San Francisco’s streets were starting to buzz with energy, the storefronts lit with flashing lights, people milling about or cruising in cars to loud music. Donley watched a group of Japanese businessmen enter the O’Farrell, then turned his attention to the video store. He could guess its primary customers; it wasn’t competing with the new-releases section at the local Blockbuster.“You’re sure this is the place?” Donley asked.“Let’s go find out,” Ross said.When Donley and Ross walked in the front door, several young men dressed in tight blue jeans and T-shirts, despite the brisk weather, eased their way to the exit, leaving the lingering, sweet smell of marijuana. A quick inventory revealed the merchandise was not limited to videos but included magazines and sex gadgets not for the faint of heart. No soft porn here, Donley thought. Hard core all the way.The man behind the counter was bald and dark-skinned with a silver loop earring and a manicured goatee. Donley guessed him to be of Middle Eastern descent.
