Now most of its customers were young couples and small families. Papa Gino, as everyone called him, made the sauce and crust himself and this place was practically an institution in town. You couldn’t pay me to give up Gino’s for any of the large pizza chains. I ate my slice of pepperoni pizza and watched the door from my booth. After five more minutes, I glanced at my watch. Is that man ever on time? A minute later, the door opened and Malloy slunk in. He went to the counter and bought a slice of pizza and a beer before dropping into the seat across from me. “Hello, kid.” “Malloy.” He took a swig of beer. “Ah, that’s good after a busy day.” Then he picked up his slice of pizza and bit into it. I tapped a finger on the table. “Busy getting to bottom of certain things I hope.” He sighed and laid down his pizza.
