I want a simple life. No games.
“It’s a brand new world when you realize who your father really is,” Ravage says quietly. “But you’re a better man than he was.”
I trace the insignia embroidered into the leather with a trembling hand. I need a drink.
This is my party. I might as well enjoy it.
catch up
Cliff
Besides my great big surprise, The Wet Mermaid is exactly as I expected. Mark runs me through my responsibilities for the night. It’s so straightforward, anyone could do it, but I guess they need someone who looks imposing. Mark introduces the guy I’m shadowing tonight as Beer Can, then leaves us to it.
Beer Can looks me up and down, arms crossed around his round torso. Gray streaks his black hair and beard. Despite his short stature, the dude is solid. He could be a Viking warrior. “You looking to patch in?”
Most of the guys here wear leather jackets or vests with the River Reapers insignia: a sludge reaper with water snakes wrapped around it. It’s a nod to the nationally known pollution level of the Naugatuck River due to illegal chemical plant dumping. Supposedly the river is actually clean now. Back in elementary school, kids whispered stories of two-headed fish and more sinister creatures.
I give Beer Can a shrug. I’m here for a job. At least, I thought I was. It’s really fucking weird that my P.O. would hook me up with this place.
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