Page 103

“Trying to stay busy,” Bosch said. “Did the DEA guys come up with any old drop locations Novak’s guys used?”

“A few. We checked them out and they were dead.”

“What about Marek? Anything?”

“We think they’re probably still together. But nothing on him either.”

“And the van? Did that turn up?”

“Nope.”

Bosch decided to try the direct approach.

“What are you not telling me, Steve?” he asked.

“Come on, Harry,” Shear said. “You know everything’s need-to-know around here.”

“Yeah, and until very recently, I was on the need-to-know list.”

“What can I say?”

There was a silence and Bosch was about to say goodbye when Shear spoke.

“You know what, I’m gonna get out of here and go find a real cup of coffee,” he said. “The stuff they got here rots your guts. So I’ll have to call you back.”

“Okay, Steve, I’ll be here.”

The line went dead. Bosch put the phone back in his pocket.

Hinojos stepped out onto the deck.

“Who was that?” she said.

“A guy from the task force,” Bosch said.

“I thought they weren’t talking to you anymore.”

“This guy might. I’m just trying to see what’s happening.”

“And?”

“I think he wanted to tell me something. He’s going to call me back. Didn’t want to talk in front of anybody.”

“That sounds intriguing.”

“We’ll see.”

“Do you mind me asking you these questions?”

“No, not at all. I just don’t have many answers at the moment.”

“Well, I think I’ll go back to my place. I have some chores I need to take care of today.”

“Sorry, Car, I got preoccupied with this.”

“No, I really need to get back. I have a Zoom appointment in a few hours anyway.”

“All right,” Bosch said. “Talk later?”