“Very funny, whippersnapper.”
“Can he handle trouble?”
Waylon’s a Vietnam vet, tough guy whose first ten days in Nam were in the A Shau Valley at a little place called Dong Ap Bia, then it got worse after that. He can handle trouble.”
I said, “He’s in his sixties?”
“Uh-huh. Just now hitting his prime.”
“He doesn’t need me to bring him some Ensure or anything?”
“Har-har, funny guy. You tell that to Waylon. Now get out of here so Hondo can rest.”
I went out the door and walked around the building to my office, thinking, did he call me a whippersnapper? I went inside and fiddled with papers and other items, then with curiosity still itching at me, I turned on the computer, popped up Google and typed in Ap Bia. After reading several of the items I figured Waylon probably could handle himself. I had heard of Ap Bia, but under its other name: Hamburger Hill.
After doodling on the internet for an hour, I got up and stretched, then walked outside. That’s when I saw the Yugo.
It was parked ten spaces to the left of the office, with a note under the wiper. I read it under the lights of the parking lot.
Dear Mr. Baca, Thank you for saving me. I felt terrible leaving you like that, but I was so scared I just drove and drove. I am glad you are all right. I called the police and they told me. I am sorry, but I cannot stay in Los Angeles. I am too afraid. Please find my sister and cousins before they are hurt. I know you can and I don’t believe anyone else is good enough or brave enough to do it. I will call you in a few days with a number.
Thank you,
Blanca.
PS The keys are on top of the left rear tire.
I got the keys and jangled them in my palm. Sometimes it’s a burden being seen as a can-do guy.
**
The next morning Bond Meadows came into my office. She wore a skintight black Lycra dress that showed a lot of leg and a huge amount of cleavage, like something from Frederick’s of Hollywood, the Whip Me, Whip Me section. Her lips were pinched tight and she said, “You are messing everything up and you’re going to get hurt, do you realize that?”
“Everything? Like The Big Bang theory, the human genome, upside-down pineapple cake?”
“You think you’re so funny. I’m serious, you could be hurt,” she chewed on her lower lip, “And I wouldn’t want that.”
“It’s a little late for warnings. Your omnisexual partner Carl already threatened me.”
She came around the desk and put her hands on my shoulders, her face close, eyes sincere, “I know we had a few problems, but I can make it up – will make it up to you if you’ll give me the chance.” She moved her face closer and I could smell the expensive perfume coming from the dab she’d put between her breasts. Her lips parted for a kiss and I gently pushed her away.
“Nuh-uh,” I said.
Bond surprised me by not getting angry. Her eyes teared up and she said, “If you could just give me a chance.”
I said, “I’m going to find Bob Landman, and I’m going to find out what Rakes is up to. If you and Frank are involved, you’ll go down with him. You have a chance right now. Take what you can and run, far away. It’s the only warning I’ll give you.”
“I could please you in ways you’ve never imagined.”
“The only way you could please me is by leaving.”
Her eyes hardened. “I’m going to enjoy it when Carl gets his hands on you. Nobody can stand up to Carl.”
I smiled at her and it seemed to make her angrier. She said, “I will tell him to make it especially painful. He is a big, powerful man, much bigger than you.”
“I’ve got goosebumps from the thought. Now, please go.”
She left, slamming the door as hard as she could. Ah, the women in my life. I tried to do other things but her perfume was there every time I breathed and images of her body ran through my thoughts. I went into the bathroom and took a long, cold shower.