Page 24 of Ground Zero

Weaving my way through the crowd of people already on the dance floor, I head toward the patio area. As I approach the bar, Derrick, the bartender, spots me. I hold up five fingers and point to the balcony. He gives me a head nod as he slides a drink order to a thirsty customer. I glance around the room and spot Jack in a booth with the twins. They all look pleased with the arrangement.

About half the tables are full when I step out onto the deck. The guys are sitting at one in the back corner. Wynona is their waitress, and she is laughing her ass off. No doubt, Mike is entertaining her with some wild story.

I walk over to the table and lean against the handrail, waiting for her to set the plate of wings down and take their orders. Everyone orders the steak. She laughs, “Meat eaters, no vegetarians here.”

I look down into the parking lot and spot a candy apple red Corvette pulling in next to my Bronco. When the driver gets out, I recognize his gait and shout down. “B.A!”

He looks up and waves. “Yo, Rocket!”

“I’ll be waiting for your update.”

“Looking forward to it. It was a good mission.” He continues into the rear entrance of the Hotel.

I turn back to the table as Wynona backs out. She asks, “Do you want steak too?”

“Affirmative. Rare.”

“Do you know what Nina will have?”

“Yes, but I’ll let her order for herself.”

Wynona says, “I’ll bring Nina’s wine when she arrives, then take her order.”

“Thank you.”

“Yep.”

I take the empty seat, and Jocko slides an open beer to me. Mike laughs and says, “You’re learning.”

I give him a head nod as I reach for the chicken wings and pile a hand full on my plate.

Jocko asks, “Was that Brody Andrews?”

“Yes.”

“Have you asked him to join us?”

“He has a date.”

“I meant the team.”

“Not yet.”

“But you intend to?”

“Affirmative.”

“Good. He would be a good fit.”

“So,” Dirk asks, “I take it the three of you all served on Bravo together.”

Mike answers, “Affirmative. Nina as well.”

“And the dog?”

“What dog?” Jocko asks.

Dirk laughs and nods at Lucifer lying under the table. “That one.”

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