Note: Because of the trouble on this site over the past few weeks, I stopped posting my stories. On the advice of someone who has been in this world and around this site for a while, I have decided to complete these stories. I also apologize for the terrible Spanish in this chapter. Thank you for understanding. Val
Ranger took Stephanie's hand and casually steered her around the tables and customers in varying degrees of intoxication. He said hello to people here and there but his ultimate goal was the man near the stage.
"¿Cómo está usted?" Ranger said, when he reached the man. He looked up and smiled before jumping up to slap Ranger on the back.
"Tan bueno. Esto ha sido Mucho tiempo. ¿Cómo ha sido usted?" he said.
"So long," Ranger agreed. "I want you to meet my new girlfriend, Stephanie. Stephanie this is Estaban Mercado. When you know, Estaban, you know everyone." Stephanie gave a half wave and the man hugged her enthusiastically.
"It's true," Estaban said. He was slight with short dark hair and didn't look like he'd be a threat to anyone. "Any girlfriend of Manoso's," he said, waggling his eyebrows. His English was lightly accented. "Sit, please!" he waved to the chairs across the table and Ranger held Stephanie's chair, pushing it in gently when she was seated.
"A muchacha with class," Estaban said approvingly. "This one is a keeper, no?"
"She is," Ranger agreed, putting his arm around the back of Stephanie's chair and pulling her closer.
"It's been a while, Manoso, what brings you back to this side of the tracks?" Estaban's tone was light but something in his expression shifted and Stephanie felt herself getting nervous. She unconsciously scooted closed to Ranger. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.
"Lester Santos and Jorge Perez had a fight here, I need to find the witness." Ranger said.
"Look around, my friend; we are a room full of witnesses." Estaban waved his hand in illustration. "Everyone heard what Jorge said and everyone saw Lester, drunk as he was, knock him to the ground. "
"I know that Lester was thrown out so I'm guessing everyone saw him leave," Estaban nodded. "Did anyone see Jorge leave?"
"Jorge was in a foul temper. He is known to do terrible things when his temper is high. He asked me for one of my girls but they're too valuable for Jorge in that mood. He left soon after." Estaban shook his head, sadly. "I cannot afford the damage he does, and to my best workers."
"Do you know who killed Jorge?" Ranger asked suddenly. Estaban smiled.
"I do not," he said. "If I had been Lester, I would have killed him when he stood but Lester, he was so drunk."
"So you don't think Lester did?" Stephanie said, speaking for the first time.
"I cannot know. I do know that Jorge had many enemies. You should see what he's done to my girls. I would not take money from him but I know that are many procurers who will provide for him." Stephanie watched Estaban's expression in horror as he continued. "He killed my Cherie. She made a lot of money for me. We came to an arrangement but I know others who are not as kind." Whatever else this man was, he was a pimp and women were merchandise that he sold in his store.
"Do you know who talked to the police?" Ranger asked.
"Whoever it was would not dare tell me. That detective, Morelli, he was here talking to everyone but we will not talk to the police." Estaban said, "The nature of the call served Jorge's family well so I would look to his half brother, Julio. He was here that night." He paused before looking very seriously at Ranger.
"I have owed you, Manoso, and now we're even. If you come back to me be prepared to pay. I can think of a currency, I'd take." He reached over to stroke Stephanie's cheek and smiled when she gasped audibly. Ranger grabbed his wrist.
"Never," he said coldly, "never touch her. She's not one of your women. She is mine and she's under my protection and if you ever see her again, don't speak." Ranger said. Another shadow passed over Estaban's face but he nodded.
"As you wish," he said.