Page 387 of Sticks and Stones
“Javier Hughes is likely getting out tomorrow,” Gabe said. “Are you prepared for that?”
Gene wasn’t happy.
“Can’t we keep him there?”
Gabe wished.
“I just got off the phone with the Justice Department earlier this morning. That’s not happening. He’s likely getting sprung. They want a monitor on his ankle, so there’s that. He won’t be able to leave his home.”
Yeah, well, he wanted him shanked in jail. When did he get what he wanted?
“Except he hires people to do his dirty work. Diesel took the shot at me. Not Javier. We all know he was hired by him.”
Gabe was aware.
“Yeah, but we can’t fight all of the battles, Cantrell. Keep your ass in a vest, and don’t do anything crazy. Be careful, and letme know if he crosses any lines. I can try to do what I can to get you some breathing room. My hands are tied by my boss.”
Ethan was to the point.
“He’s going to go for Gene again. His obsession with me is problematic.”
Oh, he was aware.
“Greyson already put in a request for floating vacation time for the two of you—in case you need to bug out fast. So, my suggestion is take a trip if it gets hairy.”
Gene covered them.
There was no way he was letting the man know where they were going.
No.
Freaking.
Way.
“We are. I’m going back home to see my parents, and Ethan is heading home too. Do you think we’ll be okay apart?” he asked, lying his ass off.
Gabe considered it.
“Yeah, if you don’t tell anyone you should be fine. This conversation is on a protected phone, and I’m at home in my kitchen. The director can’t get anything back to JavierIFhe’s helping him.”
Yeah, he definitely was.
They all knew that.
It was the proving it that was difficult.
“How’s that coming?” Gene asked. “Do you have anything on him?”
Oh, Gabe was amused.
“You know I can’t tell you that, Agent. It’s above your pay grade. Just make it difficult to be his target, and know that I’m actively building a case.”
That was the plan.
“So, since shit rolls down hill, and I have to deal with annoying rich people, so do you. Avoid Javier, visit the commissioner, and keep me updated.”
Gene went there.
