The Darkness - Jason Pinter [112]
"That's right. But you don't look like a Vinnie."
"You don't look like an asshole, so don't be one."
"Sorry, just making conversation. How's your night
going?"
"What are you, a fucking reporter? Shut up and let's
do this."
I decided less talking was better.
"So what can I get you?" he said.
"This new thing...Darkness, right? What will fifty get
me?"
"Fifty will get you three tabs. That's an introductory
offer. After that, it's twenty-five a pop."
I took out my wallet, counted out fifty, and handed it
The Darkness
321
over. He counted quickly, then unlocked his briefcase
and pulled open the flap. He rummaged around inside as
I tried not to stare. I looked over at Amanda on the couch.
She was sitting there reading a magazine and sipping her
wine, acting like this was a totally normal evening occurrence. Monday we go to the movies, Tuesdays are date
nights, Wednesday we invite over our dealer. Just like all
normal city kids.
"Vinnie" took out a small bag with three tiny black
rocks inside. They looked like pebbles, the exact same
rock that was featured in Paulina's article.
He handed me the drugs and closed up the briefcase.
"Pleasure doing business with you. One quick thing.
If you're going to reorder tonight, make sure you have
cash on hand. We've had, um, troubles with people who
ordered and then didn't have the money to pay."
"People really reorder this stuff the same night? Is it
that good?"
"Vinnie" laughed.
"If we don't hear from you within the next few days,
it's 'cause you ran out of money or you're dead. So let's
just say I'm hoping to see you again real soon."
As Vinnie turned to leave, I looked at Amanda. She
peeked up from her wine. I rubbed my pointer finger and
thumb together and mouthed Tip?
She looked at me like I was insane and gave her head
a quick "no" shake.
Vinnie opened the door, nodded, and left.
I ran over and put my ear to the door. Vinnie was a big
guy, and his footsteps were easily heard as he clomped
down the stairs.
I waited ten seconds and then called Curt Sheffield.
"Henry, I saw him go in. Did he leave?"
322
Jason Pinter
"He should be leaving the building any second now."
"Got it. You know the plan, right?"
"You're going to follow him on foot, I take your car
and wait for you to contact me. Then I meet you with the
car and we tail him to wherever he refills on dope."
"You got it, boss. Keys are in the tire well, wait until you
can't see our friend anymore before you come down. Last
thing we need is this guy to think you're following him."
"Got it. I've done this before."
"But don't wait too long, I don't want to chance somebody stealing my ride. You don't exactly live in the safest
neighborhood, bro."
"Hey, Curt?"
"Yeah, Parker?"
"Are you sure about this? Am I really the guy you want
tagging along with you tonight?"
Curt was silent for a moment on the other end.
"I hear what you're saying. Fact is, I don't know who
to trust right now. Just the other day I got a tip on some
fired banker who might have been running drugs, cat
named Morgan Isaacs. We were just about to put a tail on
him when the guy disappears into thin air. Nobody knows
where he is, not even his parents have seen him in weeks.
Doesn't add up."
"Morgan Isaacs," I said. "The man who killed William
Hollinsworth had a money order on him made out to
Morgan Isaacs. If that was Isaacs, he was hired to kill
Hollinsworth."
"Which means he's no longer in this country, or no
longer of this earth," Curt said. "I got that feeling. So right
now, you're the only man I trust. I know why you're in
this, Henry. You want to know the truth about Stephen
Gaines, and I want to get rid of this crap that's turning
The Darkness
323
our city into Beirut. Two paths, same destination, my
friend."
"Then I'll meet you there."
"See you soon, Parker. Oh wait, here he comes. Later."
"Good luck, Curt."
We both hung up.
I looked out the window and could see Vinnie exiting
our building. As soon as he stepped outside, he put his
cell phone to his ear. Then