Page 48 of Mine

“Maybe,” Vale said.

“Have you tried looking in Brazil?”

“Ha. Real funny, Rien.”

“I haven’t seen her. Can I go now?”

“Sure, sure. You have their teeth for me?”

Shit. There it was.

“No.”

“No?”

“I was out on a grocery run, for Chrissake.”

“I need proof, Rien. I need to find out who that girl is and do cleanup.”

“Yeah.”I need to find out who she is, too.

“And I need proof that it was Steadhill who came in alongside the girl. They might have both hired body doubles for all I know.”

“Okay.”

I took the glass of whiskey and shot the remainder. I didn’t know how to deal with Vale. He rarely asked for proof, but when he did, he meant it.

“So?”

“So what?”

“So give me the teeth. Let’s go back right now.”

“I don’t have them out yet.”

“Why not?”

“I’m having some fun with their bodies.” That at least was true. “I haven’t incinerated them.”

Vale’s eyes narrowed.

“You’re a sick fuck, Rien.”

“Yeah, well, good luck getting someone who’s not a sick fuck to do your dirty work for you.” I stood up from the table.

“I want their teeth. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

“No can do. I’m busy all day.”

“Tomorrow night.”

I pretended to consider.

“I’m not asking, Rien. I’m in a mess of confusion and I need to know who’s dead and who’s not.”

“Fine. Tomorrow night. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to buy a cupcake.”

Sara

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