13 Chapter 13

He glanced across the table at his host, really studying him for the first time. The detective was a good-looking man, totally masculine, nice physique without looking like a body builder, rugged features. He did not have a cruel face, Gabriel decided. And the larger man wore his hair buzz-cut short. It looked very black and wiry.

“I’m not even sure I know your name,” he said after a moment. “They called you Officer McDermott or Detective McDermott, but that sounds Irish, and you’re…” He floundered to a stop, fearful of making a major misstep.

“My name’s Jackson, Jackson McDermott, but I go by Jax. My dad was Irish. Mom’s African American and French Creole. Guess I’m just a Heinz fifty-seven American. For here and now, you can call me Jax. Sorry; I should’ve introduced myself. I know you’re Gabriel. Do you use Gabe or something else for everyday?”