Page 50 of Pitbull
“Unfortunately, that’s the best way to make sure you hurt.” Tex folded his arms across his chest. “As for why he targeted you—well, who knows? You can’t explain crazy and this man seems to be two grapes short of a fruitcake.”
Pitbull chuckled, despite his anger and confusion.
“Now you know Penrod has something to do with this.” Texas continued. “All y’all have to do is find him and squeeze him until either he talks or gets squished like the insect he is.”
“Yeah…” Pitbull couldn’t keep anything straight in his head. “I need you to keep digging, Tex. Find out everything you can about Penrod.”
“I thought you’d ask that. Here’s what I know.” Tex retrieved his computer. “He’s married—doesn’t seem to be a happy one. The wife tried divorcin’ him four years ago, wound up in the hospital. After she was released, the divorce was off.”
“Sketchy…”
Tex nodded. “Especially when you see she was in the hospital because of what the doctors were calling blunt force trauma to the back of the head.”
“Damn.”
“He seems to have a butt-load of money comin’ to him from some offshore oil company.” Tex continued. “He doesn’t seem to work. Has three credit cards that shows no activity for the past four months. The wife on the other hand is spendin’ more money than she has. I haven’t found a link between Penrod and Abigail aside from the money. Whatever he did, he did it off the grid.”
“Thanks.” Pitbull left the room to where he’d spent the night on the sofa. He’d given Anke the bed. Though she wanted him to stay with her, he refused. There was too much happening inside him. He picked up the small black bag and brought it back to Tex. “Remember I said I had something for you.”
“Yeah. Aww, Pitbull, for me?” Tex teased. “You shouldna done it.”
“Open it already.”
Pitbull pulled the tissue paper out and then picked up the bottle of whiskey Pitbull had a friend send from London. “It’s not much but…”
Tex nodded. “Thanks man.” His voice cracked. “This means a lot.”
“You do so much for us, Tex. I never want you to feel like we’re taking you for granted. Just know if you ever need us…if you ever need me…”
Tex hugged him. “I know, brother. I know.”
Anke finished makingsome lunch of Kaesespaetzle with Mouth’s help and put it all in the oven. After finding out Claudia had been set up the night before, she was still a little shell shocked. Because of the whole situation with the explosive device, CIRO rallied around her and Pitbull and took them to Mouth’s place.
It hadn’t felt right being completely intimate in someone else’s home. But when Pitbfull offered to shower with her, Anke wasn’t going to turn it down. In the tub, his large body stole most of the water but she didn’t care. He’d taken the time, to touch her, stroke her to life then allow her to break apart in the strong safety of his arms. She’d snuggled into his chest, accepting his soothing until the ran cold. When he took her to his bed, Pitbull had only drawn her into his arms, and held her until his phone rang the next morning.
Though she said nothing to Mouth, the two chatted about life, how things were and how Mouth became a member of CIRO. It seemed, Beast had a hand in his joining.
By the time Pitbull returned, Anke could tell he was tired. But, she kissed him softly and they sat around to eat. Less than forty five minutes later, the rest of the team descended on the house, including Tex and Mozart.
“Who is watching over Ruby now?” Anke asked.
“We have another GSG 9 officer taking shift,” Mozart said. “It seems I’ve been missing out on all the going-ons around here.”
She managed a smile at him.
Tex went through all the information he had. Pitbull was eerily silent and Anke kept her eyes on him. Once all the information was out in the universe, Pitbull leaned forward and rolled a large map out on the table.
“This is his house,” Pitbull said. “There are entrances here, here and here. I was thinking we could get a couple of eyes in there, have a look around. I don’t want to do a hard hit unless I’m sure.”
“I agree.” Beast said. “Crash, with your skillset, you’re going in with Pitbull—consider this on the job training. Barbie, you and I will take position here, in case they need cover for extraction. I figured this rooftop will give Barbie a clear view of everything. Mouth, I need you at this position. Zero, you and Mozart will run point here—that way you will cover the extraction and back-if needed. Your position is the only way in or out of the street. Anke, you will stay at home base with Tex.”
“What about Tex? What will he do?” Anke asked.
Tex smirked.
“Oh boy.” Anke laughed softly. “I suddenly get the feeling I don’t wanna know.”
“Before we get down to business, Mozart, you and Zero will check out the place for last minute surprises,” Beast said. “Tonight.”
