I assume my comfortable position in the car. Not what I want, but again I’ve gotta keep it running for the air. I have everything I need in the seat next to me. Seriously well supplied this time, even water to stay hydrated ’cause of all the liquor I will more than likely consume. I’m good to go for as long as it takes.

The sun sets late, maybe by 7:30. That’s almost an hour and a half from now. Lot of young business types live on this block. A lot of them walking. Few look my way.

Several people take the cut throughout the evening. Most of them make their way to the neighboring parking lot, where shortly one of the boys will appear in good cheer.

It’s not crazy busy, but they do have regulars. It’s enough to pique my interest.

By 9:00 p.m. business seems to stop. Haven’t seen the boys for about an hour. I notice a few suspicious types roll in and toward the lot, but no Younger and Older. They’re either out of supply or they don’t work it after a certain time. I’m hoping for the latter.

A few minutes after 10:00 p.m. I notice movement in my side mirror. The boys step out to the front stoop, lock the door behind them. They seem dressed for a night out. By that I mean their jeans are less raggedy and their sneakers are fresher. Younger shoulders a small backpack. Both of them are wearing oversize T-shirts with abstract patterns on the front that I can’t make out.

A car chirps half a block away, headlights flickering on what appears to be a black late-model two-door Honda. Older walks to the driver’s side while Younger slips into the passenger seat. I let them pass, readjust my rearview mirror, then wedge myself out. Turn the lights on when they hit the stop sign at 14th and turn left.

I stay a couple of cars behind, thinking they’re going to continue south, but they take a right on R. When I make the turn they’re halfway down the block. Left on 17th. I start thinking they’re headed to the club on Connecticut because it’s right around the corner, but they continue, and once they pass K they slow down again. This time like they’re trying to find parking. It’s a fairly busy night. Lot of nightclubs in this area. I slow down and pull behind a parked car near the Mayflower Hotel. Turn my lights off. Watch the boys head in to one of the nicest joints.

About an hour in, and my cell phone rings.

Luna.

“What’s up, bro?” I answer.

“Just checking in on ya.”

“Playing my big brother?”

“Yeah. You need a good influence in your life.”

“Well, that you are, my friend. All’s good here. Working a side gig with a bit of surveillance.”