Page 155 of Trigger

“I know someone who could help us out,” I said, reaching for myphone and dialing a number.

After a few rings, a gruff voice answered.

“Yo, Tye?”

“Hey, Bazooka! Are you free tonight?”

“What do you need me for?”

“I would like to take you out dancing. Are you in?”

Chapter 31

The Trap

Thorsen

It was ten in the evening when my doorbell rang. After I openedthe door, Bazooka walked in, all six feet four inches and two hundred pounds ofhim.

“Oh, wow,” Luz mumbled, staring at him wide-eyed. “Fuck me.”

He slid down the bar stool and walked up to Bazooka with a widesmile.

“Hi. My name is Luz,” he said, sizing him up, and there was a lotto size up. “What’s your name?”

Bazooka looked at him, zeroing in on his extended hand, but notshaking it.

“Hi. My name is not-interested,” he said, before turning to lookat me. “Are you guys ready?”

I nodded as he left his duffel bag on the sofa.

Luz grinned, undeterred. “I like him.”

“Well, he doesn’t like you,” I pointed out the obvious when Carterentered the room.

“Okay, we’re all set,” he said, tucking his gun into the holster.“John Smith smuggled a few earpieces for us, so we’re good to go.”

Now this was the part I cared about—my best friend and the love ofmy life meeting for the first time. I wished the circumstances were different,but they weren’t, so I made quick introductions.

“Carter, Bazooka. Bazooka, Carter.”

As they shook hands, I noticed Bazooka eyeing Carter critically,making up his mind about him.

“Carter, huh? I heard a lot about you.”

“Likewise.”

As always, Carter was tight-lipped, and I wondered if Bazookacould see past that.

“Are you taking care of my boy here?” Bazooka asked him, pointinghis chin at me.

Carter looked at me and nodded, and something about that look orthat nod was enough for Bazooka.

“Well, that’s all I needed to know,” he concluded, opening hisbag. “Who do we need to fuck up?”

Luz peeked into his bag and gasped.

“Wow, dude. Are you going to war?”

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