Part 40 (1/2)

”What? Bugs?”

”Tropical places got bugs. Bugs big enough you got to fight them for table sc.r.a.ps. Flies and mosquitos that'll hang you up in a tree for later. And lots of them.”

”You can overdo atmosphere, Garrett.”

”Bugs don't sell to the Hill,” Saucerhead guessed.

Dotes scowled. Our presence made him uncomfortable. I hate it when people social climb. He asked, ”What do you want?”

”Just a couple wraps on the Rainmaker thing. Winger's out, which you probably noticed. And all the trilogy books are accounted for, only somebody mutilated them. Which won't do them any good.” And I briefed him on what the Dead Man had told me. Given their natures and acquaintances, these four would get the word spread. And people would stop following me around.

I'd begun to acc.u.mulate watchers again. I guessed the Venageti at the Tops had mentioned my visit to someone who cared.

Pained, Morley asked, ”Seen the girl?”

”Vanished without a trace. Gone treasure hunting, I presume.” I hadn't tried to find her.

”That's it?” He was puzzled. He didn't see my angle.

I didn't clue him in. ”That's it.”

”Then I have to rush you. I have a million things that need doing before our reopening tonight. One thing before you go, though. A favor I need desperately.”

”You're starting to talk like those ferocious pirates. What?”

He faked hurt. ”Friends are always welcome at the Palms. But we have to present a refined image. If you could dress a little more...”

I got no chance to respond because Winger unloaded first. ”You guys ever stick a foot in a fatter load of camel s.h.i.+t? Can you believe this seeping sack of slime? You half-breed runt, I know who you are.”

The lady is articulate in her own special way.

Winger and I came to a meeting of the minds, more or less. Playmate and Tharpe took off. I straggled homeward. Winger tagged along. She didn't seem eager to put distance between us anymore. ”Garrett, it true, what you said about Eagle's treasure?”

”Absolutely. Came straight from the Dead Man.”

She didn't want to believe me but decided she had no choice. I was too d.a.m.ned dumb straight-arrow. ”That thing awake again?”