Chapter 9

A Knight In Dented Armor

Benny at City Records handed Jack a sheaf of documents. “You know Jack, you’re costing the city a big copy bill these days. You’d think you still worked for the Force. Anyway, they dont know it but they’re still paying your bill. I figure they owe you.

“Find anything interesting,” Jack asked as he began to flip through the pages.

“Well, RV Enterprises was incorporated just over two years ago. The Vargas guy has as his residence an address in Panama City. The list of Board members has mostly spanish names, except one. Charles Gordon. And the incorporation papers were filed by the law firm of Porter, Liston and Reed. Oh, and Vargas’ address in Panama is the same as the law firm used by Gordon to open all those dummy corporations where he is funneling his money.”

“Wow Benny. Nothing gets by you. I hope I never really get in trouble.”

“Ah Jack, You don’t have enough money to get yourself into most of the records I keep. You would only be recorded in birth, marriage, divorce and death. So far, you still got one to go.”

Jack laughed. “Well that’s one file I hope stays blank for a while yet. How ’bout one more record? Do you have any tax records on RV Enterprises or permits or anything.?

“Well, not directly on them. But they did purchase a private jet management and charter business out at the airport. Hangar and all. They have their own facility out there for maintenance and repair. Paid a bit more than $5 million for it including a lounge and check in facility. The rich and famous don’t need to go through the business of rubbing shoulders with the great unwashed of commercial flights.”

“Which also means”, Jack mused as he headed to the door, “you dont have to have your arrivals be subject to processing by public authorities. Not bad if there are packages you’d rather not have opened. Thanks Benny as usual you’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Anytime Jack. Just don’t tell Lieutenant Martin that I gave them to you.” Jack halted mid-stride and turned back to Benny

“What? Lew’s been here?”.

“Yeah, He asked for a blanket dump of all stuff with Gordon’s name on it. The RV Enterprises stuff was included with all the rest. I don’t get the idea he was looking for it specifically. It was buried in among everything.”

“I hope it stays buried for a bit. I need to do some sniffing around before they raise an alarm.”

And as he walked out to his car, he began to think about Charlie’s alert that someone in the DA office was looking out for Vargas. If Lew got too far into the RV connection, it might scare them off before he could find out the link to Gordon’s murder. Which meant to Jack that he had to push the action.

It was two nights later that Jack, pulled the battered pick up into the parking lot next to El Amigo. He had left the Studie at his mechanic Mo Dillenger’s garage in exchange for Mo’s shop truck. Though battered and rusty looking on the outside. Mo had lavished his considerable skills on the motor and running gear. His truck could hang with most of the new Bimmers and Mustangs and Vettes on the road.

El Amigo was a long, rectangular cinder block building with a clay tile roof. It was out of place with Indiana architecture but giving a hint of a road house you might find somewhere in Central America. A large neon signs was perched on a tall pole. Under the name the words “Cervaza” and “Mexican Food” blinked brightly into the dark night.

Before getting out of the truck, he pondered the name, “El Amigo”, “the friend”. Just who was the friend? He looked out the window of the truck getting familiar with the scene before plunging in.

Groups of young men, some in well used work clothes, others in tight jeans, open collared shirts with gold chains wrapped around their necks stood around outside, engaged in animated conversation, many sharing a lighted cigarette. Jack did not have to be a former cop to know that they were passing around a joint.

While it would be impossible for Jack to not stand out among all these short, dark haired stocky men, he had done what he could to be what he wanted to be: a local construction boss looking for workers. Wearing jeans, work boots and a flannel check shirt, he had not shaved in 3 days. He smiled at the men as he walked past them into the establishment where he stood, just inside the door taking in the surroundings.

First to hit his senses was the noise level. Conversation, laughter, shouting, competed with a sound system blaring out horn dominated music. The tables were packed with people, beer bottles competing with plates of food, baskets of tortilla chips and bowls of salsa. The energy in the room was overwhelming. Young women in tight tops and short skirts chatted with the other women at the tables while the men sat, mostly looking at the young women while putting their arms possessively around the woman closest.

