“Could be better.”
“Could be worse,” Josie said. “What does it matter? He’s not here.”
“Right. Sorry. How are you?”
“How am I? You just got done running through this place. Arresting MC members, who, by the way, are paying customers. My girls are now terrified that something is happening. And Jefferson… well, he always sweats like that.”
“He’s a walking heart attack.”
“Maybe I’ll get a promotion then,” Josie said.
“Wow, you’re vicious,” Harvey said. “Glad you aren’t my woman.”
“Oh, you couldn’t handle it, Harvey. Your dear heart would give out in a second.”
Harvey laughed. He slapped the bar. “Goddamn me for even saying that. I’ve known you since you were in diapers, Josie.”
“More with the memories, huh?”
“Right. You don’t do that. Just like your father. That hardened shell around you.” Harvey sipped his soda and reached into his pocket.
“Get out of here with that,” Josie said. “It’s a soda.”
“Thanks.”
“Hey. Real quick. Off the record…”
“Oh, jeez,” Harvey said. “You hang around Reese for five minutes and look at you. Just like before.”
“What does that mean?”
“Ah, so memories are okay now? As long as they revolve around Reese?”
“You know what? Forget it. Enjoy the rest of your day, Harvey.”
“Hey, Josie. I meant you and Reese were like an explosion together. You were the gasoline and he was the match. The second you two got together, explosion. And I’m laughing because you want to talkoff the recordwith me. Which means it’s something illegal.”
“Possibly,” Josie said. “I’m wondering if you’ve had any upticks in drug arrests.”
“Why?”
“Curiosity.”
Harvey glanced over his shoulder, nodding. “Josie, it’s not your job to save everyone.”
“Actually, it is. Forget I asked.”
“Josie, if you’re in any kind of trouble…”
“I’m not,” Josie said. “Better go before you get into trouble. Hate to see you get fired.”
“Fired?” Harvey asked. “They can’t fire me. I’m older than dirt.”
“Time for me to sweep the place clean,” Josie said.
Harvey simply smiled. He gave a nod and strolled toward the front door.
Josie wiped down the bar as more people started to come in. Parker returned from his cigarette break and everything was officially back to normal now.