Chapter Text
“Oh, hello. I see you are new to Miami. How do you like it so far? Good, good, yes it is a happening town. Not like the old days but still happening and jiving. I could show you a real good time. No? OK, then. What's that? Oh. Yes, I know the players, all the good parties. Pays to know your competition in business, you know what I mean? Oh, I see - you're the new kids, are you? Why sure I'll continue my association with your esteemed employers. Oh yes, I've been around. Who him? Of course I knew him! Helped him and his partner take down two of the most notorious kingpins back in the day. They could not have done it without me and the – what's that? No, I heard he retired, but you should know this. Say are you really – yeah, yeah, you are. Ok. What d’you want to know about him? Yes, he really did live on a boat with an alligator. Yes, that's true too. Well I heard he went to California, or at least that's what some of those small time penny dealers said when they tried to expand across the country. Now me, I'm strictly local and I don't do hard stuff. Plus California has the cartel, or so I've heard. And no one wants to mess with those guys, let me tell you. My favorite? Oh well, I'll tell you this, it's absolutely unbelievable! My favorite is that he moved in with his former boss. Now really, have you seen the guy? No way, straight as an arrow that one. No way that story is true! That's why it's the funniest. Who knows he probably did go to California. Or took the boat and alligator to Mexico. Yeah, Mexico is where you'll find him. If you really need to. Do you need to? I could – oh okay. Hey thanks! Thanks a lot. You know he always forgot to pay me. Oh my name? It's Izzy, Izzy Moreno.”
The tape ended with a click and Castillo glared down at his lover who was currently laying on the floor laughing his ass off.
“It's not that funny.”
“Yes, yes it is!” Crockett gasped out.
“You will be sleeping in here,” Castillo warned.
“That's okay. I'm sure Elvis will share.”
“Elvis isn't allowed on the couch.”
“You keep telling yourself that.” Sonny grinned up unrepentant as the big Broholmer-Black Lab cross rolled over next to him, thumping his tail on the floor.
“Really, Sonny? You named your dog after your crocodile?” Tubbs broke in, taking the tape back from Castillo.
“Alligator. Al-li-gat-or. And why not? Think of it this way, at least Elvis, Junior is more likely to lick you to death than eat you.” Crockett defended his pets, past and present, pulling the dog's huge head onto his chest.
“Why do you need such a big dog anyway?” Tubbs asked.
“Deep pressure therapy. What? I read, you know!” The indignation at Tubbs’ look didn't quite cover the hurt to Castillo's ear.
“Thank you, Detective. I'll take care of our newest members on Monday.”
“Sounds good, Lieutenant. What do you want to do about Izzy?”
“Don't try to dissuade him of the idea that I live here now.” Crockett answered. “The Mexico story sounds plausible. Bahamas or The Keys might make more sense with the boat.” Castillo nodded in agreement.
“OK, I'll do what I can to strengthen that rumor.” Tubbs said standing up.
Castillo walked him to the door. “Thanks again,” he said as Sonny called “Bye, Rico.” Re-entering the living room Castillo squatted by Sonny's head. Carding his fingers through the blonde hair he smiled slightly. Sunny smiled back, pressing into the contact.
“I need to take Elvis for a walk. Do you want to join me?”
“I need to do the dishes.”
“Okay.” Sonny's smile dimmed slightly as he sat up and reached for his shoes. Castillo stood with him, looking towards the kitchen then back at the former detective.
“Dishes can wait for a walk.” Sonny's answering smile was reason enough to make it a long walk.