As Jack surveyed the room, he saw the small group in the far left corner. Four men in iridescent blue suits with open collar white shirs. They were deeply tanned, pencil mustaches and each had a slender, gold bedecked, woman next to them, flashing white toothed smiles, saying nothing. Periodically, other men in the room would approach and give a subservient acknowledgment and put their head next to the man at the center back of the table. After a brief conversation there would be a shake of hands and he would be replaced by another supplicant. Jack knew instinctively that was his target.

A full length varnished wood bar followed along the entire wall on the right of the room. Men stood leaning on the bar while women perched the stools. Behind the bar, a large man with a white cotton shirt seemed to be in charge. But Jack’s eyes were drawn to another figure, a marvelous figure. Her long, waved hair was so black it sheened a deep dark blue. It shimmered in the light of the overhead spots as she moved along the bar exchanging patter with the patrons. A multicolored silk shirt was cinched into tight blue jeans that ended above sling back high heels. It was obvious that she was the one really in control of the place. Her dark black eyes with long curled eyelashes flashed constantly around the room. Nothing escaped her look, including that of Jack, standing motionless inside the door.

Without a preset plan, Jack made his way around the tables toward the end of the bar. Her eyes followed him and the rest came with her as she traversed down to where he had leaned onto the glistening wood top, his right booted foot perched on the brass rail below. He smiled and slightly bowed his head in acknowledgment as she approached. Her copper colored skin was still unlined though it was clear she was well past being an ingenue. Her high cheek bones and arched ridge on a slim nose spoke of her ancient Mayan history. A wide red lipsticked mouth opened in a smile to reveal a perfect set of white teeth. She reached over with the bar towel in her right hand to wipe the counter in front of Jack, flashing a momentary glimpse of swollen cleavage from beneath the silk shirt.

“So stranger. Are you the new sheriff in town?” came the rich musical, slightly accented voice from her mouth as the corner of her eyes crinkled with her smile.

Jack laughed. “Well no ma’am. I’m just a poor knight errant out tilting at windmills, trying to keep life and limb together. I was passing by and saw this place which looks like it has been put down here from another planet. And I was thirsty. I don’t suppose you have any Stroh’s long necks do you?”

“If you are in here asking for a Stroh’s, I think it is you from another planet. I’ll get you a San Miguel. I hope you can tolerate something with a bit of flavor.”

“I’m always open to new experiences and exotic flavors. What’ life for anyway?” And he extended his hand, “I’m Jack.”

Her well toned arm reached out and took his hand with a firm shake, holding it a second longer than was required. “Jack, nice to meet you, I’m Bessita. This is my Dad’s place. Hermoso,” she said nodding back down the bar to the large man in the white shirt who was holding court with a group of men across from him.

Placing the beer down in front of Jack, Bessita waited while he took the first pull. “Mmm, thank you Bessita. This is wonderful and very cold. Maybe I’ve been missing out on something stuck in my same old rut. I’ve been in this area for most of my life. I had no idea this place was here”

Bessita busied herself with wiping the bar, “Well, we haven’t been here all that long. We’re from Panama and moved here just a few years ago. My dad had a restaurant in Panama City but life there got too crazy. We had some friends here who offered to help us get started. As you can see, there was a need for someplace for those of us from South America to have for ourselves.”

Bessita left Jack to give instructions to another bartender and have a word with her father, who glanced down at Jack and nodded. She came back down towards Jack, bringing along a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa.

“If you are up for something spicy, you might want to try our homemade salsa. You hungry?”

Jack scooped up a big portion of salsa on a chip. “Whoa, that is good …and hot. Now I understand why they say Spanish people are so hot blooded.”

“I think it goes beyond eating peppers,” Bessita said looking up from wide eyes.

