Page 31 of GAF Factor

“Or it means that I had one really good example.”

“Then you should have just said that. Why would you say first if you didn’t have a second? I don’t get it. You just put me through this whole back and forth for nothing.”

“You put yourself through that.”

Linda returned just in time to save me from an argument with IRIS, handing over his coat and a bottle of cologne.

Twenty minutes later, we were strolling down the alley to the door at what appeared to be the back of a restaurant. It really was the back of a restaurant, but it was the entrance only for the men who gathered in the back room. It was an exclusive club of sorts. Well, it was really just a bunch of bad guys that got together and discussed how amazing they were.

They played cards and risked a lot of money, but this was where deals were made and lives were lost. It was one of my favorite places to be. I nodded to Victor—the guard on duty forthe night—grateful that it was him and not some newbie who didn’t know who I was.

“IKE, I haven’t seen you around in a while,” Victor grinned, entering the code of the night and opening the door.

“It’s been too long. He’s with me,” I said, jerking my head at IRIS.

Victor looked at him strangely. “Are you sure? He doesn’t really look like…”

“Like what?” IRIS snapped, stepping forward.

I held my hand out, pressing it to his chest and stopping him from ruining everything. “He’s cool, Victor.”

“Yeah, I’m cool,” IRIS huffed, completely ruining the image I was trying to present.

Victor nodded and let us in, but he eyed IRIS the whole way. As the door shut behind us, I grabbed IRIS and shoved him against the wall. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m cool?” I repeated his words, letting them drip like acid from my lips. “Victor doesn’t care if you’re cool. My word is all he needs. So keep your mouth shut and follow my lead.”

He rolled his eyes. “Is this what Jane saw in you?”

“My ability to get into a room without killing someone? Possibly. Most likely, it was my charm and suave looks.”

I released him and kept walking, adjusting my suit on the way and slicking back my hair. I was itching for a cigarette, but refrained for the moment. The doorway opened up to the backroom where the magic happened. I spotted the table I wanted and glanced at IRIS, nodding toward it. Hopefully, he could keep it together.

I strode through the room, nodding to a few of the men I knew better than others. But there was one man in particular I wanted to see tonight. Dressed like a mafioso, he was the man who had eyes and ears everywhere. If you needed information,he was who you came to—for a price. Donny stood as I approached the table, grinning as he shook my hand.

“IKE, it’s been a long time.”

“Donny, good to see you,” I said, laying on the charm. “This is IRIS.”

Donny nodded, holding out his hand. IRIS hesitated, only holding out his hand when I glared at him.

“So, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You know me. Gambling, booze, and information.”

“My three favorite things,” he grinned. “Bosco, move over and make some room for our friends.”

Bosco moved grudgingly. I never liked that fucker, but he always did as Donny asked. I removed my coat, handing it over to a gentleman who came over for it. IRIS followed my lead. As I took my seat, I unbuttoned my suit jacket, grinning at the rest of the men at the table.

“So, my friend, what can I get for you?”

“Whiskey.”

“I know that,” he laughed, nodding to the man who still stood behind me. “What information are you looking for?”

“I need to know about a cop,” I said, taking the cards that were dealt to me. “A detective.”

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