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“I’m counting on it.”
“I came out here to ask you something. What can you tell me about the Torrente cartel?”
He steps back, waving his hands in front of his body. “Ah, man, that they’re heartless criminals and dangerous. That’s what I can tell you.”
“You know anyone who can get me in to speak with Torrente?”
“Nah, man. Come on, you know I don’t hang with any of those fools anymore. I got plans.”
“I know you do, and I’m not asking you to contact any of them, but I was hoping you might point me in the right direction. One of their members messed with someone I care about, and I would like to take care of it with Mr. Torrente personally.”
“Shit, man, this is about your lady. Run. Run fast, ’cuz this lady is gonna get you killed.”
“Too late to run, but thanks for the warning. If you think of anything, let me know.” I refuse to feel defeated. I’ll find a way to get to Torrente. As I turn to walk away, I hear Juan.
“Ah, right. Listen, there’s this vato. Works out of the pharmacy. They call him MadDime. Torrente supplies him. Do what you need to, but leave my name out of it.”
“I will. Thanks, Juan.”
“Man, you crazy. I don’t know why you’re thanking me. You’re messing with some crazy mofos.”
I walk away and call Sid to contract some crazy mofos of my own to pay MadDime a visit. As ex special forces, these friends of Sid’s have the necessary skills to get MadDime to talk. Next, I phone an old friend and fellow genius, particularly when it comes to hacking into highly protected computer systems. Reese and I went to college together, and he owes me a favor — plus, he’ll eat up the challenge I’m about to offer him.
Maria frowns when I come into the kitchen. She’s alone, wiping down a few tables.
“What are you up to?”
“Let’s just say that Eduardo’s bank accounts are a bit fatter, and in a day or so, Mr. Torrente will soon be questioning how that came to be.”
“And how exactly is Torrente going to find this out?”
“I’m going to tell him.”
She drops the rag in her hand and walks toward me. “You’re just going to call him on the phone and say, ‘Hey, Eduardo Montez is stealing from you.”
I’m going to be honest with her, and then, I’m going to have to work extra hard to explain why this is a splendid idea. “I’m not calling him. I’m going to go to his house and tell him.”
“Tug, no! You can’t do this.”
“Listen to me—I’ve never made you a promise, because I knew eventually I’d fuck up, and hurt you, but I’m doing it now. I’m promising to protect you. Now trust me to do that.”
“And who is going to protect you? You can’t go to Torrente’s home and throw out accusations.”
“They aren’t accusations. I have dated and irrefutable proof.”
“How?”
“I can’t tell you everything. You just have to trust me.”
“I’m scared.”
“Don’t be. I’m using the one thing Eduardo doesn’t have behind him. Brains.”
“Don’t underestimate him. He may not have a brilliant IQ, but he’s street smart, backed by years of deviant behavior. He won’t be easily tricked.”
“No, but he’ll never see it coming.”
“I don’t like this.”