It was maybe ten minutes later, or perhaps more. The time had passed with repartee, and flirting and enjoyment of conversation and meeting, when a figure approached.

“Bessita, I need some service” came the command.

Jack looked back over his shoulder, it was the guy from the corner table.

“Sure Ramon, I’ll have Consuela come right away.” Bessita responded coolly, without showing emotion.

At the mention of the name, Jack’s eyes focused. So this was Ramon, it had to be Vargas. He took him in. Expensive but showy clothes, braids of gold chain around his neck. Imperious in manner. Jack checked his eyes, they were glassy, pupils full. He must be using his own product Jack thought.

“No, I want you to bring us another round of Dom. This gringo shouldn’t be demanding your time.”

“Ramon, I spend my time with who I like and serve who I like. I’ll send Consuela with the Dom.”

Ramon reached over the bar, grabbing Bessita by the arm and giving it a twist. “I said I want you to bring it, now! “

Without thinking, Jack reached across, his fingers finding the pressure point on Ramon’s wrist rendering his hand numb instantly letting go her arm. He jerked the hand back rubbing it. ‘Stay out of this Gringo. You don’t belong here.”

Jack’s eyes steeled, boring into Ramon’s. “I’m just here for a beer. But I don’t believe that this lady belongs to you. So be a good boy and go back to your toadies there in the corner. You’re Dom will come along soon enough.”

Ramon continued rubbing his wrist, trying to get back feeling. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Jack. “Gringo, you do not know what you have got yourself into. You’d best enjoy your beer while you can still swallow.” Those nearby in the room had suddenly stopped talking and eyes followed him as he went back to his table. Angry words and pointed fingures were aimed at Jack from Ramon to his companions.

“Jack, thank you, but you should have left that to me. That’s not a windmill you have chosen to tilt with. It’s Ramon Vargas. He is a powerful man in our community.” Perhaps it would be best if you did finish your beer and get on your way.”

“Thanks Bessita, but I’ve not had such a good time talking with someone for a long time. Guys like him never change. They are so used to everyone bending to their will and bullying. Cowards cant stand it when someone wont take their guff. May I please have one more of those San Miguel’s before I go.”

Bessita, laughed, “Well, it’s your life. And it is fun to see Ramon put down a bit for once. You see, he is “the friend” who provided Papa with the funding to put this place together. But he thinks he owns me along with the premises.”

“And does he?” Jack said quietly, looking into Bessita’s deep black eyes.

“No one owns me.” Bessita said fiercely, but then relaxed and smiled. “But sometimes, I can be had.”

Jack finished his beer. He had watched Ramon and his cohort as he paid his bill. He took his receipt from Bessita as she took his hand in both of hers. “My number is on there Jack. I hope to hear from you. Perhaps you can show me some of Circle City’s local color.”

Jack knew he was being watched as he walked casually to the door and outside. Ramon had not moved from his spot. He sat watching Jack go, with his arms crossed and a tight grin on his face.

Jack was totally on alert but knew he was not in his own element here. A lifetime of experience prepared him for whatever was to come. And he was aware that a group of men were gathering and following him as he approached the truck.

Just then there was a loud “Pop” which shattered the moonlight, followed by another. Shards of glass splattered up into the air along with liquid. Jack warned, turned to face them, steadying himself. They hesitated. Jack looked beyond the men and there was Bessita. She was carrying an armful of Dom bottles, throwing them at the men. The spray blinded some. Others were ducking to avoid the bottles themselves aimed at their heads. Jack took the opportunity to jump into the truck and start the motor.

“Goodbye Jack, Be safe.”, Bessita yelled at the back of the truck as it pulled away. Jack popped the clutch and spun the wheels, spraying up the gravel from the parking lot back onto the men who were running toward the truck, and he was out onto the street.

