Read Online Blind Moon Alley by John Florio - Free Book Online Page B

missing.
    Johalis tells Garvey to go on back and take a shower, and then clears a space in the parlor so the three of us can sit around the marble coffee table. Over Johalis’s shoulder is a wooden grandfather clock, and next to that, a beveled mirror on the far wall. I avoid the mirror—I can just imagine what a day in the sun has done to my cheeks.
    I put the bottle of moon on the table and Johalis goes to the kitchen for some glasses. When he comes back he’s got a pack of Lucky Strikes in one hand and four shot glasses in the other.
    â€œNone for me,” my father says. Apparently, he’s okay with helping a convicted cop killer flee the country but thinks downing an illegal shot of moonshine is going too far.
    Garvey comes back into the room, toweling his beard and wearing nothing but his unwashed boxers. His legs are as bony as his chest.
    â€œI’ll get you some clothes in a minute,” Johalis tells Garvey and motions for him to sit. Then he pours three shots of moonshine, lights a Lucky, and tosses the rest of the pack to Garvey.
    â€œThanks,” Garvey says. “For the smokes, and for the cover.”
    Johalis lets out one of his warm belly laughs. “We haven’t covered anything yet. But we’ll try.”
    â€œJust for the record, I didn’t gun down that bull, at least not the way they said I did,” Garvey says to Johalis. “You’re helping me, so I want you to know that.”
    â€œAccepted and agreed,” Johalis says and clinks his shot glass with Garvey’s.
    I join the two of them in the toast and we down the moon. As it heats my chest, I try to push Angela out of my mind.
    â€œIf we can hide Garv,” I say, “we’ve got a chance.”
    Johalis nods, but not with any kind of confidence.
    He turns to my father. “You’ll take the second bedroom, Ernie.”
    I can see my father doesn’t want to intrude, but he’s got no other choice.
    â€œI’ll make it up to you,” the champ says.
    Johalis dismisses him with a wave of his hand. “I’ll also pick up your clothes from New York. You’re gonna need them.”
    â€œWhere’s Garv going to hole up?” I say. “It can’t be at the Ink Well. Reeger is on it day and night. We were lucky to get out.”
    â€œThat’s why you shouldn’t go back,” my father says.
    I wish the champ could understand that this is more important than my safety or his concept of a legit day’s pay. “Those people are depending on me,” I say.
    â€œJersey’s right,” Johalis says, “He’s got to go back. Otherwise Reeger will start looking for him, track him here, and we’ll all get nailed. Let Reeger stay focused on Jersey and the Ink Well. We’ll put Garvey somewhere else.”
    He’s obviously got a plan and I have no idea what it is. Maybe it’s better that way. All I can do is hope that Johalis is as sure-handed as that smooth voice makes him out to be.
    We pour another round of moon, and the liquid oils our spirits. Garvey starts talking about elementary school; he shares with the champ and Johalis a bunch of stories that haven’t crossed my mind in years. The four of us laugh the night away, and for the first time since I visited my old friend at Eastern State, we’re free of the specter of guns, badges, and electric chairs. I sip another shot of moon and let the shine coat my tongue. The fireworks crackle overhead, and I wonder if Angela is there to see them.

CHAPTER 5
    I rang the bell for last call a half-hour ago. It feels strange to close the bar at one o’clock, but it’s a weeknight and Doolie wants me to cut back on the late hours. He’s worried I can’t protect the place, but I’m not going to let him down again. I’ve got Johalis working the bar with me on weeknights and Homer manning the door on weekends. And we’ve got backup: the champ is only