Page 84 of Next Level
“Can I still call you Ray?” she asks .
I nod in approval.
“So, I’m sure Officer Wilkerson didn’t mention this to you, but I was listening in on that call too.” She moves around, closing the door. “I actually got to speak to Jared before you were called and brought in to the visit.”
Well, isn’t that convenient? I stay silent. She obviously has something to say or wants. I walk over to her car and lean against it, crossing my arms over my chest, not saying anything.
She moves to stand in front of me, placing her back to the gate with my men facing me. “I’ve been looking into George Casso since your daughter mentioned him, and I’ve been following him.”
Now this has my attention.
“I thought that would get your attention. Look, I believe the kid. I think he was manipulated into drawing your girl out so they could take her. I also believe George is using Garrett.”
Feeling the same way, I ask, “Why?” and wonder what her thoughts are.
“Just like Jared said. Revenge against your dad.” She pauses, moving next to me to lean against the car, mimicking me by folding her arms across her chest. “I also know about Garrett being your half-brother. I was also listening in on the Jones’ visit as well. I’ve been involved with all contact with these boys.”
I don’t say anything.
She glances over and asks, “Was that news to you as it was for the Joneses?”
“You could say that.”
She shakes her head. “I’m sorry.”
I scoff. “Don’t be. He’s deranged.”
Tellez looks over, lifting her glasses to make eye contact with me. “Look, Ray. I’m here to help. I believe George has it out for you. I think he’s going to go after Sam again, or even Jane Jones, Garrett’s adopted sister. I heard you are dating now. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’d like us to work together and catch George before something bad happens. We can control Garrett, but George is the one on the outside.”
“What do you propose?” I ask genuinely, interested.
“Well, he said George is going to hit you at the ports? What does that mean? I know you help Joe Gianno with transportation. How would that hurt you?”
I reply honestly, “That’s one of the Bastards’ main income sources besides the jobs we all have individually. We take turns helping Joe out with long hauls that his guys don’t want to do. If he hits the port, we lose money.”
She pushes off the car. “Okay, well, how can I help?”
I shake my head. “I don’t need help. I need you to watch my girls. Follow George. A man is still missing from this equation.”
Tellez tilts her head. “What do you mean?”
I decide to trust her and give her some information I’m sure no police or government official knows. “The port was hit a few weeks before Sam was taken. Three guys. Jared, Garrett, and another man, whose identity we can’t figure out.”
“So that’s what you were talking about today on the phone.”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you ask who he was when you talked to Jared?”
I raise a brow. “Because you all were listening. I want to find him first so I can ask him questions.”
She laughs. A genuine laugh that looks good on the agent. She’s cute in her own way.
“Okay. I see how this works. You want me to figure it out and watch George.”
