He chuckled. “Gay? No. I mean, I wouldn’t kick Ryan Reynolds out of bed, but I like women.”

“Then what’s the issue?”

He stayed silent.

“Come on, Roy. You flew across the country to talk to me. So talk to me.”

“Not here.” He twirled the light brown bourbon in his glass.

“All right. After, then.” From the corner of my eye, I spied Hoss entering and taking a seat at the bar. “There’s someone I need to talk to.”

“You’re going to leave me here?”

“For fuck’s sake, Roy, enjoy yourself. It’s not that difficult. There are naked ladies here, man.” I stood and walked over to the bar.

“Rock,” Hoss said when I tapped him on his shoulder. “Two times in one day. Good to see you.”

“Yeah, you too. Manny around?”

“Nah. He doesn’t do too well here. Plus, he sees all the pussy he needs to every day at work.”

A little nausea hit me. First, thinking Hoss did “well” at a strip club. But that was nothing compared to the image of Manny salivating at pussy between the stirrups. I’d never be able to unsee that one.

“Just as well.” I signaled the bartender. “I need to talk to you alone.”

“I figured as much.”

“You did?”

“Sure. You need information. You know I have it.”

“I’m that obvious?”

“Pretty much. I can see how you’d think I’d be your better bet. I’m sorry, though. Attorney-client privilege is as sacred as doctor-patient privilege.”

“I’ll make it worth your while. Big time.”

Hoss chuckled. “I know you can. Big Wolfe money now.”

“Does that sway you any?”

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t, and if my client were some scumbag I’d probably roll over. But we’re talking about Manny here. He’s not just a client. He’s my best friend.”

“Look, Hoss. Someone is playing with fire here. Whoever it is wants to frame me for my father’s murder, but I have an ironclad alibi. So they’re going after Lacey.”

“And does she have an ironclad alibi?”

“She has an alibi, but it’s hardly ironclad. She was alone in her apartment at the time.”

Hoss opened his mouth to reply, but the bartender finally got to us.

“House bourbon on the rocks,” I said, “and another for my friend here.”

The barkeep nodded and got to work.

“She seems like a nice girl. I’ve never known you to be so serious about someone.”

“What makes you think I’m serious?”

“You brought her out here, didn’t you?”

“Good point.” I took a drink of the bourbon the bartender had set in front of me.

“So this one means something to you, huh?”

I cleared my throat. “I didn’t come over here to talk to you about my love life.”