Read Online Sugar Doll's Hurricane Blues by Kalua Lauber - Free Book Online Page A

in the eye but recognizing him as the same officer who he had nodded to earlier.
    “The problem is that we don’t like muggers in our part of the woods. Particularly not blackmailing ones.” Dan backed up from the door. “Tell me just how did you think that you were going to get away with this?”
    Kevin shrugged and handed over the pictures. “Could you please just let me go and forget all of this?”
    “I could do a lot of things but right now I’m arresting your black ass. Step out of the car please.” The officer stepped aside to allow Kevin to get out of the car.
    Kevin didn’t need to be told to raise his hands over his head. He knew the drill.

Chapter Eight
     
    Remy saw Bertrand sitting at the bar looking dejected. “Hey man, what’s bothering you? Why don’t you just let it all out?” Bertrand grunted and pushed a bar stool in Remy’s direction.
    “Man I wish I could tell you, it would make things easier for me.” Bertrand sighed heavily and took a deep drink of whiskey.
    “Then I’m your man, tell a brother.” Remy smiled but his eyes were steady and serious.
    “I’ll tell you this much, man you are a great singer. I see great things in you and I think that you are better than this place. I want to cut an album with you as soon as my studio is up and running.” Bertrand smiled easily his troubles momentarily lifted.
    “Are you trying to fire me boss?” Remy smiled and patted Bertrand on the shoulder.
    “No bro, but I am having what you might call Fi Nan Cial difficulties. I meant what I said about your singing on an album. Your shit is tight.” Bertrand looked over Remy’s shoulder to the door at passing tourists. The quarter was never really ever quiet he mused.
    “What are you talking about? The bar is packed every night. You aren’t gambling again are you?” Remy looked at his buddy concerned.
    “No man, c’mon now, why you getting all serious? Let me get you a beer.” Bertrand lifted heavily from the stool and went behind the empty bar to the freezer. He took out an ice cold beer and handed it to Remy who took it warily.
    “Bertrand man, I thought that you’d given that shit up.” Remy shook his head as he took a long draw of his beer.
    “I know huh?” Was all Bertrand could manage.
    “How much you owe this time?” Remy turned his seat away from the bar and faced the open windows of the French Quarter.
    “Too much man. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m into Marsalas for big money.”
    “Damn man. Damn.” Remy put the beer down on the bar and stood up.
    “I could lose the place Remy.” Bertrand said. “Don’t tell Sugar Doll.”
    “I won’t man but you’ve got a good thing here and to throw it all away on the roll of the dice is just well…” Remy looked disgusted.
    “Stupid I know.”
    One of the tourists walked into the empty bar, it was mid-morning so there was usually no traffic in the bar until noon. Bertrand usually manned the bar for those looking for the “hair of the dog” remedy. “Hey brother!” Bertrand shouted in his friendly, welcoming voice. What’s your poison?”
    “Man who you hollering at ‘Fat Boy’!” The man said laughing.
    “Now that’s uncalled for.” Remy said walking toward the stranger.
    “Kevin?” Bertrand burst from around the bar as fast as his fat body would take him. “Man, you ole criminal! When did you get out? I’ll be God Damned!” Bertrand pushed Remy aside and literally picked Kevin up into the air.
    “Oh I see, a family reunion. Well I’ll leave ya’ll to it.” Remy said as he headed out of the door.
    “Wait man, let me introduce you to my boyhood friend! He is just like family Bertrand said hugging Kevin sideways. Remy this is Kevin, Kevin Remy.” Bertrand smiled happily.
    “You hang out with white boys now?” Kevin smiled easily. “No offense.” Kevin nodded to Remy.
    “None taken. Well ya’ll, it’s been fun but I got to run. Nice to meet you Kevin.” The two men shook hands and