“Some things happened to me growing up, and I ended up with some scars.During my rookie year at Miami/Dade I was getting a tattoo and I observed some unusual activity.After talking it over with my partner, we went to our Captain.They paid for my second tattoo, giving me a reason to be in the shop longer, and I was able to gather information about some drug activity going on in the tattoo parlor.One thing led to another.I got my tattoos, took out some very heavy hitters in the Miami drug scene, and then was recruited by Kessler.After a couple of years with him, he introduced me to the world of 1%ers.”
“How many clubs have you infiltrated over the years?”
“Seven, with the Knights being the last one.”
“How do you know you were compromised?”
“My handler was found in a back alley with a third eye.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah, I was arrested in time, and I was also able to turn over some good evidence against them.”
“Good, have you ever been a member of the 1%ers in Iowa?”
“No.I was always on the east coast.Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia.”
“Okay good.Thank you for reaching out to me.I’ll reach out to Kessler to verify what you said, and I look forward to meeting you.Keep my number, and call me before you head this way.”
“I will.Kessler said there might be some houses available to rent?”
“Yes, you can stay here for a couple of days.I’m not sure if Kessler told you that everything with this mission and club is new, and we’re still working out any bugs.Is there anything you’re going to need or want once you get here?”
“Not for me, I’ll discuss everything with you when I arrive, but is it possible to look into any veterinary clinics in the area that might be hiring.I’m not sure if Laci will want to work right away, but I want to let her know there are options.”
“I’ll have Petra look into it.Petra Thomas, she’s my girlfriend and while I will be in charge of you guys, she’ll be in charge of the women.Well, not in charge, but you know what I mean?”
“Yes, does Petra work outside the home?”
“Yes, she’s a waitress at the local diner.Sally, the owner, knows about us, and is feeding us information if we ask.Her brother is semi-retired from the State Police and owns a bar.He too knows about us, and helps with information.”
“Cool.”Gator didn’t say anything else, so they rang off, and Paul sat there with the notes he’d taken on the napkin.He finished his meal, then went back to the office in the shop.The first thing he did was refill his coffee mug, making a mental note to take the mug in the house later so he could wash it.He also made a mental note to put in a small kitchen so they could do that here.They would probably need something when everyone starts arriving.On a sigh, he settled behind his desk and dialed a familiar number.
“Kessler.”
“Rankin here.”
“Oh, hey, how’s everything going?”
“Good.I need to talk to you about a couple of things.”
“Anything about why you’re in Iowa?”
“Sort of, but I’m not ordering any supplies at this time.”
“Got it, what’s on your mind?”
“First, I just got a call and want to talk to you about it.”
“Okay, what’s up?”
“Victor Thorn.”
“Ah, yes, great guy.”Kessler spent the next ten minutes telling Paul all about the man known as Gator.The more Paul heard, the more he realized Gator would be a good fit for what he wanted to do.
“Good, good, he’ll be here soon.That’s why he contacted me, and I just wanted to verify he was who he said he was.”
“Was that all?”
