Page 156 of Trigger

“Life is war.”

“Deep,” Luz murmured, staring at the assortment of guns, knives,and other items Bazooka had brought with him. When he extended his hand totouch the weapons, Bazooka slapped it away.

“Only for grownups,” he growled, turning toward me. “What’s theplan?”

“We’re going to the club where Sophie Malik spent her last nightalive,” I replied. “We expect the perp to show up there. Luz will be the bait.”

Bazooka glanced at Luz without really looking at him. “What doesthe twink have to do with it?”

“I’m not a twink, asshole,” Luz said, his eyes flashing withanger. “Don’t talk about things you don’t understand.”

I didn’t know Luz well, but this seemed like the first genuinereaction from that manipulative little weasel.

“He was with Sophie the night she was murdered,” I explained. “Hesaw the perp but doesn’t remember his face. But the perp doesn’t know that, sohe’s after him.”

“I see.”

“You will keep your eyes on Luz while Carter and I will wait forthe perp to make an appearance. When he comes after Luz, we come after him.Case closed.”

“Sounds good. Let’s do this.”

I looked at Carter, who nodded at me in agreement. Bazooka slid afew knives into his pockets before handing one to Luz.

“That psycho is good with knives,” he warned him. “If he comes atyou, drive this into his jugular.”

Luz blinked and took the knife, seemingly mesmerized, whether bythe weapon or the man.

“‘Kay.”

After that we left the apartment and drove off to the club calledAllure.

The operation called “a disaster waiting to happen” was officiallyon.

Carter

“What’s your name?” Luz asked Bazooka, who was sitting next to himin the backseat. “I presume Bazooka is your nickname.”

“My name is not-your-fucking-business, and I come from the land never-going-to-happen.Any other questions?”

Luz chuckled. “You’re a funny guy, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, and I like women, so back off.”

Luz shrugged. “I liked them too, once. Doesn’t mean anything. Bythe way, can I have your phone number?”

“Not a chance in hell, but I have to ask. Why?”

“I’m planning a trip to New Mesa. Maybe you could show me aroundtown.”

“I will never show you around town. And I will never give you myphone number.”

Luz shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’m resourceful. I’ll get itmyself.”

“Knock it off, you two,” I growled, turning left into Park Lane.“And this goes especially for you, Luz. Everyone here is risking his life foryou, including your newest crush. Get a grip.”

“Fine,” Luz murmured, glancing at Bazooka. “Don’t let me die,kochanie.If I die before I kiss you, I will come back to haunt you.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Bazooka groaned. “Do you have an offbutton?”

---