CHAPTER 24
Hudson
Research was a powerful tool.
I’d done enough of it in my life to know what to look for in my sessions of discovery.
After my lovely guest had finally managed to close her eyes, I’d sat down, called in a couple of favors, and had spent an exorbitant amount of time on detailing Worthington’s various moves over the course of the last year and a half. Men in power often went to great lengths to hide their alternate lives. However, those who believed they could never be caught often left clues.
The breadcrumbs were there. I simply needed to form them into a loaf of bread.
I’d also spent time going over records on Jacob Jones, including his last known address, frequented locations and certain affinities. People were creatures of habit.
Even the most secretive criminals had vices. There wasn’t a single human alive who didn’t.
One in particular that I’d found interesting was his affinity for a certain coffee shop. It was in a bad part of town owned by the Delgados. They used typical methods of extortion with the various businesses, taking money from them in exchange for fake security. That allowed the poor business owners to remain alive while being forced to endure having their fine establishments used for drug deals.
As I sat at the corner table, I was surprised how normal the atmosphere seemed. There were plenty of customers starting their day off with a good cup of java and a pastry. I had to admit the Colombian coffee was delicious, even if there was irony in the fact the coffee shop served that particular brew.
Given the Colombians had turned against Delgado. Although as I learned more about timing and activity, my instinct was digging at me. Something was off about their estranged relationship. While I believed Chase in that the DEA was all over it, I also knew a different perspective often helped in dealing with scum of the earth.
As I took a sip of coffee, I checked my watch. If Jones was a creature of habit, things would play well today. One phone call I’d made had been to the owner of the coffee shop, who’d told me somewhat under duress that Jones always arrived at seven-thirty to handle early business. Usually, drugs weren’t sold, but he used the time with a couple of thugs to start the day off with planning their next moves.
If what the coffee shop owner said was true, Jones was also starting the rounds of collecting required funds. I would havethought the act beneath him, but what a pleasant surprise it wasn’t.
When the door opened and he walked inside, a sly smile crossed my face. There he was dressed in a slick suit and acting as if he owned the place. A far cry from the orange jumpsuit I’d enjoyed seeing him in.
I waited and watched from the limited shadows as the owner himself brought coffee. The poor guy was shaking. I hoped for the man he’d heeded my words not to warn Jones of my appearance. If not, it wouldn’t go well for him in his next court hearing. Maybe it was just a reckless driving citation, but I’d use the power of my influence.
All was fair in war.
I waited as the men hunkered over the table, completely oblivious that I was seated only a few yards away. They were loud, laughing about something terribly funny to them.
When I was finished with my coffee I stood, tossing the cup then slipping one hand into my trouser pocket. The move revealed the weapon I had in my holster.
I wasn’t in a hurry. Why bother? I simply moved toward their table. One of his guests noticed me first, immediately bristling. There was instant recognition.
When he dared act as if he was going to reach for his weapon while obviously announcing they had a visitor, I shook my head and unsnapped the strap on the holster. Good boy. He moved his hand away. Gunning down a judge wasn’t in their best interest and he knew it.
Jones flicked his eyes in my direction, sitting back in his chair as if completely unbothered by my appearance.
I moved closer, stopping just a few feet away. I took a few seconds, nodding to the other three men before locking eyes with Jones.
And smiling.
The seconds turned into a full minute. That was enough.
As I walked away, I allowed him to hear my laugh.
Then I walked out.
As expected, they didn’t try to follow me, but I was certain they were watching from the window until I walked around the corner and out of sight.
I relaxed in my car, enjoying the quiet time, able to see the entrance to the coffee shop without straining. Everything so far was going according to plan.
Less than fifteen minutes later, they popped out like weasels from a hole in the ground. Jones had upgraded his Charger to a flashy Mercedes. Drug money paid well.
Before he climbed into his car, he scanned the area not once but twice. I guess I’d unnerved him. Given where I’d parked, there was no possibility he could see my location. After he pulled away from the curb, I started the engine.
