Like a Knife Read Online Free PDF Page B

you," he said. "It's a regular family reunion."
    "Hello, Nicky," greeted a familiar husky voice.
    "Frank." Nick acknowledged the stocky man behind the steering wheel, A peasant stuffed into a suit, Frank had a round, dark face that showed stubble an hour after he shaved, and even in his sixties showed the outline of his beard. Not a subtle man, but a loyal one, he'd been Rennie's partner for more than thirty years.
    Martin started to slide into the passenger section, but a third man spoke from deep inside the car."Why don't you keep Frank company," Rennie Spier said.
    Anger flashed across Martin's face before he could paste on his grin again, but he did what he was told, waiting for Nick to get in and slamming the door behind him before getting in the front with Frank.
    The car pulled away, and Nick gazed out the window. Rachel stood in the yard, still herding the kids inside. He kept his eyes on her until she disappeared, then focused on whatever passed by the window. Anything but Ren-
    nie.
    * * *
     
    As Frank drove, he flicked an uneasy glance in the rearview mirror. The partition between front and back was closed so he couldn't see much, but that didn't stop his agitation. He took a Turns from the roll he kept on the dash and bit into it. Jesus, he wished they could bury Shelley and forget her.
    Martin shifted in his seat "What do you think's going on back there?" His voice was sharp and tense. The man had been on edge for weeks. Ever since Rennie had started talking about Nick again.
    Frank shrugged. "They're making peace."
    "You didn't see the look on Nick's face when he saw me. If they're making peace, I'm my mother's uncle."
    "Look, we all know how you feel about Nicky coming back."
    "That's because he'll only make trouble and screw things up again."
    "For who?"
    A tiny, telltale pause. Then, "Fuck you, Frank."
    Frank shook his head and glanced over at Marty, who was slumped in the seat, glowering out the window. Who could blame him for being aggravated? Nick was back. After six long years the prince was back.
    * * *
     
    On the other side of the partition separating driver from rider, Nick could feel Rennie's eyes on him. "Let me look at you," Rennie said, his voice gentle. Nick heard affection, and the encompassing familiarity of Rennie's accent. What was it exactly? Greece. Albania. Spain. He and Marty had countless arguments about it, but they never did find out. "You used to enjoy riding with me, remember?"
    Nick's stomach shifted, and he was thirteen again, riding around like a king in the limo with Rennie. Yeah, he remembered. He remembered exactly what went on in Rennie's limousines. Bribes and handshakes. Smiles when the deal went through, threats when it didn't. Death and money were what this car was all about
    "Look at me, Nick." Rennie's voice persuaded, coaxed, and demanded all at the same tune. It pulled at Nick like a magnet, separating him from his own will. He raised his eyes.
    Six years evaporated hi an instant. Rennie was the same, The same. Thick white hair, crinkly blue eyes. Nearly seventy now, and still tough, still vibrant, still that enormous ... presence. His broad shoulders and massive arms were squeezed into a tweed sports coat, as if he were going to tea at the Plaza and didn't want to scare anyone. He was big. Still so big. Those huge hands. Christ, they had savaged Shelley's face. Choking on fury, Nick squeezed the armrest so hard he felt the outline of the steel frame beneath the leather.
    "I've missed you," Spier said.
    "Where are we going?" Nick watched the limousine enter the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
    "Nowhere. For a ride. I just want to see you. Talk to you."
    "Stay on this side of the river."
    Spier smiled. "Sure, Nicky. Whatever you say." But Nick didn't say anything. He stared out the window to avoid looking at the other man. "The funeral is tomorrow," Rennie said into the silence. "I hope you will come."
    Nick's gaze swiveled to Spier's face. He saw sadness there. Grief.