Catch & Neutralize Read Online Free Page B

to do it face to face.”
    “Yeah, of course, man. Are you in town?”
    “No. I’m going to fly out as soon as possible. Hopefully, today.”
    “Let me know when you have the details. I’ll pick you up from the airport. Nancy is going to be so happy to see you. I’ll let her know to get the guestroom ready.”
    “Thanks, Frank. Talk soon.”

 
     
    Chapter 3

Mark
     
    Mark arrived at the Jacksonville, Florida airport the following evening. Frank waited at the coffee shop as promised, wearing a white collared button up and dress pants. That same clean-cut guy Mark remembered, tall and muscular but with a few more grays and wrinkles.
    Frank wore glasses now. Those trendy ones all the hipsters were wearing. Looks like he continued following trends as always. A regular fashion plate, that one. Mark suspected Frank would end up a fashion designer of some sort but then surprised everyone by joining The Force.
    The airport hustled with people of all types going this way and that. A pencil-thin elderly woman wearing a flower print pants suit passed by. She held in the crook of her arm an obviously spoiled teacup poodle wearing purple bows. The tip of the dog’s tongue poked out from black lips as though it couldn’t possibly be expected to hold it in any longer. The squeak of rolling luggage followed them. Rose scented perfume lingered in the duo’s wake.
    Longtime friends, Mark and Frank, hugged before heading out.
    “Good to see you, old man.” Frank nodded in the direction of his car. “I’m parked this way.”
    Frank drove a police-issued Ford Explorer. A solar powered hula girl danced on the dashboard. Rolling down the window, Mark inhaled humid, salty air smelling of childhood and home. He hadn’t been back since marrying Angie.
    Frank spoke first. “So tell me, old pal, what’s going on?”
    “I’m not sure exactly.”
    “You flew all the way from New Mexico, but you’re not sure why? Maybe you missed my sexy white ass?”
    Mark laughed. “You’re probably right. That, plus I need some advice. I’d rather not talk about it while you’re driving. Why don’t you pull into a parking lot?”
    “If it’s that serious, let’s talk over a cold one.” Frank’s blinker click-clacked indicating he wanted to pull into Banter & Bow. A Bud Light sign flashing OPEN hung in the window.
    A cool blast of cigarette scented air greeted them. Classic rock played over the sound system. One wall with posters of cheerleaders, most from the Jacksonville Jaguars, demanded attention. Frank chose a table next to one signed by a bleached blonde named Amber. The tops of her suntanned breasts were oil shined and stuffed into a top three sizes too small.
    “Good choice,” Mark said nodding at the poster.
    “Yeah. Not a strawberry blonde, but she’ll do.” Frank pulled out a pack of smokes and lit one, inhaling deeply.
    “I’ll get the drinks. What’re you having?”
    Smoke puffed from Frank’s mouth as he replied, “Beer on tap and a shot of whiskey.”
    Mark returned with two frosty mugs of dark red beer. A petite woman with short, black hair and cherry colored lips followed with two shots of whiskey. She set them on the table and pointed to her name tag.
    “I’m Sherry. Just holler if y’all need refills. I’ll be right back with y’all’s complimentary chips and salsa.” She smiled before striding away and disappearing behind the bar.
    Frank held up his beer before tapping it against Mark’s. Foam sloshed over the sides of his mug. “To two old friends drinking Irish beer and whiskey.”
    After taking a swig, Frank licked the foam from his fingers. A wavy line of smoke trailed his cigarette.
    At the rear of the bar, two scrawny men in faded jeans and armpit stained t-shirts were playing a game of pool. One was attempting a shot and the other looked on while chalking his stick.
    Mark took a gulp and wiped a hand over his mouth. “I think Angie’s trying to kill me.”
    Frank choked on beer, coughing.