Part 29 (1/2)
Jack nodded.
Paolo did, too, as he folded his hands in front of him.
Jack waited.
Shut up and wait for him to talk.
Paolo tilted his head. His weathered face looked even older than it had only a few days ago. ”Have you found out anything?”
Jack nodded. ”She hasn't used her credit cards or phone.”
”Is that all you got?”
”Has anyone contacted you?”
Paolo just stared back at him.
”I'm looking for her, too, Paolo. It's not about Omerta.”
Paolo laughed. ”I can't stand those movies. I'll give you some free advice. If you don't know about something, you shouldn't talk about it. It makes you look stupid.”
”I know you don't talk to cops, but-”
”That's what it means. Omerta. We're men. We handle it ourselves. You're a cop, so I'm not going to you or anyone else.”
”I'm not a cop. Not anymore. I'm suspended.”
Paolo's bushy eyebrows knit together; he clenched his jaw and appeared bear-like.
I see why Marisa called him Orsacchiotto, but he looks like the kind of bear that rips your head off.
”We got a call. One word. Darrington,” Paolo admitted.
Why would...don't think about it now. Get Kiku.
”I need a favor, Paolo.”
Paolo raised an eyebrow.
”You have a woman with you, and I need her.”
As Paolo took one step forward, Jack was surprised the ground didn't shake when he stomped down.
”Why would you ask for her?” The low challenge echoed in the darkness.
Fat Man and Big Nose got out of the car and repositioned themselves in front of the hood.
”I don't think she-”
”You don't think?” Paolo held up a trembling finger.
”I need her to find Angelica.”
”So do I.” Paolo looked him up and down. ”She's with them. She's Yakuza.”
”I know. But she doesn't have anything to do with it.”
Paolo walked right up to him. Jack may have been a lot taller, but he felt smaller before the barrel-chested man.
”You don't know jack. Do you know why she's here? Her name is Kiku Inuzuka. She's Takeo's pit-bull.” He stuck his finger in Jack's face. ”You went to see Takeo. We know.”
d.a.m.n.
”You must have alarmed him because he sent his personal pit-bull. When you went to Takeo, you put him on notice. If anything happens to Angelica, he expects you're going to come after him for revenge.”
The realization of what he had done hit Jack like diving into ice water. His chest tightened, he tilted his head back, and his eyes narrowed.
Paolo tapped his temple as he leaned forward. ”Think. Do you believe Takeo's just going to sit there, waiting to see if you kill him? That's not the kind of man Takeo is. He doesn't wait to see how someone will act; he acts first.” Paolo thrust his hand back at the car. ”I'm saving your life. She's an a.s.sa.s.sin. She's your killer. She was sent for your head.”
Jack could see Kiku's outline in the back of the car. She was slumped forward, sitting in the middle of the seat. He could also make out the shadow of another person next to her.
Paolo turned back to glare at him. ”Now get the h.e.l.l out of the way.”
Jack cleared his throat. ”I need her, Paolo.”
The old man froze. Jack knew there would be no more words. No screaming, and no ”did you not understand me” speech. What he didn't know was how Paolo would react.
”She can help me find Angelica. But, if you take her now, the war begins.”
”It already has. We can bargain with her.”
”What would Takeo give for her? If Takeo had Angelica, which I don't think he does, would he really trade her for Kiku?”
Jack looked back toward the entrance of the cemetery. The cruiser rushed toward them with lights flas.h.i.+ng. Paolo turned to stare coldly at Jack.
”I'm on Angelica's side. Paolo...”
The cruiser skidded to a stop behind the sedan. Kendra and Donald opened their doors, weapons drawn, and aimed at Paolo's back. Kendra's shotgun was a welcome sight.
Jack held up a hand.
Donald called out, ”You good, Jack?”
Thanks for telling them my name, Donald.
”We're good. We're all good,” Jack called out.
He looked at Paolo, and he could almost see the debate rage in the old man's eyes.
”Paolo. I vouch for her.”