Farlo took a right onto Alameda. He straightened the truck out, and jammed the brakes. Unfortunately, he stopped in the middle of the road causing the car behind him to veer to left to avoid back ending the garbage truck. Veering to the right would have been a better course of action. The driven collied head on with Paco’s Taco food truck. Fortunately, both were traveling under the legal 30 MPH limit.
“You don’t know how to drive. I bet you don’t have a license,” said Joey G.
“Watch it, kid. Just because I gave you a name with an attitude, doesn’t give you permission to toss your attitude at me. Get out and get three bags of tacos from Paco. Use Martinez’s credit card. While you’re waiting ask Paco he knows the location of the crack house.”
“You are so prejudiced. How do you know the food truck operator’s name is Paco? The used it because it’s clever advertising. It’s easy to remember, ” said Joey G.
Farlo gave him a look. Then said, “I almost have my evening set up if we can rescue Harry J within the hour. Don’t mess this up on me. Take Tina with you for backup.”
Joey unbuckled, kicked around the Starbucks cups on the floor and the carry all. He got out, Tina followed.
“Where do you think you’re going?” barked Farlo.
“I’m going to get tacos and info,” said Joey G.
“Not until you police your garbage and clean your side of the car. You’re taking advantage of Martinez.”
“Me? You got to be kidding,” Joey G came right back.
“Tina!” growled Farlo.
Tina jumped on Joey G’s chest and went eyeball to eyeball, vicious mouth to quivering lips.
“Okay, okay, call her off. I’ll clean it up.”
“That’s better. Tina watch him,” said Farlo.
Ten minutes later Joey G returned to the garbage truck carrying three bags of tacos. Tina right behind him in case a taco dropped out of the overladen bags. He opened the door, climbed into the passenger seat. Tina crawled in behind him and waited for her feast. Joey put Tina’s bag between the driver and passenger seat. He didn’t have a chance to take the tacos out of the bag. Tina was all over it, like flies on flypaper, bear on honey, and plaque on un-flossed and un-brushed teeth.
“Well?” said Farlo.
“How did you know his name was Paco? Don’t tell me. I have more important information. The crack house is not a crack house. It’s a clothing store specializing in pants and underwear for plumbers. It’s just up the street.”
“I got to give them credit. Who would’ve figured that a crack house for plumbers would be a front for Manchurian mob?” said Farlo as a matter of fact.
“The Manchurian mob? Are they dangerous? What are they doing with Harry J? They’ll probably kill us. Can’t we say we tried and Harry J was collateral damage? Boy, these tacos are the best,” added Joey G.
Farlo took a bite, he turned to his right and saw Tina staring at him. Tina finished her six tacos and wanted to order seconds. Farlo took his bag of tacos and placed it on the floor. “Enjoy them girl. You earned it.”
Farlo put the garbage truck in gear and waved at Paco as he pulled by the food truck. Paco hollered, “Hey, the homeless creep who tried to tell me his name was Martinez didn’t tell me they was for you, man. Next time it’s on the house.”
“Not a problem, Paco. Give Maria and Paco junior a hug for me.”
“Will do, man. Be careful. There are some bad dudes in the crack house. They make me pay protection for selling on this street.”
“No more. You’re all paid up. I’ll talk to them,” said Farlo.
“You the man, Farlo. Anything I can do for you, you name it.”
“Adios, Paco.”
“Via con dios, Farlo,” said Paco.
Farlo drove under the speed limit down Alameda. He said, “It’s a bit more complicated. I promised Paco we’d convince the Manchurian mob to stop asking protection money.”
“Don’t forget about Harry J. How do you know Paco?” asked Joey G.
“It’s a long story. I’ll give you executive summary. I met him. I did him a favor. We have a history.”
“That’s an executive summary? You didn’t tell me anything,” complained Joey G.
“Exactly. Get your head in the game. The Crack House is up on the right.”
Farlo took a right down an alley way and at the end of the alley way, he took a left down another alley way. Trash was lined on both sides of the alley. He stopped the garbage truck behind the Crack House.
“Get out and start collecting garbage and putting it into the truck.”
“Why? I’m not a garbage man?” said Joey G.
“You are now, kid. Get into the part before I toss you into the garbage.”
“You ever hear of the word please?” asked Joey G.
“No. Move it.”
Will Farlo, Tina, and Joey G finally rescue Harry J? Will Farlo convince the Manchurian mob to stop collecting protection money from Paco? Who’s Filo?