When I got to Mocha Daze, Steve was behind the counter, drinking a mocha and reading some sort of novel. It took me a second to realize it was Steve. I was so used to seeing Hugo reading, that I almost said hi to the little shit.

I've never liked the twerp. Every since he stole that twenty bucks out of the cash register when I was working at Mocha Daze, making Hugo think it was me, I've wanted to nail him on something. I will. I don't know what it is, but I'll find something on him. And when I do, his ass is mine.

I also know this. If Hugo ever leaves this place, I'll never step foot in here again. It's hard enough as it is, giving money to Hugo, knowing that most of it goes to Steve. I'd never give Steve a dime if he ran it alone. Hell, I wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire.

Anyway, Fran told me that Hugo was being held downtown on $10,000 bail and if I could get my friend in the DA's office to help get Hugo out of the slam.

I told her that I'd see what I could do, but what does she expect from me? It's not like he's my friend or anything-- I'm just testifying for the guy.

*****

Ned and I had lunch at a hot dog stand outside the courthouse. I like this guy, but if there was one thing I could change-- it would be his eating habits. He likes his dogs Chicago style, while I like mine done the right way, New York style.

So, I begin to tell him about Hugo and how I'd sure like to meet the guy who asked for a $10,000 bail on a guy with no priors.

Ned wiped some mustard off his face. "I know the Judge," he said. "Believe it or not, I like him. He's a fair man."

I was stunned.

I knew I should be angry at Ned. I stood there, looking at him with that all-knowing smile of his.

I knew I should be angry.

Instead, I found myself wanting to kiss him.