Jack laughed the adrenaline fueled laugh of someone who has gotten away with something crazy. As he drove home, he realized it had been quite a night. He had made contact with Ramon and knew that would produce something for his case. But then he began to focus more on Bessita. And he felt more full of life than he had in ages. The image of her in his rear view mirror throwing bottles and yelling at the men filled his mind.

And then his memory registered one last vision from when he had pulled away. A glimpse of Vargas, standing in the doorway, looking at Bessita. Suddenly his heart went cold with fear and worry.

Chapter 10

Everybody’s Fool

The thoughts kept tumbling over in his mind. “What have I done? Putting that terrific woman into danger by crossing Vargas. Obviously Bessita knows him better than I do and how to handle him What was I trying to do, play the hero? I mean, bearding that guy in his own place in front of his own people? Was I just trying to show off? It’s one thing to put myself in jeopardy but now I’m involving others. And how am I going to prove who the real killer is. Admit it Jack, you are no closer to finding out who was in the house when you left Gordon than the day you walked in and found him dead. And where do you go from here. You are on your own, you have no money, no clients. A DA is out to get you. You’re in a pretty impossible situation. Where do I go from here?”

His mind had been going through this litany now for almost two hours, tossing and turning in bed. He had been so unstable that Melba finally jumped down off the bed having her sleep constantly interrupted by his thrashing. Jack glanced at the clock for the 20^th time, almost 8 oclock. “Maybe I should get up. But what for, there is nothing that I can do. I’ll just mope around the house.”

The phone rang. “Jack, this is Mo. You got my truck?’

“Yeah Mo, of course I got back too late last night to stop by the garage and switch for the Studie.”

“Well, that’s one good thing”.

“Whadda ya mean?

“My garage has been trashed. I just got here. It’s an absolute mess. Stuff broken. My files rifled. And Jack, the Studie is gone. Whoever it was, took it.”

By now Jack was on his feet. “Have you called the cops”

“Yeah but they haven’t showed up yet. I mean, to them its just a burglary or kids vandalizing. But I’m really going to need my truck to haul trash to the dump.”

“Anything else but the Studebaker missing”

“Not that I can tell. I mean though they are thrown around, it looks like most of my tools are here. It’l take me a couple days just to clean up and put things back in place. I’ll know then if anything else is gone. Why now? Why do you think this happened?”

“I may have an answer. Don’t touch anything. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

Getting dressed quickly in jeans and a golf shirt, he only stopped to put down some food for Melba as he headed to the back door and where Mo’s truck was parked in front of his garage. “Sorry Melba, we’ll have to put off your brushing for a while today.”

Jack skidded the pickup to a stop in front of Mo’s The main door was open. A black and white was parked in front. Two uniformed cops with clip boards were talking with Mo as Jack walked up.

“Jack, they want to know where I was last night. They had a report of a disturbance at a bar and my plates were reported as belonging to an assailant who started a fight outside.”

“Oh God,” Vargas didn’t waste any time did he, “Jack thought to himself. “Hello Officers. As you can see, I had Mo’s pickup last night. I was at the El Amigo for a drink but as I left a gang came at me. I just ran. I hit nobody and was lucky to escape without being beaten up.”

The larger of the two officers, both white with close cropped hair, walked over to Jack. ‘And who might you be. Can I see some ID.”

Reaching for his billfold, Jack pulled out his PI license. “I’m Jack Driscol, a PI, formerly a detective with the Force.”

The cop took down the info, then looked at Jack. “Yeah, that’s the name we have on the complaint. We have a warrant for your arrest. It seems a couple of the guys were hit in the head with champagne bottles. And they are pressing charges.”

“Officer, honest it wasn’t me. It was the manager. She was trying to distract them while I skedadled. Have you spoken with her? Bessita Alvarez.”

“The complaint is signed by a Hermoso Alvarez. He is listed as the proprietor. That is all we know. You’ll have to come with us.”

