Chapter 55

The guy tilted his head, his black eyes reminding Billy of Xavier. That was it—this man had the same kind of sex-appeal. “So Billy, are you gonna say something?”

“How—how do you know my name?”

“I asked my cousin about you.”

Confused, Billy still didn’t understand.

“Byron. Downstairs. Byron is my cousin.” The guy laughed, revealing a row of perfect white teeth. “He lets me stay here when I’m blowing through town. I’m from New York. But I prefer New Orleans in the summer.” He leaned in a little. “There’s something about the old girl I can’t resist.”

“Yeah,” Billy whispered, not knowing what else to say. What was happening? He felt like he was in a trance.

“That tall Indian is your man, right? He’s all kinds of dangerous looking.”

Breaking the spell, Billy stepped back. “Xavier. His name is Xavier.”

“And my name is Augusto, but everybody calls me August.” The guy, August, grabbed the phone and looked back at Billy. “I’ll see you around, Billy.”