She looked up. “I feel sick and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“You and me both. Let’s get out of here.”
When we got back out on the street, Lola tugged my sleeve. “I don’t know if I can go back, Manny.”
“Hey, it’s not like you to be a quitter,” I chided.
“I’m not,” she said. “It’s just… I mean, I…” she trailed off. “Maybe we’re in danger,” she finally got out.
“We’re not,” I insisted. “That body was just dumped there. It’s got nothing to do with us.”
“But what if more show up?”
I shook my head. “That won’t happen. Having a pattern would be the surest way of getting caught. Whoever did this thought our mess would make a good hiding place, that’s all. Next time—if there is a next time—they’ll find a new spot. We’re free and clear now, I promise.”
“Well, OK, Manny. If you say so.” Lola took my arm and we started walking. “Maybe I’ll go to the track tonight.”
“Sure,” I said. “You could use a little distraction.”
Impressing Commies
Things were a little strained that day at the construction site. The workers were badly rattled when they learned there had been a sprouting, but the foreman got them going after a while. The next day they were back up to speed. In the afternoon of that second day the Bone Wagon came roaring into the parking lot. Salvador climbed down from the back and Glottis pealed away to the docks. I was relieved to see Salvador in a gray suit and not his fatigues. I walked over to him where he stood looking things over.
“Welcome to Rubacava, Sal,” I said.
“Thank you, Manuel.” He clasped my hand.
I gestured over to the far edge of the lot and we started walking there. “We’ve got to get together on a couple of things,” I said. “But first, how’s Eva?”
“She is well, and sends her love.”
I sat down on the curb and, after a brief hesitation, Salvador dropped his small grip and joined me.
“I hear you’ve been busy in El Marrow.”
“Yes,” Salvador said, producing two cigarettes from a slim case and passing one to me. “The movement now has true momentum. Thank you,” he said as I gave him a light. “Our numbers are rapidly growing. Much of this is due to our communications and intelligence systems, both of which we owe to you.”
“Money’s a problem, though, isn’t it?” I asked as I pocketed my lighter and took puff.
Salvador shrugged, taking a long drag. “We are not seeking profit, as I am sure you know, but I will admit we are having difficulties in financing our operations. This is something I did not anticipate.”
“I bet it’s especially tough when you’re up against guys who can break into the DOD’s piggy bank.”
“This also is true. Although all our agents are as dedicated as your are, my friend, we must equip ourselves for the struggle and so must trade with those who do not share our convictions and who seek only to profit by supplying our needs.” Salvador puffed again on his cigarette. “Forgive me, Manuel, but may I ask you where you are going with this?”
“Do you know what a successful casino can bring in?” Salvador shook his skull. “It can be a lot, and the people in this town are begging for new places where they can throw away their money.” We were far enough away from the workers, who were making plenty of noise anyway, but I still didn’t feel comfortable laying it all out in the open. “See what I’m getting at?”
“I believe I do,” Salvador answered “but you are plainly assuming that you can become profitable quickly enough to make a difference. What about your debt?” He gestured at the construction work.
I shrugged. “It’s pretty light, actually. The guy I bought this place from left for the Ninth Underworld. He did all right with the automat. He kind of liked me and gave me everything over and above what he needed to get him to the end of the line. And Glottis has chipped in some of his own savings. There’s quite a night life in Rubacava. It really shouldn’t take too long to start turning a profit.”
“Perhaps,” Salvador said thoughtfully. “I will not deny that this could—potentially—ease our financial situation… but there is also an element of considerable risk in what you are proposing to do.”
“I agree, and that brings us to the second issue, the one I need help with.” I took a final drag on my cigarette before flicking it away. “Sal, I’m stymied. I don’t have a computer and there aren’t any disaffected DOD employees to work with here. Most of the people in this town are trying to get on a boat, or they’re just out for the ride, or something. Getting involved with any cause is the last thing on their minds.”
Salvador nodded. “We face similar difficulties in El Marrow, but I do recognize your lack of adequate intelligence to aid you in screening potential recruits. This is why we have not been pressuring you despite our urgent need to acquire additional agents here in Rubacava.”
“Well, there are some guys who might work out—”
“Excellent, Manuel!”
“…except most of them won’t give me the time of day. They’re a bunch of old-time commie beatniks, strictly coffee-house variety.” Salvador seemed amused. “Pretty hard-core in their way, and they’re about the only people I’ve met here who want to change things.”
“And you truly think they would be suitable for the LSA?”
“They’re all primed for revolution, and no one takes them seriously. It’s a great cover. They could work for us and no one would pay any attention. Trouble is, I’ve only managed to convince one of them that I’m not a tool and he’s not the leader of the bunch.” I gestured over to the construction. “The club doesn’t help much.”
“I would imagine not,” Sal said.
“But the leader of the group, Alexi, he’s heard of you. You’re more than OK with him. I’m thinking that if you meet him, and I’m with you, some of that nobility of yours will rub off and I can finally get somewhere.”
“Perhaps, Manuel. But this meeting must be properly staged, and there is no reason to expect him to believe I am who I say I am.”
“Well,” I said, “you can be very persuasive. I’m not worried about that. But how to arrange this meeting… could be tricky and I doubt he’d accept an invitation from me.”
“Leave matters in my hands, my friend.”
We waited until that night. I told Salvador where he could find Alexi and his gang. While I waited in the contractor’s hut at the construction site, Salvador went down to the Blue Casket after changing back into his fatigues. He found Alexi with his friends and told them to follow. When Alexi asked why, Salvador answered, “For the revolution… and for justice.” Alexi and Gunnar followed. Slisko elected to stay behind. Alexi hesitated when he saw where they were going. Salvador got him moving again. I was behind the door of the hut when they came in.
“LSA headquarters in Rubacava?” Alexi was asking skeptically. “Calavera may be a tool, but I seriously doubt you could operate under his nose.”
“Do you think this is game?” Salvador asked sharply. “We are not playing at revolution, my friend. There is no prize for the most radical act.”
“What are you getting at, man?”
“Just this: we are not operating under Manuel’s nose.” Salvador sat down behind the small table that passed for a desk and glared at Alexi.
“I’ve been trying to tell you—” Gunnar tried to interject.
Alexi spoke over him to Salvador. “I suppose that fat cat is charging you rent, right?”
Salvador shook his head. “You really are very stupid.” Alexi stiffened and Gunnar laughed. He had already spotted me, probably expected me, having been between me and Alexi as they had entered. Salvador looked over to where I stood in the shadows. “I don’t know what you see in this fool.”