“You mean, you weren’t here to investigate this break in and vandalism of Mo’s.? And they’ve stolen a car, mine, that I had left here when I picked up Mo’s truck. Don’t you see, I’m being targeted?”

“That’s not our problem, That’s for burglary to deal with. I assume they’ll be along. Lot’s of cars get stolen every day. Now, please put your hands behind your back so I can cuff you while my partner reads you your rights.”

As Jack was being taken to the Police cruiser, he yelled back to Mo, “Call Ralph Crum. He’s my attorney and tell him what happened. Sorry to have got you involved in this Mo.”

“ Don’t worry Jack, I’ll be ok and I’ll call Ralph right away.”

Jack was laying on the bench in the holding cell when he heard the click of the door being unlocked. “Well Jack, you liked the food so well here you just had to come back.”

“Oh Lew, its you. How’d you hear about this?”

“Jack, I’m a detective, I find out stuff” Lew laughed. “Naw, it was Stan the desk clerk. He’s an old friend. It was him who called me after they took you back here. I came as soon as I could. Jack what the the hell is going on? This is not a good time for you to be getting into more trouble. Any of this can be used against you.”

“Look Lew, I’m just trying to find out what went on with Gordon and why he was killed.”

“Does that include starting bar fights?”

“Lew, I’m being framed all around. I did nothing. And I was leaving when a group of guys started coming at me. The manager, the owner’s daughter, she came out and distracted them while I put my tail between my legs and escaped, just barely.”

“And why were you there in the first place and why would she have helped you?’

“Look Lew, can we talk off the record.?

“Jack, you know I’m investigating you for Gordon’s murder. I have to follow up anything I find out.”

“Yeah, I know. But if I tell you something, can you just keep it to yourself?

“Depends what it is.”

Jack thought for a moment, looking across at Lew, making up his mind. “Lew, I know you’ll do he right thing, and I’m grateful. This does all have to do with Gordon’s murder. You know about Gordon’s plans to move all his money and resources to Panama. Why do you think he was doing that?”

“Why not. All the rich people are moving their money off shore these days. There’s nothing illegal about it. Wrong maybe but not illegal.’

“What if that money was being used to fund something illegal? What if he was setting up a business that would break the law, though it would be almost impossible to trace the money or his role in it?”

“Jack, you’re talking in riddles. What are you trying not to tell me?”

“Lew, I’m asking again before I answer. Will you pursue this quietly, on your own. No one can know but you.”

“But Jack, why are you asking me this? You know, that I can’t do it all alone when things have to be tracked down.”

“Because I’m pretty certain that there is a leak in the DA’s office. This is a big time scheme and it requires big time cover. Think about it. How did a plan to frame me happen between midnight last night and around 5 this morning when Mo’s was broken into. How did they find out about Mo? From the license plate on his truck. Who ran the plate number and got the info to the person who sent the goons in to trash the place and then why did they only take my Studie?” Somebody downtown had to run that plate number and then pass it back along to the guy who organized this. Whoever authorized that is the inside cover. That’s why I don’t want you talking about this until you have more info. It is fundamental to the solution of Gordon’s murder.”

“But Jack, what does all this have to do with Gordon’s murder?”

“Because I was getting close to the reason Gordon got himself killed. I believe I know what was going on. At first I thought that this was all about Rachel and me and Gordon’s prenup and how it tied up his money. I was a fool to think that Rachel was telling me the truth and that she was just trying to protect her son. I ignored the information staring me in the face because I though she was coming to me because she still had feeling for me. She’s involved in this along with Milton Porter as well.”

“Geez Jack. You really are crazy if you think you can implicate Porter. Besides you are really limited in your freedom. If the DA wants to, he can say you are a threat to be out and you’ll be stuck in jail.”

“That’s why I’m telling you all this. I’m just now realizing that there only a few people I can trust.”

“Jack, I get the feeling that you still have not told me everything. You are going to have to if you want me to help.”

