Tommy insists I talk about him today. He was all set to go to Vegas to help save his friends when I started writing Midnight Wildes. His bags were all packed, and then I decided he should remain in Austin.
To say he’s miffed is an understatement. He’s barely talking to me now, so I said I’d drop in an early scene of him in Vegas. I cut it from the finished story, but you can see how much he likes Vegas.
Cut scene from Midnight Wildes
“Nineteen hours according to maps. That’s how long it would it would take Phin on his bike to get to Vegas if doesn’t stop and did the speed limit.” Frank put his phone back into his belt holster. “He’ll speed, but he has to stop for fuel eight to ten times. We can hope he decides to rest at some point.”
Tommy snorted. “He won’t,” and pulled his sparkling Vegas cap lower over his eyes as their taxi pulled up to the police station.
“I said, we can hope,” replied Frank paying the taxi driver. He nudged Marcus, stretching and yawning to get out of the car.
“You really think this is a good idea?” Marcus asked pulling the handle of his suitcase up.
“Happy’s a good guy,” said Frank.
“Guys,” shouted Tommy holding the front door of police station open for them. “Sun’s hot.”
Two police officers exited the open door. One looked at Tommy but said nothing. Frank smiled at them and grabbed the door as Tommy slid inside.
“You look like a pimp,” he muttered under his breath. “Try not to arrested on our first day here.”
Tommy pulled the color of his jacket up and slumped in a lobby chair. “There’s a good chance someone in this building will recognize my face.”
Marcus snorted at set their bags next to Tommy. “Doubt anyone here is old enough to remember your face.”
Frank shook his head and showed his badge to the front clerk before returning to Marcus and Tommy. “My guy here will let me know if anything unusual happened last night. We’ve got to be ready before Phin gets here. Do your friends know we’re here?”
He’d asked Tommy, but Marcus answered. “Issy just texted to say she’s sending a car to get us.”
Tommy nudged his wayfarers down and looked at Marcus. “How do you know Issy?”
“I don’t. Max gave me her contact info before we left – just in case.”
Before Tommy could respond, the door leading to the inner sanctum of station slammed open. “Frank Jarvis! What the hell are you doing in my town.” The man proceeded wrap massive arms around Frank.
Frank hugged him back and stood back. “Not getting any smaller, are you?”
The man laughed so loud it echoed through the hall. “Looks like you’ll be caught up with me soon.”
Frank nodded his head toward Marcus and Tommy. “My nephew, Marcus LeBrere, well, Jasmine’s nephew really. Anyway, we’re here for little R&R. Marcus, this is Lieutenent Happy, an old friend of mine.”
Marcus stood and shook his hand.
Happy looked from Marcus to Tommy, his smile remained on his lips, but not in his eyes.
“Don’t mind Tommy,” Frank said. “Got sick on the place. Can we talk?”
Frank followed Happy through the door as he heard Tommy huff, “I look sick?”
“Well,” said Marcus pulling out his phone. “If you’re not sick, you’re a pimp.”
“So” said Frank, “When did you start wearing a tie?”
Happy’s laughed echoed in the hallway. “Lieutenent now. Gotta look the part.”
Peace,
L.K. Latham
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