You Do What You Have To - 31

 

 

"But I could visit Tanzer's escort service," Micky said, shocked the moment the words were out of his mouth.

 

"No way!"

 

"Then get one of your brothers to do it."

 

"They have their own things they're working on, Micky. When we choose a job, we're pretty much on our own unless it requires two people to pull it off. This one doesn't."

 

"So Eldon wouldn't pull of them off their job for a day to help you?"

 

Robin puffed out a breath. "No. He'd tell me to find another way to get to Tanzer. Like hook up with him at a bar, or someplace he habitually goes to, and see what I can worm out of him."

 

"That could take forever before he'd trust you. Besides, like you said, he may realize you're one of Mackenzie's people and wonder why you wanted to know anything in the first place."

 

"Yeah," Robin admitted.

 

"So, he doesn't know me from Adam. Let me do it."

 

"Ab-so-lutely not!"

 

"Come on, Robin. How dangerous could it be?" Micky paused as an idea came to him. "Not trying to hook up with him at a club, but using the escort service. I suggest, slyly, that I'm interested in someone younger than me. A lot younger. Unless he's stupid, he—or whoever I talk to—will get the picture."

 

"And check you out from here to tomorrow to make certain you're not a cop or a Fed."

 

"Well, I'm not, so that wouldn't be a problem. Does Tanzer deal with anyone or do you have to be pretty rich?"

 

"The service, it's called 'Yours Truly', caters to anyone who pays up-front—be it for an hour or an evening. However, I have the feeling it would cost you a hell of a lot more than normal to get an under-aged kid—after, as I said, a thorough background check."

 

"So could your uncle, if he's the one in charge, set me up with that?"

 

"Could he? Yes. Will I even suggest it to him? Not on your life. Micky, you have no experience. This isn't a game."

 

"I know that! But damn it, Robin, I got pulled into this against my will. I want to do something to help stop these sleazeballs, especially Darren."

 

"No. Not happening."

 

"I swear, you are the most stubborn man I have ever met! Everyone has to start somewhere. You did."

 

"I had my family behind me. Teaching me."

 

"So teach me."

 

"No."

 

"Yes. It's that or I go in there without your say-so."

 

Robin smiled grimly. "You can't get out of the house without my knowing it."

 

"So I'm a prisoner here? Thanks a lot." Micky jumped to his feet, intending on going upstairs to… Sulk? Plot my escape? All of the above?

 

He didn't get far because Robin grabbed his arm, pulling him to an abrupt halt. "Why are you being such a pain in the butt?"