Page 38 of Special Agent Joseph

“No doubt. Look, we called in a lot of favors, yet we’ve run into a brick wall too. There’s so little video footage in that area. No sooner is one installed, than some low life smashes it. Surprise! They don’t want eyes on what happens in that place.”

“Understandable, considering they break the law continuously and don’t bother hiding it very often. Did I tell you about my meeting with the religious dude who gave me Bear?” When Kramer shook his head, Joe continued. “A black man in his fifties – maybe forties, who can tell with these street people. He appeared solid, says he lost a teenage daughter to drugs and then found the Lord. Seemed to care about Lucia. I gave him my card and told him to contact me with an address where I could make a donation to his church group. Know anything about that?”

“Not me, but I can ask around.”

Joe moved back to the coffee pot and turned. “You hungry?”

“I can eat.”

The odor of the freshly made coffee filled the room, enough for Joe to pour two mugs. He passed one over to Kramer and took a sip from his own. Since he hadn’t eaten yet himself, he gathered three different boxes of cereal and grabbed a huge jug of milk from the built-in fridge, following it up with a couple of bowls and spoons which he threw on the counter between them.

Then he shoved the toaster and a loaf of Maria’s homemade bread close to Tom, plugged in the machine on the underside of the counter and passed him a plate, the butter dish, and a jar of apple jelly. Suddenly remembering, he reached into the cupboard and brought out the peanut butter. Without needing instructions, Tom put four slices into the machine and pushed the lever.

In minutes, after dumping a bunch of dogfood in Jack’s dish, both men sat hugging bowls of cereal, munching on the crunchie stuff, and wolfing down the toast. Tom murmured between mouthfuls, “Heard any more from Vinnie?”

“No. He’s been quiet, but I figure I’ll go see him later, bring him this information you gave me. Is there any special instructions you want me to pass on?”

“Nope. It’s more the other way around. We need you to keep your promise of giving us his plans. You’re not gonna screw us over this time, are you, buddy?” Tom peered up at Joe.

Munching on the last slice of toast, Joe shook his hand and then enquired, curiosity making him watch Tom for a reaction. “You’re anticipating him showing up himself, aren’t you? Wouldn’t that be insane when he has so many men on his payroll to do his dirty work?”

“It’s not so much that we need to catch Vinnie in the act. If we get his gang, we can tie him to them easy enough.” Tom hesitated and then continued, “Okay. Big reveal. And I’m not sure I should be sharing this with you so keep it to yourself. It’s his contact in China that we’re after… the big cheese, Chen Bao. He’s been on Interpol’s radar as well as the Justice Department’s for quite some time. Knowing we have the chance to reel him in on this job has just sweetened the assignment.”

“How do you know he’ll be in Vegas? And how come it’s the first I’ve heard about this man?”

“Because when we talked before, we didn’t know for sure he’d be making an appearance.”

“Bullshit. You didn’t trust me.”

“Still don’t completely. Look, Joseph…”

“Joe.”

“Fine. Joe. You have to understand. We’ve got you helping Vinnie. Therefore… from the evidence we collected, you’re a dirty cop. So, why should we trust you now?”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“So you say. But it’s only your word against the proof of the past, right? Baby steps, my friend. Listen. This Chinese billionaire has a habit of disappearing like a smoke cloud. But we know one thing about the prick. He’s a gambler and can’t stay away from the tables for long. Guess it’s what’s bringing him to us this time. Well, that… and he uses Vinnie’s operation as a reason to come here.”

Joe settled his ire, knowing that Tom was right. Though everything inside him refused to believe he could turn against his country, he had to accept that he had. And that they were giving him a second chance to be the man he felt he was inside. Pulling his attention back to their conversation, he said, “If he’s been here before, why didn’t you catch him then?”

“You were pivotal last time, helping him escape by warning him we were closing in. Bastard likes to play games with law enforcement. Used look-alikes to conceal his real identity in the past. Probably why he’s still free. But this time, we have you undercover working for us, which gives us an opportunity to make an arrest.”

“I’ll do the best I can.”

“All we can ask. Look, Sheila wants me to take you to the Battlefield range for shooting practice this morning. Knowing you’ll be in deep with these criminals, she’s determined to see if you can handle yourself.”

Dropping his mug with a distinct bang, relieved at the change in the conversation, Joe grinned. “Sounds like fun. Help me learn one more thing about myself. So far, I’m having trouble believing I’m the dislikable shit you all make me out to be. Christ… I can’t explain why, but everything I’ve learned so far about Joseph Marcus just makes me cringe.”

Tom stared at Joe, his scrutiny going deep, leaving Joe feeling uncomfortable but willing to let his new partner investigate him and his sincerity. The probe lasted for long seconds and as much as Joe wanted to, he didn’t look away.

Finally, Tom made a weird face and said, “Your scars are healing.”

“Yeah. The ones on my neck are taking the longest.” Joe’s hand reached up to smooth the skin’s texture.

“And you smile differently.”

“What?” Joe’s mouth scrunched sideways, and his eyebrows rose.

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