“Where we can set up cameras and film the walk through to provide cover for you to get into the locker,” Emma said.
Hondo said, “Yep.”
Emma nodded, “But the problem is that we, meaning the audience won’t be able to see what’s inside.”
“Jett’s life is in danger, Emma.”
I said, “But we’ll record it so you can use it later, when she’s safe.”
Emma thought a moment, “Fine. We’ll do it tomorrow. Now, I’ll let you all decide where you want to sleep tonight. We can talk some more after I say good night to my friends. Jett, why don’t you come with me and I’ll show you the guest room that overlooks the ocean. You can use it tonight.”
“Thanks,” Jett said.
I rose up from my seat to follow Emma’s long, tanned legs out of the room, but Hondo grabbed my arm. He said, “Uh-uh, Casanova. We need to talk some things over, alone.”
“But--”
“No buts. I’m sure that now you know the address, you’ll drop in again sometime to, oh…help them out.”
“Great idea,” I said.
Hondo continued, “At the bus station there are going to be bad guys there, and they know what you look like, so you can’t be inside.”
I said, “Of course I can. I’ll wear a disguise.”
“A disguise.”
“Sure.”
Hondo said, “I know I shouldn’t ask…”
“A black guy with a big boombox, like Gene Wilder did in that old movie with Richard Pryor. We watched the DVD a couple of months ago at your house, remember? Silver Streak. A classic.”
“You want to go as a seventies black man.”
“I’ve got natural rhythm.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Okay then, Smarty, what do you suggest?”
“Anything but the black guy.”
“Anything? Really?”
“You’re making me nervous.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry, it’s all good. It’ll be a big surprise.”
“That’s what I’m worried about. Let me ask this: Would you give some thought to what might be best for Jett, and maybe about you and Jett being somewhere else tomorrow? Nearby, but not inside. Just think about it, I trust you.”
I said, “I guess…well…I guess she’d probably be safer.”
“If you think so.”
“Crap, I hate it when you’re right.”
Hondo placed his hand on the back of my neck and said, “You are so wise in these matters.”