We do the deal. On the way out I ask, “Any surveillance cameras outside?”
“Naw. PO-lice already asked about that. Man who owns this place is too cheap.”
In the car, Partner and I stare at my cell phone and watch the video, which is nothing more than the fireball he’s already described. At least two fire trucks answered the call and it took a while to douse the flames. The video runs for fourteen minutes and, while entertaining because it is my van, it reveals nothing useful. When the screen goes blank Partner asks, “Okay, who did it?”
I reply, “I’m sure it’s Link. We punched out two of his thugs on Monday. Tit for tat. We’re playing hardball now.”
“You think Link’s in the country?”
“I doubt it. That would be too risky. I’ll bet he’s close by, though, Mexico or the Caribbean, someplace just out of reach but someplace that’s easy to get to and from.”
I start the engine and we drive away. I’m impressed with how much Partner has talked tonight. The excitement of getting blown up has loosened his tongue. I can tell he’s in pain but he would never admit it.
“You got a plan?” he asks.
“Yes. I want you to find Miguel Zapate, Tadeo’s brother. Now that the promising MMA career is over, I’m sure Miguel is devoting all his time to peddling drugs. I want you to explain to Miguel that I need some protection; that I’m representing his little brother on a murder rap for free, completely pro bono because I love the kid and he can’t afford to pay me; and that I’m getting squeezed by some thugs who work for Link Scanlon. Fango is one, though I’ve never known his real name.”
“They call him Tubby. Tubby Fango, but his real name is Danny.”
“Impressive. Who’s the other one, the one you plunked with your little baton?”
“Goes by Razor, Razor Robilio, real name is Arthur.”
“Tubby and Razor,” I say, shaking my head. “When did you take care of this bit of research?”
“After the altercation on Monday, I decided to snoop a little. Wasn’t that hard, really.”
“Nice work. So give the names to Miguel and tell him that he needs to contact these boys and tell them to back off. Miguel and his boys are running coke, something Link had control of thirty years ago. It’s unlikely Tubby and Razor have crossed paths with Miguel, but you never know. There are always strange connections down in the sewers. Please make it clear to Miguel that I don’t want anyone hurt; just some intimidation. Got it?”
“Got it, Boss.”
We’re in the projects. The streets are dark and empty. However, if I stepped out of my car at this moment and showed my white face, I would immediately attract some unpleasant types. I made that mistake once before, but, thankfully, I had Partner with me. I pull to the curb outside his building and say, “I assume Miss Luella is waiting.”
He nods and says, “I called her, told her it was just a scratch. She’ll be all right.”
“You want me to come in?”
“No, Boss. It’s pushing three. Go get some sleep.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
“You got it, Boss. Are we shopping for a new van tomorrow?”
“Not yet. I have to deal with the cops and my insurance company.”
“I need some wheels. Mind if I start looking online?”
“Go right ahead. And take care.”
“You got it, Boss.”
Since I cannot, at this moment, stand the thought of being in her presence, and she certainly prefers to avoid looking at me, Judith and I decide to hash things out over the phone. We begin somewhat pleasantly with the latest update on our son. He’s doing well, no damage, no desire to really talk about last weekend. With that out of the way, we get down to business.
Judith has decided that she does not want to pursue an FBI investigation into Roy Kemp and the kidnapping. She has her reasons and they are solid. Life is good. Starcher is fine. If Kemp and company are desperate enough to snatch a kid in return for information, then who knows what else they might do. Let’s leave them alone. Besides, proving Kemp was involved seems impossible. Can we really trust the FBI to go after a high-ranking law enforcement official? Plus, her trial calendar is packed. She doesn’t want the distraction. Why should we complicate our already stressful lives?
Judith is a fighter, a tough gal who backs down from nothing. She’s also a conniving tactician who avoids the dangers of unintended consequences. If we push an investigation into Kemp, we have no idea what might happen next. And since we’re dealing with a tough guy who’s not thinking clearly, it’s smart to assume retaliation is likely.
To her surprise, I do not argue. We reach an agreement, a rare occurrence in our relationship.