“You have all the info I have. But it will be best if you track it all down yourself, just so they cant say you let me have influenced you. I’d suggest, starting with finding out who ran Mo’s plates. I’d bet Benny in records could help you do that without raising a big stink. I know you’ve been working with him. He’s given you a lot of other stuff you need to look at. And remember, there is an inside person at the DA as part of this so keep it close. Hopefully Ralph can get me out. I still have some things to do myself. I need to talk to an amigo.”

Ralph showed up an hour later with Jack’s release papers and drove him home. Along the way, Jack told Ralph all he had learned about Gordon’s business dealings and Ramon Vargas. It was the part about Jack’s theory that there was someone in the DA’s office working against him that most worried him.

“Look Jack, it means that they are building a case to take you down. We dont know if evidence will go missing or be manufactured. Can you trust Lew to do the right thing?”

“He’s all I got right now as I’m so limited in who I can talk to. But I do have one other person that might be able to help.”

After Ralph left, Jack took the bar receipt with Bessita’s number on it and dialed.

“Hola!”

“Bessita, this is Jack.

“Si.”

“I wanted to thank you for the champaign last night.

“We only serve the finest products.”

“Can we talk.”

“No, I’m quite busy right now”

“Oh, is there someone next to you?”

“Si. But I have to be out this afternoon visiting with some other suppliers. Perhaps I could come and see your store. You can show me what you have and I’ll decide if we can use you.”

“Meet me at the Melody Inn, on Illinois, just north of 38^th street.

“That might be possible. It depends on how things go with my regular suppliers. Perhaps after 4 oclock?”

“I’ll be waiting… as long as it takes. It will be great to talk in, shall we say, a less stressful atmosphere.”

“Well, we’ll see what you can sell me. Dias.”

Chapter 11

The Lady in Black

Jack was sitting at his usual spot in the last booth, facing the front of the Mel. The door opened letting light brighten the dimly let room. Bessita stood for a moment framed in the doorway, letting her eyes adjust from the sun. She saw Jack slide out from the booth and stand and wave and she entered walking down past the bar on the right and the booths on the left.

Eddie was behind the bar with a few of the old regulars on the stools. The front two booths were filled with some college boys. All conversation stopped and heads followed as they watched her stride past down toward Jack. Her high heeled boots beat against the terrazzo floor and her long black locks bounced on the black leather vest that covered an embroidered black silk blouse. The tight black leather pants accented her well turned shape as she moved. Her deep red lips parted in a smile as she walked up to Jack taking both his hands in hers holding them for a moment.

“Glad to see you made it home.”

“Well, it likely would have been a bit different story if you hadn’t served up the champaign on those guys. I hope it wasn’t too big of a loss.”

‘”Oh not at all. It’ was all Ramon’s private stock. We have a nice mark up on it so I made some extra money.”:

“I do want to thank you for your quick thinking. There were a few too many of them to have made for an easy exit.” Jack stood looking into her deep dark eyes almost transfixed before he came back to the present.

“Please, sorry to keep you standing,” he said as he motioned her to the seat opposite him. ”Can I get you a beer or anything. Now you are in my neighborhood and my kind of beer.”

“Äctually no. But I would take a cup of coffee. I have a long night at the club ahead.”

Eddie had moved down to the far end of the bar opposite Jack in anticipation and nodded her head at Jack held up two fingers and mouthed ”coffee””..

There was a momentary lull as they settled in. Jack was once more taken by her chiseled face and copper tanned skin accented by the bright red lips under that magnificent mane.

Eddie arrived quickly with the coffee and she smiled at Bessita. ” So you are the lady who saved Jack’s good looks from being mashed around. We kinda like him the way he is.”

”Thanks for the coffee,” Bessita replied looking up at Eddie”. “ Obviously you know a lot about Jack. Tell me, girl to girl, is he a good guy? Will I be safe around him.”

