Page 129 of Bazooka
“No, Levi,” General Zablonsky said after a short pause. “Don’t blame yourself. Tell me how I can help.”
“Get me Vincent’s location.”
“Consider it done.”
To little or no surprise, we found the car abandoned and Vincent shot in the head. I was contemplating my next movewhen I got an idea. It was a gamble, but also my best bet. I barely knew this person, but I knew someone who knew him, and it was enough for me. After I sent him a text that would help me put my plan into action, I received a phone call.
“Marcello,” I answered. “I was about to call you.”
“I know everything. I’m in Smitsville, too.”
What the fuck?
“Where can we meet?” Marcello said, his voice muffled.
“Pete’s, behind the community center?” I suggested. “In an hour?”
Things got much clearer after we met.
“It’s all my fault,” Marcello said with a sigh. “I went undercover. No one expected me to succeed, but I managed to get close to Mendoza. He befriended me. Hell, he even liked me until… well, the fucker figured out who I was.”
“Shit,” I muttered.
“Yeah. And now he’s on a mission to hurt me. He threatened my wife—”
“Aren’t you divorced?” I interrupted him.
“We decided to give it one more chance. Anyway, I refused any contact with Mendoza, hoping we would find him first. Then this thing with your friend happened.”
“How did you find out?”
“Mendoza called my station and left me a message. The fucker threatened to kill your friend if I don’t do what he says. I’m so sorry, Bazooka. Jesus, what a fuckup!”
I buried my face in my hands, trying not to think about Luz being in danger. I could barely stand being parted from him, let alone consider the possibility of him being hurt. Naturally, Marcello picked up on it.
“Wait, there’s more to it, isn’t it?” he said, sounding puzzled. “This thing with your friend. What’s really going on?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea. I just realized I can’t live without him, so…”
“Whoa,” Marcello said, cocking his eyebrows. “Okay. I didn’t… I didn’t even know you were gay, man.”
“Yeah, me neither,” I admitted. “Am I gay? I think it’s just him.”
Then I got a text.
Wagner:St. Aloysius Chapel. Mendoza is there with two of his men.
Me:Jesus. You really are a genius, as Luz has said. Thank you. I owe you big time.
Wagner:That’s why law enforcement can’t afford my services. Save my friend and consider us even.
“Let’s wrap this up,” I said, pulling Marcello after me. “I have Mendoza’s location. It’s time to bring out the big guns.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, sometimes you need someone insane to make things happen.”
Chapter 22
