Page 100 of Outcast

Idid the slow loop around the block, searching for anything or anyone who looked out of place. This wasn't the tourist district, so it was missing a lot of the bumbling crowds, but there were a few people walking down the street.

"Park at the end." Esteban jerked his head toward the next block.

"Really?" I asked. I was already heading there.

"What?" he asked as if he didn't have a clue that he was being obtuse.

"Nothing." I flipped the car and parked on the corner behind a banged up white van. The windows were blacked out with scratches like all pedos vehicles were.

"That's a nasty ass looking van," Esteban commented as he climbed out.

"Yep." I walked close and tried to peek in the windows. I couldn't see a damned thing. Even where there were scratches, it was too dark inside.

"Let's go. We have to get back to Rita." He brushed by me.

Not wanting to be here any longer than I had to, I pulled my gun and followed him. Usually, I wouldn't carry on the street, but this area was mainly run by corrupt police looking for a payoff, and I wanted to have access to my weapon if I needed it.

The bell on the door rang and the same hostess came through the back. She slowed her steps when she saw us.

"Matthews is not here." If she were a cat, her hackles would be up.

I motioned her forward with my finger. It was in between lunch and dinner and the dining area was empty. No reason to pretend this was a friendly visit.

She gulped but shuffled forward. When she was a few steps away, I caught her shirt in my fist and pressed my gun to the side of her throat.

"This angle may not kill you. It could. Or it could just take out your voice box. But the close range also plays a part. Now tell me, is Matthews here?"

"Y-yes." Her eyes blinked back tears.

"Yell for him."

Closing her eyes, she screamed, "SeñorMatthews!"

It was only a few tense minutes before the stairs creaked. "Ting, the phone works better than breaking your–" He froze when he was down far enough to see us.

I smiled.

"Let her go."

"Gladly. She served her purpose." I released her, careful not to shove her too hard. But I did not put away my weapon. "I came for a friendly visit."

Matthews' freckles stood out against his pale skin as he glowered at me. "Call me crazy, but this doesn't seem friendly."

"You've never had friends like us before," Esteban said. Iglanced over and his dimples were on full display from his tight lipped smile.

"Apparently," he returned, grim. "Let's take this upstairs."

The hostess was already gone. I took the stairs first and Esteban brought up the rear. At the top, Matthews pounded on the wall. "Dingo! Trace!"

Two men popped out of the room at the end of the hall, both sweaty and in workout clothes.

"Yeah, boss?" one asked.

"I need backup."

Esteban kept grinning, but I'd lost my desire to smile. Now that I had an audience with Matthews, it was time for business.

Both men snapped alert when they saw us and immediately prowled toward us.

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