“I might just have some kind of use for a gun down the road,” I told Moe.
At a stoplight he reached under his seat and pulled out a pistol. He handed it to me and I examined it, holding it low so no one outside the car would be able to see it – it was a sweet piece, a 9mm automatic, a real heart stopper. I put it in my jacket pocket, the first weapon I’d touched since Angela and I first got together eighteen years ago.
“We need to swing by Elaine’s,” I said.
“You’re looking thoughtful,” Big Moe said. “You’ve finally got something active in mind.”
“Yeah, and I’m keeping it to myself.” I turned to him. “I know why you guys dealt me in on this, okay? It’s because if I fuck up you can pretend you weren’t involved, maybe not pay too much of a price if things fall apart all nasty. It’s a smart move to hedge your bets like that, but for me to be deniable you really shouldn’t be too deep into the loop.”
Moe at least had the courtesy to look guilty, not that I’d needed any confirmation.
I tossed a shoulder. “It’s all good, and I don’t blame you a bit. You got family and loved ones to think about. I’m footloose and fancy free; I’m no one to you. Besides, you didn’t twist my arm – I’m a volunteer, and I’d be doing this even if you hadn’t roped me in.”