Chapter 11: A Heart to Heart with Johnny

[Surprised_by_Witches]

"I think this is where we should split up," Charles said.

"Huh?"

"Go home, man. You're turning into a Popsicle and I'm faster on my own. I'll scout around, see if I can get some more information on our surfer dude."

"But we're partners."

"And the best partners trust each other. You've got to deal with the guys at the station, I'll do recon on our vamp."

"Don't do anything stupid."

"Hey, it's me."

"Like I said--"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Well, all right," Connor said. "Call if you find something. I don't care what time it is."

"Ten-four." And Charles was gone in a blur of movement.

Connor trudged back to his squad car and drove home through the falling snow. The plows had been out and the roads were slick. His phone rang. Hamlet Summerdream.

"Yo."

"Connor, you have to talk to the band. They're bickering so much I can't get them to agree to their next gig date and the venues won't stay open forever."

"Great," Connor drawled. "I'm on it."

"Thanks."

Connor called Johnny. "I hear you guys aren't talking."

"Some of us are."

"Care to elaborate?"

"Can we talk? I'm right down the street from the strip. Can you meet me there?"

"Yeah, OK," Connor said. "It's on my way home. Watch your back." He disconnected.

Ten minutes later he and Johnny were at a booth at the mall's little diner. Connor, suddenly ravenous, ordered a burger. Johnny just had coffee.

"So, what's up?"

"I caught Najima kissing my wife."

"Ah."

"It's not that big of a thing but it's like the last straw. We can't agree on anything since Ricardo died and now he makes the moves on Hadley?"

"Yeah, I can see why you're upset."

"It's more than that. Can we speak frankly?"

"Yeah, sure." Connor smiled at the waitress as she brought his burger and she winked at him.

"Need anything else, sugar?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Well, you let me know." She sashayed off.

Johnny looked amused. "Never knew you were such a ladies' man."

"I've got hidden depths."

Johnny laughed, then sighed. "I gave up a lot to be with Hadley, you know? I just wish it was worth it."

"Maybe it still is. Everyone slips up once in a while."

"I'm not the settling down type," Johnny said, stealing one of Connor's fries, "as we both know. But if I had settled down with anyone, it might have been--"

"Cecily?"

"I really dig her, but no. We're too much alike. We both have trust issues," Johnny put air quotes around the last phrase and rolled his eyes. "No. George."

"George?"

"Yeah. He and I are good together. We don't play games, we don't try to get even. You know?"

"Yeah."

"But, I make one stupid mistake and I'm a father to be, and I had to give him up as part of the deal. I just wish--I don't know. Anyway, thanks for listening but that's not why I wanted to see you."

"No?"

"No. I want to learn self defense. Well, more than that. I want to learn how to fight."

"You sure you don't just want to kick Najima's teeth in?"

"Nah, though that's tempting right now. I just think this is the kind of town where it's a good idea to know how to fight back."

"That's for sure. So, you want private lessons?"

"I can pay you."

"Yeah, OK. How about--" Connor checked his watch. "Six a.m. tomorrow, at my club?"

"Six?" Johnny groaned.

"Hey, man, I work the night shift. I gotta sleep sometime."

"OK, six it is. Guess I'd better get to bed." Johnny got up. "Oh, and Connor?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for listening."

"Don't mention it. You going to be OK getting home?"

"It's fricking freezing out there. Even the vamps are staying in."

"Well, all right. Just watch your back."

"I always do," Johnny said with a grin.

Next Chapter

[Sacharissa]

George and Johnny, eh? That would be interesting. I suspect there will be a lot of turmoil very soon!