Silent Partner

I awoke with Victor's face on my mind. Curiosity about him was getting to me. I lay in bed, glancing out at the morning sun burning its way through the hazy white clouds.

I should have left it alone; instead I dialed Penny in New York. I'd have her make a few calls. If this guy was anybody, Penny would find out. I thought about doing it myself but I didn't want to take a chance nosing around about him. If he was somebody, I didn't want him to know I was asking questions about him. Penny could find out discreetly. She was probably sitting around doing nothing. She'd love it. It would give her something to do.

After the second ring, she picked up. I heard a lethargic hello.

"Penny?"

"Frank! What's going on?"

"Not much, Penny. How is everything?"

"Everybody's been asking about you. Why don't you call Carman or Angelo? I'm tired of making up stories. How are you doing anyway?"

"Everything's good. Guess who I ran into last night?" I paused. She wasn't guessing. "Gino!"

"Gino! I told you he'd probably be down there. How is he?"

"He's good. He said to say hello. But listen, I need you to do something for me."

"Oh oh, here it comes. What do you need?"

"I need you to find out who's big into drugs down here."

"Oh come on, Frank! This transition has me buried with work. Your brothers ask all kinds of questions even I can't answer. Now you want me to look up drug dealers. Why? Are you doing drugs?"

I knew she'd appreciate it.

"Come on, Penny. This is important."

"Isn't it always?"

"No really, come on. Just see if there is a Victor Diaz heavy into drugs down here. Give Harry Woods a call he should know. If he doesn't, he'll know who to ask. If he questions you, tell him it's confidential. He'll understand. Call me. I'm at the Eden Arms."