The following morning, Tommy and Frank showed up right on time for their almost daily tattoo sessions. Before Tommy could even get settled in the chair, I approached him. His attention sharpened instantly from the expression and my body language, but I couldn’t hide my anxiety.

“What’s up, Whiskey?”

“I’ve got to take a little trip. Not more than about two days, I hope.”

“Okay…” he responded, knowing there was more to come.

“We don’t have any family here to keep an eye on ...