This Much is True - Tia Louise Page 0,79
that on hand.”
“My bad. I was told you could get it for me… You know a guy named Ritchie? Ritchie Deemers out of Charleston?”
Again, Clyde tenses up, and I might have to step into the hall so I don’t blow our cover. My heart is in my throat.
“Deemers?” Clyde’s brow lowers. “It’s been a while. Funny you’re the second guy this week to mention him.”
“What are the chances of that?” Scout laughs, shaking his head. “There’s just no accounting for this year, is there?”
“No, there isn’t.” Clyde isn’t smiling, he’s studying us, and I could never be an actress. I’m totally panicking.
“Just between us…” Scout walks to the bar so casually, like it’s all business as usual and our cover isn’t teetering on the brink of being blown. “I’m working on a screenplay, sort of a second career type of thing, and I wanted to do something similar to The Mule—you know, that Clint Eastwood film? I thought maybe you could be my consultant. Have you ever been to LA?”
That changes Clyde’s tone. “A Hollywood movie?”
“Yeah, Bigelow has indicated interest. Shia LaBeouf is attached. Maybe he’d play you…”
“I thought he was out of the game.”
“Nobody’s ever out of the game, my friend. Deemers said you’d used a mule before. How does that work?”
Clyde only hesitates a moment. “One of two ways. Either we can add additional packets to a regular order or in the case of Deemer’s, his entire order was HGH.”
“That so?” Scout makes a face like he’s taking mental notes. “And it worked?”
“It would’ve. The asshole got caught.”
I’m definitely going to have to step into the hall. I’m ready to beat him for saying that, and I don’t even care if we get a confession.
Scout watches me, and fury must be shooting from my eyeballs like lightning bolts. He comes to me and puts a hand on my forearm. I glance up at him, and his expression says calm down.
He waits a beat, then asks, “What was the mule’s name?”
“What difference does it make? He’s in jail.” Clyde laughs. “Actually, he got out and came here threatening me. One call, and I had him back behind bars.”
I’m about to scream at him, but Scout’s grip on my arm tightens. I try to jerk it away. I’m ready to jump on Clyde’s back and start hitting him over the head with my shoe. Then maybe I’ll cram it in his smug, smiling mouth.
“I’m just curious.” Scout’s voice is as tight as his grip. “Maybe I could interview him. Get his side of the story, add a little heartbreak.”
“I don’t know. I don’t feel comfortable—”
“You said he’s behind bars.” Scout is facing me, and his eyes close. “If you’re going to be my consultant, you have to trust me.”
I’m holding my breath. Could Clyde be that stupid? Could his lust for fame cause him to confess? I start to pray, Be that stupid… Be that stupid…
The apartment is quiet, and I think I’m going to be sick.
Clyde walks to the bar and picks up his phone. “Let me see. It was initials… JT or JD…” My lips part, and my eyes lock with Scout’s. This is it… “Here it is. William Dunne.”
My shoulders drop, and I silently swear.
Scout exhales a chuckle, releasing my arm and turning back to Clyde. “Is it JT or William?”
Clyde looks at him, and his eyes dazzle. I can only thank our lucky stars Scout is such a hot gay porn star. “William was the contact. It was his son, who made the pickup.”
“Poor guy.” Scout leans on the bar. “I’ve got to go, but maybe I’ll drop by again.”
“If I’m not here, leave your number with one of the baristas.” Clyde’s rat face looks suspicious, and I’m afraid he’s onto us.
“I’ll do it.” Scout’s hand is on my arm, and he leads me to the door. He does a finger-gun. “Thanks for being a fan.”
“Thank you for sharing your… endowments.”
Turning to the door, I roll my eyes so hard, I’m surprised they don’t get stuck. We’re out in the hall, and I’m stomping all around pissed. Scout taps his phone, turning off the recording, and grabs my wrist, dragging me down the stairs behind him and out onto the sidewalk.
“Holy shit!” He puts both hands on his forehead and exhales deeply.
“Motherfucker!” I shout, pacing a small circle. “Did we get it? Is that enough to nail his ass? I want his ass nailed!”
He throws an arm around my shoulders and pulls him to me, laughing.