In order to watch each
other’s backs, Locos and Machine sat on opposite sides of the small aluminum
table in the middle of the main room of the bunker. No familial decorations
adorned the gun metal grey walls. Behind Machine was a double bunk bed with
each bunk attached by thick hinges riveted into the wall; the opposite ends
were secured in place by two steel chains looped onto giant welded hooks that
jutted out of the ceiling. The bunks were apparently made to rest flush against
the wall when not in use. If the top bunk was put up, the bottom could be used
as a couch or daybed.
Every time Carmel reached across the
table, Machine caught delicious whiffs of her light vanilla perfume as it mingled
with the buttered honey nut bread. He watched Praline sashay around the
kitchenette behind Locos. Out of one of the cabinets, she took mugs into which
she poured shots of spiced rum while waiting for the coffee to percolate.
