The Kings Of Cool

126

Dennis drives slowly back and forth across the Cabrillo Bridge in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

On his third pass, a young man opens the passenger door and gets in.

“This is where gays meet,” Dennis says by way of introduction, “to suck cock.”

“I’m disturbed you know that,” Ben says. “Drive down to the airport.”

Dennis takes Laurel Street down through Little Italy to Lindbergh Field, where Ben has him park in the cell phone lot.

“So talk,” Ben says.

He isn’t who Dennis was expecting. Most marijuana types are scruffy retro-hippies-this guy looks like he could have stepped out of an Up with People rehearsal.

“Right up top,” Dennis says, “if you won’t testify, I can’t offer you immunity.”

“This isn’t Survivor, ” Ben answers. “I’m not asking for immunity.”

“Got it. I’m just obligated to tell you.”

“You need me to sign a release form?”

“Maybe down the road,” Dennis answers. “You have a name?”

“Ben.”

“I need arrests, Ben.”

Ben shakes his head. “That’s not your problem.”

“What is my problem?”

“Self-absorption,” Ben answers. “You haven’t asked me what I need, Dennis.”

“That’s fair, Ben. What do you need?”

Ben tells him.

Symbiosis.