Even though I knew Téo was fed up with what he saw as my ongoing bullshit with Bolo and drama with the kids, I had to fill him in on what Mundo and Pierre had been getting up to.
“What? You can’t be serious, Hopeton. Guns?”
“And a truckload of fireworks,” I added. “That’s what got them caught out there. They were too obvious with it.”
“How did they even know how to get guns like that? Are you sure this was Mundo’s idea?”
“I’m sure, Téo,” I said.
“Heroin. Guns. What the fuck else could that kid be selling?” Téo asked, to the air.
I didn’t want to mention the little girlfriend Mundo had passed off to Cabrón. There was no way Téo would have been able to handle that bit of information.
“You did the right thing getting him to Panama,” I said. “But he needs to stay there.”
“Oh, Olmando is staying in Panama,” Téo agreed. “I will have my boot up his ass if he even sets foot in New York.”
I knew my friend was serious.
“I guess that’s it then,” I said. “But we should talk about the garage.”
Téo asked me what I thought he should do.
“I’d sell it if I were you,” I told him honestly. “It’s been compromised. I’d repair whatever got damaged during the break-in, then I’d get rid of it.”
“Do you know someone who wants a half-assed garage all the fuck the way out in Brownsville?” Téo asked, frustrated. “I never knew why Lali made me buy that fucking property. So stupid!”
“I actually do,” I replied. “Off the top of my head, I know a couple of people who would jump at the chance to buy it, especially if it’s a private sale.”
“Okay,” Téo said, quickly. “You line it up for me and you can name your commission.”
“Listen,” I replied. “This whole thing was a stupid move by inexperienced kids. It was very irresponsible of Pierre to let it go that far. But Mundo forced it. And Pierre is Pierre, so he didn’t say no.”
Téo sighed and nodded in agreement.
“But, you know,” I continued, “this is your property. Let's get rid of it. Call it a day. Ring Olmando, give him hell about it and tell him to tell Pierre he’ll give him a twenty-five percent commission if he sells it. I’ll tee up the sale, you make sure he gets paid quickly. Give the kid a break and make him feel like he did something useful and professional.”
Téo agreed.
“I’ll deal with Mundo,” he said. “And I’m going to tell Lali she needs to get used to the fact that Mundo will not be coming back to Brooklyn.”
“It’ll all work itself out,” I told him, and then I turned to head back to Lincoln Road.
