Merrick

Two days later, we were gathered in Merrick’s bar, Shona at my side, Merrick, wearing a

sweat shirt that had the logo

……………………………………Black Cat.

I didn’t ask.

I was afraid he’d tell me.

Merrick said

‘The loot has a nationwide APB on Charlie, where can he go, sooner or later they’ll get

him.’

Neither of us bought that, it was more for Shona. The guy had prepared his escape a long

time ago. He was dust, a ghost, lost in some shadows of foreboding.

Merrick looked a bit nervous, I said

‘Spit it out, what’s eating you?’

He looked at Shona, said

‘You hear this guy, speaking American?’

She said

‘Trust me, he’s all Irish.

Merrick said

‘Don’t go off on me, ok?’

I waited

He swallowed, then

‘We’ve been offered a new case, Serge. Boxer passed it along, you interested?’

I looked at Shona, she said

‘Of course, what else he’s going to do, mope around the house, getting on my nerves.’

Merrick smiled, asked

‘So, anyone up for a movie?’