right." Sam agreed. "That was a hell of a case. Turned out all right in the end. Angel left that club, thank god. Nothing against her job, but as she proved once she was with Marvin and doing that work, She was wasted waiting on tables. She could do so much more than take drink orders. PI now! You know that club is not even there anymore. There was a complex of sexually oriented businesses there and they are all gone. Speaking of SOB's: Funny story, Morgan. Margie is still running 'rox'. I dropped by to say 'Hi' and told her we were coming up to see you. She says 'hi' and sends her best to the, and this is a quote 'sexy ass Detective'. Says if you ever get to Houston to drop by and also that you would still never make a living as a stripper."

"Margie always told me I had the looks to strip or dance, but would starve at it. After seeing Janie dance, I know she is right. Running joke now, even after all these years." Morgan replied.

"Yeah." Sam agreed. Sam left the 'Janie' part of that alone. I have no idea if Sam knows much of anything about her: Morgan said they did not share many personal details like that.

Morgan looked over at me. "Adrian? I am ready. After seeing these two, I am ready to face it. The city. The memories. We can go eat at the new Pico's and drop by 'rox' too. I would love to see Margie again. Janie and Mike. I would love to get some spinach enchiladas'. Also, they make the best Filete there is. Ken always got that."

"I did and I still do." Ken agreed.

"I'll fuel up the 124. Unless you want to take your Miata." I said.

"Probably the Pilot. Maybe the barge. Jessica and Helen will want to be there too. It is not as if Denise is going to let you out of her sight either. She only lets you free when she knows Anne and I are there to keep an eye on you." Morgan said

"Luciana is a trusted babysitter." I agreed. "But sure: I'm easy."

"Yes, but that is a different subject." Morgan said.

That little flirty thing did not pass unnoticed by either man.

"Hey! I like Pico's, bitch. Vera and I will be there. We have babies to feed! Babies that like Picos... oh damn it! I can't get one of their Marguerita's! Best there are. Damn the timing." Angel said

Morgan laughed at Angel calling her 'bitch'. She is picking up language from Vera.

"OK. Big wheels it is." Morgan said. "I guess we can take the RV then."

"I'm sorry: Who is Vera?" Ken asked.

"You knew Angel too, Ken?" I asked at almost the same time.