Page 137 of Two Kinds of Stranger

‘I do.’

‘Mr. Cross made that second payment, the day after he was allegedly assaulted by the defendants, even though he was unable to give an accurate description of his attackers that day?’

‘Yes, that timeline appears to be correct.’

‘So right after he had his arm broken, Mr. Cross pays Mr. Mont another fifteen thousand dollars, agreed?’

‘Yes.’

‘Your Honor, I would now like to play a recording which came into our possession yesterday. The first voice you will hear is Mr. Bruno Mont.’

‘Who is this?’

‘Best if we don’t use names. I got a referral, couple of years ago, from an old friend of yours, Arthur Cross. I was sorry to hear he passed.’

‘Arthur was murdered.’

‘Shit, sorry. I didn’t know.’

‘I guess you could say Arthur had it coming.’

‘Are you still working?’

‘I’m working. What do you need?’

‘Two targets. Both are ex-law enforcement. I don’t need them to disappear. I just want them dead.’

‘That’ll cost you.’

‘What’s the damage?’

‘Depends. Somewhere between fifteen and twenty is the normal price, but for ex-cops I gotta charge more. You’re looking at twenty-five apiece.’

‘I can do that. Two things you need to know. One of them is a woman. You got a problem with that?’

‘Not in the slightest.’

‘You sure? ’Cause I had this problem before with contractors. They’re all gung-ho when they get their deposit, but they pussy out when it comes time to pull the trigger on a bitch. You’re not going to pussy out on me, are you?’

‘This wouldn’t be the first time I done a woman.’

‘I don’t know. I need to be sure you’re going to go through with this. This is a time-sensitive thing.’

‘I took out a little old lady in her own house. Broke her neck then dumped her over her balcony. Then I drove to an all-night diner and ate steak and eggs and then some pie. That make you feel better?’

‘I’ll take your word for it.’

‘What’s the second thing I need to know?’

‘I need them taken out tonight.’

‘Tonight? It’s like seven already? That’s not possible.’

‘I know exactly where they will be. And they damn sure won’t be expecting you. I can add another ten to the deal. That’s sixty grand for a night’s work. Half now, half on fulfilment.’

‘Why tonight?’

‘I don’t think you need to worry about that. It’s got to be now or never. That’s all you need to know.’