Page 57 of Thug

“That’s what I said.”

“You’ve got an office?”

“Across the street from Tanya’s Taqueria, off the old highway. Price Partners, LLC. It’s a sole proprietorship, but I put the ‘partners’ in there because a few of the fellas help me with shit.” I smirked. “Kind of a play on words. Get it?”

“Do you have a copy of your license, insurance card, and your CCW?”

“Yes, yes, and yes,” I said. “You gonna shoot me if I reach for them?”

“As long as you don’t reach for that boot, everything will be just fine.”

“I’d like to trust you, but I don’t trust cops,” I said. “No offense, but I’ve seen first-hand how shit can go south in an instant.”

“YouTube videos only show one side of the story.”

“In case you missed it, I said I know first-hand,” I said. “I watched the cops murder my parents when I was eight. Ask around. I’m sure you can hear a few different versions of what happened down at the station. I’m the only one that knows the truth.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re serious?”

“You think I’d sit here and lie about something like that?”

“You’d be surprised at what people will do to get out being thrown in jail.”

“Jail doesn’t scare me,” I said. “I’m trying to keep from being shot.”

He folded his arms over his chest. “More comfortable now?”

It was a pretty solid gesture in the right direction. At least his hand was away from his gun. “A little.” I reached for my wallet, slowly. I retrieved the three documents and handed them to him. “Here you go.”

Information in hand, he returned to his car. I watched his reflection in my mirror as he spent an inordinate amount of time on the radio. I prepared for the cavalry to arrive, have my bike impounded, and to be hauled to jail for speeding.

He got out of the car and returned to my side. He extended his hand. “Here you go. Everything checks out.”

“Where’s the reinforcements?” I asked. “Or, are you going to take me in on your own?”

“Taking you to jail requires getting a flatbed to haul your motorcycle to impound. Tow services require paperwork, and paperwork takes time. You’d have to be processed, and processing takes time. I haven’t eaten lunch yet and if I arrest you, I won’t eat for another three hours.” He peeled off his sunglasses and gave me a serious look. “Slow down a little. Especially if you’re not going to wear a helmet.”

“That’s it?” I asked. “I’m free to go?”

“Not all cops are bad cops,” he said.

I chuckled. “Just because a dog doesn’t bite you the first time you pet it doesn’t it mean it won’t bite you the next.”

“Some dogs only bite when they’ve got no other option.”

I glanced at his name tag.

C.L. Perry.

“Have a nice afternoon, Officer Perry.”

“Were you serious about that girl?” he asked.

“She’s got a smart mouth, shiny hair, hazel eyes that’ll drive you crazy, and a pussy so tight she made me come in sixty seconds.” I gave him a sharp nod. “All true.”

He didn’t seem amused. “Is she missing?”

“She is.”