Page 50 of No Mistake

“I take it you’ve spoken to my son.”

“I have. You agreed to have Perez at the meet.”

“For now. My son has some ridiculous sense of loyalty to the man. I do not. When they are back here, I will teach my son how we take care of men who become a liability personally.”

Tracer understood what that meant. Perez’s fate had already been decided. The boss just wanted to do it himself.

“You’re the boss. But if his actions risk the deal?”

“Then take care of him. But there’s a bonus in it for you if you get him back to me alive. I’m putting a lot of trust in you.”

Tracer wasn't sure the bonus was worth it. But he’d see what he could do.

“I’ll do my best.”

The call ended. Then his personal cell phone rang. Unknown number. Only one person had this number, and he wasn’t expecting a call from them. This phone was completely untraceable, beyond encrypted, so he answered, not speaking.

“Tracer, long time no speak.”

Holy fucking shit. He recognized Dawson’s voice.

“Well, well, Navy boy. How the fuck did you get this number.” Dawson was definitely not the person that had it.

“Your mom is still in the nursing facility. If anyone had a contact number for you, they would. I can be very charming.”

“Jesus Christ. I’d like to say this is a pleasant surprise, but I’d be lying.” He would have to speak to the nursing facility and remind them not to give out his number. Although it was more likely Mackie had hacked in and got it. The man was a genius.

“Ah, come on. I know you’ve missed me. What you up to these days?”

Tracer smiled into the phone. He knew Dawson hadn’t seen his face at the house, but he would have recognized his team to be a professional outfit. Dawson was no idiot. He either didn’t know it was him and was hoping to get some information, or he did, and he was going to try and draw him out.

“Same old private security stuff. You know how it is. How about you?” He could play the game, see where it took them.

“I’m working something I think you could help me with. Can we meet?”

Tracer hid his surprise. He had not been expecting that.

“Who says I’m in the US?”

“I have my sources, same as you. Let’s grab a beer. You can even choose the place.”

Now, he was intrigued.

“Alright Dawson. Sharkey’s at seven.” He ended the call not waiting for a response, just as Chloe came out of the room.

“All good?” he asked.

“Yes. The infection is improving. The stitches look good. You might want to think about getting him some crutches or a cane if he needs to walk. A wheelchair would be better. He shouldn't put weight on it.”

“I’ll take care of it, thank you. Does the name Dexter Dawson mean anything to you?” She shook her head. “No.”

“What about Ryan Baxter?” As soon as he said the name, he saw her expression change.

“No. I don’t think so.”

“Don’t lie. How do you know him. Boyfriend?” Why did the thought of that make him angry?

“I don’t know him. I’ve never met him.”

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