Page 45 of A Touch of Frost
“You want us to believe that this man who’s been working with you for so many years don’t trust you with what he’s up to?” Jesse asked.
“Striker has always had his secrets.” Rico explained.
“I hate to admit it,” I cut in. “When I was working with them, he told me nothing. Each mission, I went in pretty much blind.”
“All we know,” Rico told us. “Is that Striker was going into Konik a lot.”
Both Jesse and I exchanged looks but neither of us spoke. I contemplated what was being said around me, plus what we already knew. Though very little, most of that information kind of fit in place. Unsure what else to do, I grabbed my phone.
“Talk to me.” Mozart answered.
“I need a clean up at the hotel.” I spoke. The fact he answered rather than Tex, was a little surprising. “Where’s—”
“He’s working on finding Hono.” Mozart replied. “She’s proving to be a second you. But Widow is in bound and Kandi is gathering presents. So is Lizard is on standby. What’s going on?”
“Dawg is dead.” I told him. “Rico and Loco are here. I need them taken back. Loco should be sent back to his girl and their kid. Hold Rico. Have Tex call me when he gets a second. Once everything is cleaned up, have Tex check me out. I’m on the move.”
“Roger.” Mozart said and was gone.
“What’s the plan?” Jesse asked.
“Get dressed.” I told him. “And gather your things. Leave nothing behind—we have to move.”
I kept Jesse to a strict timeframe, ensured our hostages were secured and made sure Dawg had nothing on him that could lead anyone back to us. Rico and Loco weren’t going to talk because they knew all the mess would come right back to them and Striker otherwise.
“Jesse!” I yelled. “Let’s go!”
Jesse tumbled out of the bedroom with his bag tossed over a shoulder. It angered me he was wearing clothes, but there wasn’t anything else we could do.
I stopped at the door to place thedo not disturb”sign on the outer handle and locked the door behind us..
The morning had barely started when Jesse and I exited the hotel and headed for my car. I checked it for tracking devices since anyone could get into the underground. As I slid my body from beneath the vehicle and stood to get into the car, the engine of a motorcycle roared around us. I immediately reached behind me to feel for my weapon.
Jesse must have sensed something was wrong for he reached into my bag and pulled out the other gun that was sitting there and set it on the seat between his legs.
The motorcycle drew to a stop across from my car and the rider removed the helmet.
I frowned. “Damn it, Widow!”
“Heard you could use a hand.” Priscilla “Black Widow” Merriman smirked.
“We can talk later.” I told her opening the driver’s door. “Follow me.”
She winked at me, slipped her helmet on and revved the engine. I tossed my body behind the wheel while my phone rang. I didn’t answer it until I had began leading Black Widow away from the center of the city.
“Yeah?” I answered.
“It’s Lizard.” The gruff voice told me. “I hear you’re on the move.”
“Yeah. Do me a favour.”
“Sure.”
“Go to the house.” I told him. “Secure the vehicles.”
“On it.” Lizard agreed.
“Call me when you’re finished, and I’ll let you know where we’ll be.” I told him. “Right now, I don’t know where that is. And Lizard, I’m gonna send Kandi to you but watch your back. Striker sent his team after Jesse and I earlier.”
