"Retrieve"
In the last half-hour, Allie does an occasional glance at the manager's office door when not distracted by the strippers on the stage or the strippers who just happen to casually walk past her and Hector's table.
Her focus switches back to the office when she spots a black man in a mostly red but gaudy multi-colored hoodie walk out thought the door, followed by a heavyset Latino with a ridiculously thick moustache in a jogging suit with a fishing hat and sunglasses. Allie recognizes the Latino as Javier Trunchez of the Spanish Lords, co-owner of the Triangle Club, and the black man with him as Trey Stewart aka Playboy X, a known drug-dealer from Northwood.
Playboy and Javier do a manly fist-bump before parting ways. Playboy moves to exit the club as Javier walks over to Allie and Hector.
"Hector, my man." Javier greets with open arms. "Were you waiting long?"
"Yeah, but I don't mind waiting in this joint." Hector stands up to get Javier a brief hug.
Allie stands up from her chair and steps to Hector's side.
"Who's this chica?" Javier asks.
"This is my cousin, Allie. I told you about her." Hector introduces. "She just out of the big house and looking to make some paper."
"I hear you're one tough dyke, that true?" Javier bluntly questions.
Allie silently pauses for a few seconds before picking up her bottle of Pisswasser from her table.
"Tough enough to smash this bottle over your head and use the broken end to cut out your sex organs." Allie states.
"Hey, you best watch that mouth of yours, chica, if you know what's good for you." Javier warns.
"Call me chica again and you're gonna find out that my mouth is the less painfully thing about me." Allie takes a step to get in Javier's face.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Hector quickly moves between his agitated cousin and the Hispanic gang-banger, causing the two to step back. "Let's not blow what could be a long and prosperous business relationship over a poor choice of words." Hector faces Allie. "Cool it." Hector switches to Javier. "How about we talk about the job?"
"So, you're vouching for her?" Javier questions, pointing to Allie.
"Yeah, I'm vouching for her." Hector confirms.
"If this job goes to shit, it's on you." Javier says.
"Understood." Hector replies with a smile and complete assurance. "I got no worries."
Javier takes a moment to consider his options. "Let's get some air." Javier says before turning and heading for the door.
"I think it's best if I do the talking." Hector suggests. "Being in prison hasn't improved your social skills."
"That asshole called me a dyke. Am I supposed to just let that slide?" Allie asks.
"First, he called you a
tough dyke
. So, take it as a compliment." Hector says. "Second, yes, you let it slide. You should always let shit like that slide. You'll get more friends that way."
Hector is first to follow Javier, who is nearly out the open door. Allie takes a deep breathe to calm her before walking to the door with Hector. The cousins exit the club and make their way to the parking lot. They find Javier leaning against his black Landstalker, lighting a cigarette.
"There's this guido in Little Italy named Mike. I trusted that fucking grease stain with a package of blow on the hope of branching to Algonquin." Javier instructs, after a puff. "But I've recently found out that he's been cutting the product and pocketing the extra cash for himself. Suffice to say, I've lost trust in Mike and want to end our business."
"So, you want us to take back the coke?" Hector questions.
"The coke and the cash." Javier clarifies. "And no need to be nice about it."
"Wait, you want us flexing on Italian tuff?" Allie steps in. "Who's this guy connected with?"
"He's not connected to anyone." Javier states. "At least with anyone we should been concerned about."
"So, nothing we can't handle then." Hector quickly tries to assure with a less than subtle glare at Allie. "You can trust us,
jefe
. You won't be disappointed."
"I'd better not be." Javier warns. "I heard what happened in Vice City. I hope history won't repeat itself."
"That won't be the case." Hector states with a confident smile before he turns to leave.
Not satisfied with the conversation, Allie does not follow her cousin but stays to leer at Javier, silently and sternly. Javier tips his shades down at Allie.
"Better got going, chica." Javier says. "Your cousin might have some need for you."
As much as Allie wants to thrust her fist into Javier's face, she decides to walk away to begin her new assignment.