“This is Stephanie,” Ranger said. “She's running relief for Tank.”
“I didn't know you and Tank had that kind of relationship,” Rufus said.
Ranger didn't smile.
“So wassup?” Rufus asked.
Ranger didn't say anything. He just stared at Rufus. Rufus made a little flick with his hand
and the three idiots left the apartment.
“Sit,” Rufus said to Ranger.
Ranger sat, and I stood. I was the muscle in the room.
“I'm thinking about retaining some counsel,” Ranger said. "I'm looking at Petiak, Smullen,
Gorvich, and Orr."
“Good firm,” Rufus said.
“Why is it good?”
“Discreet. Got a good business ethic.”
“And?”
“Understands the barter system. You sure you don't want a sandwich?”
“I want to know more about the barter system,” Ranger said.
“Why?”
Ranger didn't say anything. He didn't blink. He didn't smile. He didn't sigh. He just silently
stared at Rufus.
“Good thing I like you,” Rufus said to Ranger, "because you could improve on your social
skills. You're not exactly a fun guy. Anyone ever tell you that?"
Ranger cut his eyes to me and then back to Rufus.
“The barter system is where you trade some shit for other shit,” Rufus said. "Wait a minute.
; Maybe I don't mean the barter system. What is it when you say you're paying for legal advice,
but you're really paying for inventory?"
“Lying,” Ranger said.
“Yeah, that's what those assholes understand… lying.”
Ranger reached forward and took the bottle of champagne off the coffee table and refilled
Caine's glass. “Anything else you want to tell me?”