Page 34 of Tango

“Hey, it’s Eric.” There was a pause. I figured he was making sure he distanced himself from anyone around.

“It’s time to call in. Castillo’s startin’ to get squirrelly.”

“Any indication he knows about a flip? Or that I ran with her?”

“No, and Alejandro and Filippo are still claiming you said you’d call in once it’s safe.”

“Good.” I looked around at my team. I never once thought I’d be making a call to Chili or Castillo like this.

“Hey, ah, there’s something else.”

“What?” I tensed.

“Talya was looking for you.” It was as if a brick hit my stomach. “Something about her and Grim. I don’t know much, just that Grim is keeping his distance—”

“Just—” I didn’t need this now. “Look, it’s fine. Just keep the same story in play with her.”

“Understood.”

“Wait,” something bothered me about what he’d said, “what’s up with Grim?”

“No clue, but he’s been quiet lately.”

“Has Castillo noticed?”

“Not yet.” It bothered me that I still didn’t know why Grim had helped me.

“Don’t give Castillo a reason to look at Grim.” It was the least I could do.

“Got it.”

“I’ll be in touch.” I hung up and caught Mike’s expression. “What?”

“Nothing. We’ll talk later.”

Something loud pulled our focus to the cameras on the screen.

“It’s him.” Keith moved closer and tapped the button to enlarge the entryway. Castillo had barged inside and was yelling for Alejandro.

“I’ve heard nothing!” Alejandro held up his hands. “I’ve called everyone he worked with, spoke to the locals. Fuck, even the priest hasn’t heard shit from him.” I glanced at Frank, who nodded he’d check on him. “We found nothing either,” Alejandro whined. “We’re going through his office seeing if there’s any idea where he’d go.” I flexed my neck, happy I’d been careful with my files. I’d left nothing for them to find.

“If he’s there,” I pointed to the screen, “I’m calling. I want to watch his face when he hears it’s me.”

“I, for one, would love to see the show.” Mark shrugged.

“Keith, you should go,” Frank suddenly blurted. “If anything screws up this call to Castillo—”

“No.” Keith shook his head. “I’m stayin’.” He glared at Frank.

“Sorry, Keith, I have to agree.” Cole put a hand on Keith’s shoulder. “This is way too close to home, buddy.” He tapped Keith’s chest when he turned to face him. “That in there is way too raw to be here for this.” In one motion, Keith spun and left.

“I’ll go with him.” John ran out.

Frank nodded at Cole. “Thanks.”

“I didn’t do it for you.” Cole turned back to the screen.

Mark cleared his throat as the tension in the room rose a little higher and cracked a joke I didn’t hear. No one laughed, but he scored a snicker from Moore. I was impressed with Frank; he didn’t pull rank on any of them. Maybe because he knew it would only make things worse.

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