Page 96 of Love on the Line

The guys muttered something to each other that Wyatt couldn’t make out, then said, “All right, we’ll talk.”

Moe Dog sat beside John, and Charlie next to Wyatt.

John tapped Wyatt’s boot under the table. “These the guys?”

Wyatt glanced at them. Both were large, but not fit, with beer bellies and double chins. Wyatt could easily take either of them in a fight. Several scars disfigured Moe Dog’s face, including a long, jagged one that ran from his ear to his under his jaw. Doubtful Charlie scored many dates with his beady eyes, crooked oversized nose, and acne-pocked skin. Wyatt fisted a hand against his thigh, controlling the strong desire for revenge. “Yup. These are the guys.”

“What’s going on?” asked Moe Dog. “Thought we were gonna talk about a job.”

“Maybe not.” He pointed to Wyatt. “Recognize him?”

Wyatt raised his head so the asshole could see his face.

Moe Dog’s eyes widened. He shot a wild look to his friend, then the door.

“Wouldn’t do it.” John gestured to Wyatt. “With his positive ID, I have enough to arrest and officially question you at the station. We can chat here or you can get locked up there. Your choice.”

Moe Dog sneered, “Or we can tell everyone in this place you’re the heat. You’ll be dead before your body hits the floor.”

Wyatt’s pulse raced, his muscles tense and ready for anything.

John didn’t flinch. He tapped a button on his jacket. “Body cam. Say “hi” to my friends in the van parked on the street.” He leaned on the table. “Play nice, and I’ll forget the threat.”

The two thugs glanced at each other. The stink of body odor came off them, and Wyatt understood why Trish had wrinkled her nose earlier. John had them sweating now.

Finally, Moe Dog cursed and gave a jerky nod.

“Let’s start with your names, and don’t bullshit me because I can find out easy enough,” John said.

He must not have wanted them to know Trish had told him already. Probably best to keep her out of it as much as possible. Wyatt tugged his cap down lower.

“I’m Moe Dog, and he’s Charlie.”

John whipped his phone out and tapped the screen. He held up a picture of Capello. “You know this guy?”

Moe Dog frowned and huffed out a breath. “Yeah. Used to.”

Charlie’s forehead glistened with sweat.

“Who hired you to rough him up?” John gestured to Wyatt.

Wyatt held his breath. John was fishing with the question. This was the risk he’d talked about.

Charlie’s jaw dropped, and he shook his head hard. “No way. We ain’t crossing that crazy ass.”

Moe Dog kicked him. “Shut the fuck up.”

Wyatt dug his nails into his palm, his pulse zipping. So, someone had hired them. John had hit pay dirt. He’d been right all along. But who? And why?

“I don’t rat. I got a reputation.” Moe Dog crossed his arms.

John smirked. “So do I. People who don’t cooperate with me end up in a lot of trouble. I promise you, puppy, if you don’t talk to me, I’ll make you my personal chew toy. I got vacation time and I’ll take it all dancing on your ass. See how much business you can do with a cop as your shadow. Now talk or I’m taking you in.”

Red blotches formed on Moe Dog’s face. “Okay, okay, I got a lead on a job. No strings, good money, just bust up a guy and get out.”

Wyatt’s blood simmered. Someone really had it in for him, but he had no idea why.

John leaned forward. “I’ll ask again. Who hired you?”

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