Page 93 of Tango

It was a like punch line for a joke. A biker gang, a Cartel associate, two mafia brothers, and the three SMU operators walk into a bar…

“Logan,” Trigger nodded, “I have some intel.”

“I appreciate you meeting us here.” Cole seemed at ease, and I tried to follow suit.

“No trouble.” Trigger shrugged as we all settled in.

I glanced at Rail. He sucked on a joint, his eyes in slits as the smoke stung his eyes then drifted toward the ceiling. The last time I’d seen him, he’d been drunk with killing. He was more composed this time as he sat next to Trigger.

Mike’s lower whisper pulled my attention to the corner of the room, but I kept my gaze on Rail.

“My lead didn’t go anywhere?” Mike asked Brick.

“Nope.”

“So, what? He’s just vanished?”

“Trail ran cold two years ago, and nothin’ surfaced since.”

“Shit, man, something’s gotta show itself.”

“Or he’s dead.”

“Gentlemen,” Niccola greeted us. Vinni gave a polite nod, and all attention went to them. “We’re all here for the same reason. For intel.” He looked at me. “Elio sends his thanks for the information on Castillo last week. We now have a possible lead on one of the places Tieri has been staying.”

“Happy to help.” I pulled out a piece of paper. “I did some more digging and think you might want to check out a place in Eastern Canada. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Brunswick Street.”

“I know it.” Niccola studied the address. “Been there a few times.”

“So has Tieri,” I added, which made his face jerk up to mine, “three days ago.” I waited a beat. “I have some friends up there, and they just got back to me this morning.”

Niccola stood and Vinni mirrored him. “I need to make some calls.”

“Thank you, Paul.” Vinni reached across the table for a shake. “This won’t be forgotten.”

“You know how to reach me if you need anything else.” I watched as he hurried out to join his brother.

“Seems you’re a good man to know.” Trigger glanced at Grim, who sat relaxed with his leg up, his ankle crossed over his thigh as he studied me. His chin rested on his hand while his pointer finger swiped over his lips. His silver eyes burrowed into my head like a bullet. I knew Grim well enough now to know he was trying to process my being here as someone other than who he’d thought I was. The Gates were incredibly wealthy, and anyone who ever crossed them was probably buried under their family-owned hotels and sidewalks in Vegas. I knew the fact that I’d fooled him all these years was a blow to his ego.

“I spent a lot of time with Castillo,” was all I offered.

“Indeed, you did.” Trigger pushed a lighter through his fingers and flipped it around repeatedly. “Did you know?” Trigger asked Cole and gestured at me.

“No,” Cole answered honestly, “none of us did.”

“Are there any more undercover agents who could potently meddle in my business over there?” Grim asked.

“No.” Cole said in a firm voice. He wasn’t lying. Chili and his operation would be shut down, at least until it was needed again. We had no interest in the drug trade. Our main interest was in people. Humans being trafficked was a no-go.

“Good to know.” He broke eye contact with me, and I was sure he was happy to know Mike hadn’t ever lied to him. “After some confusion over who got to kill Castillo,” Trigger scratched his cheek and glanced at Grim, who still had his stare fixed on me, “the retaliation against your teams seems to be an empty threat.”

“Oh?” Keith spoke up as the three of us leaned forward.

“The Canos were pleased as shit to see Castillo’s Cartel fall and sure as hell aren’t gonna hurt anyone who did their dirty work for ’em.”

“You sure about that?” I directed my question at Grim, not willing to interrupt Trigger.

“Why would I lie?” Grim purred. “I’m not the one with something to hide.” I rolled my eyes at his low blow. I certainly wasn’t going to accept his word for it. “You asked for the truth, and I gave it.” He studied one of his fancy gold rings. It bore so many chips and dents it told the real story of the way he fought. His hands might be scarred, but his rings carried the brunt of the damage.

---