‘About the safe part, you’ve already found out that things seem to happen with him. But I’ve known him for 30 years. What you see is what you get. Nothing fancy but he is nice to old ladies and cats. He is kinda crazy when it comes to his Stupidbaker … oh and basketball. Dont expect much of a conversation if there’s a game on. Other than that, he’s pretty OK.”

“Gee Eddie, after all the money I”ve spent here, that’s the best you can do?” Jack laughed while putting his hand gently on Eddies right arm.

She patted his hand with her left. ”Now Jack, you be nice to this lady. She might help you upgrade your image. And at the moment, you got no where to go but up.” And to Bessita, she added, “”Listen honey, He gives you any trouble you tell me. I’ll cut off his steaks and Stroh’s and he’ll die.” And she gave a knowing wink to Jack and returned to the bar.

Jack, a bit embarrassed, looked over at Bessita. ”Umm, that’s not exactly the way I thought this would go. I really just wanted to make sure you were OK and that there was no bad fallout from last night.”

” Yeah, I’m OK, but it was very interesting there for a while. Ramon was pissed that you got away unharmed. But then his scheming brain got engaged and he began making phone calls and talking to his two crew, Sancho and Pedro. So he left me alone to close out the bar with Papa. Around 1 am, he got a call back. The bar was pretty empty by then and I heard him say, ‘So whatchu got for me, Milton’ ”. He wrote some things down and then handed the note to Sancho and they left.

“ You’re sure he said Milton?”

“ Yeah, Milton Porter, that’s Ramon’s attorney. He helped Ramon do the deal that opened the bar in the name of my Papa. Hey, I get it. Bars are cash businesses. There are the books I keep, and then there are the books that Ramon has kept.”

“’ What do you mean?”

”I send weekly reports to Milton. He’s the one who manages all the accounts and tax forms, and documents. I never get to see those.”

”So does it matter how well the El Amigo does?”

”It does to me. It has helped us escape Panama. It’s a business and I take it seriously and am proud of what we have done, despite Ramon using Papa and me as tools to his own end.”

”So you know what Ramon is doing, really doing? And how I’m being set up by him and Milton.”’

Bessita leaned back in the booth hesitating, eyeing Jack. “Not really, but I hear things, things I’m not supposed to hear. Or really, they dont think I’m worth paying attention to. I knew there was a local partner who was resisting them and needed being taken care of. And there was someone they had, to divert attention from what they were doing. I did not know who that person was…until last night.”

She leaned across the table and clasped Jack’s hands in hers. “Jack, last night, when you stood up to Ramon, without thinking about yourself, just wanting him to stop hurting me, no one has done that before.”

Tears pooled in her dark eyes. “I’ve…I’ve had a hard life. Our chance to come to America gave me an out to my past. It has meant everything. But I could not have anticipated Ramon and how he has manipulated us. And then, then, there you were. And you tried to protect me, without thinking of what would happen to you. So when I saw Pedro and Sancho gathering some of the guys and head out after you, I knew I had to help you and grabbed the bottles, and I just went out and started yelling and throwing. I couldn’t bear the thought of you being hurt because of me.”

Jack entwined his fingers into hers. “Well, it looks like we are on the same side. I could not stand Ramon’s attitude toward you. It has nothing to do with me. I had to call you today. I could not wait to see you. I want you safe…and happy.”

And after a moment, Jack said, “There is only one way to resolve this, for both of us. I have to get Ramon, and Milton. Only then can we get on with our lives.”

Bessita’s black pupils bore into Jack’s blue eyes. “ Jack, I will do anything to make that happen. Tell me what you want me to do.”’

“’Bessita, do you really mean that? They have every advantage. They have me accused of murder. And they took my damn Studie! They better not have done anything to it, then I’ll really be pissed!” And with that he laughed and she responded and they began to talk about what they might do next.

Eddie sat watching them from the bar. “Oh my Jack. You’ve finally found yourself a good one” she thought seeing the ease with which they talked and beamed at each other.