Page 95 of The Enforcer

“You have to protect yourself these days.”

“I’m curious how you managed to take it on the long flight.”

He didn’t seem to have an answer or ignored me by choice. Another mistake. I casually glanced at Elias.

My soldier not only knew the best pressure points on a man but also what caused the most pain.

I’d allow my lieutenant to make the choice. That helped in keeping Elias happy.

Elias took a practice swing, coming within an inch of Kane’s knee.

The bastard screeched, the sound echoing as he jumped to the right.

“I suggest you stay right where you are, Kane. I’m a very busy man and as such, I don’t need to waste time interrogating little more than a human cockroach. I’m certain you didn’t plan theattack. In truth, I doubt you knew what was coming. Unless you were told to bring a weapon in case your tasks were altered. You were hired to take photographs, provide information, and have certain selected photographs couriered to me. Is that not correct?”

“Yes!” The man was definitely afraid of the hammer. He backed up, slipping on the slick floor. “I have no clue what was going to happen. Yes, I was told to carry a gun. They provided it for me. I’ve never shot one in my goddamn life.”

“I believe you. But you haven’t been up front about supplying a name. I have no doubt you were paid in advance. And more after you had the package delivered. How did you get your money?”

“Wire transfers. I have no clue who the people were. I swear to God.”

While the man was acting nervous, he wasn’t being completely honest. “Sit down, Mr. Jones. If that’s what your name really is.” It was obvious to me his ID was a fake, although the forgery was a decent one.

He didn’t budge.

“I said. Sit. Down. Don’t make me ask you again, Mr. Jones.”

Shaking, he eased onto the wooden platform.

“Who hired you?” I asked again.

“I don’t know. I’m just a photographer. I was earning extra money. Nothing more.” He was moving from phase one of complete disgust and denial to a more pleading tone. However, he was acting and nothing more.

“Where are you from?”

“New York!”

“Where in New York?”

He faltered and I shook my head.

I nodded again to my soldier and Elias yanked the man’s hand onto the desk.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Kane moaned, debating whether he would attempt to try to stop what was happening.

“Spread your fucking fingers,” Elias told him.

Kane looked up at me as if I was going to help him. “I suggest you do what he says.”

He finally spread them, taking gasping breaths all while the pulse in the side of his neck remained calm. Not bad. “Let’s try this again. Where are you from, Kane?”

“Just like my license says. New York. I live in Brooklyn.”

Uh-huh. “You’re far from home for a working gig.”

“I was here on vacation. Same agency in New York.”

“Ri-ight. One last time. Who are you working for?”

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