At six fifteen Calvin walked out the front door wearing a clean button down shirt and dark slacks.
Ava did not come with him. He climbed into his pickup truck and drove away. I waited several seconds before starting my own car and following at a distance.
Calvin drove across town and eventually turned into the parking lot of The Lantern Club, a place I recognized immediately. The Lantern Club was a dim bar that also hosted late night card games. I had known about it for years because a few of my customers had lost entire paychecks inside those walls.
I parked farther down the street and watched through the windshield.
Calvin stepped inside the building without hesitation. For the next three hours I remained in the car while people drifted in and out of the entrance beneath the flickering red sign.
At nine thirty Calvin finally emerged. His posture looked unsteady as he walked toward the truck. When he opened the door the interior light briefly revealed his face, and even from across the street I could see frustration tightening his jaw.