“You three have to be the dumbest motherfuckers on earth,” I say as I look between these assholes.
Detectives Vargus, Baker, and Strong have become a thorn in my side. They’ve been warned, but they don’t listen. Because of the Alliance, they are all on the verge of losing their badges.
Fucking with me, it’s about to be their lives. I’m losing my patience. Standing here in front of DJ’s pub is a different kind of dumb.
“Don’t worry, we’re not here for your corrupt ass. We have some questions for the owner of this bar,” Detective Baker says.
I snort and rock my jaw. “You have the audacity to call me corrupt?” I pause to reel my temper in. “Nah, fuck what you’re talking about. You have a warrant?”
“We only have questions for now. Are you the owner?” Detective Strong says, cutting Baker off before he can speak again.
“The only owner you’ll be talking to. What the fuck do you want?”
“We have a body and a book of matches from this place was in the vic’s pocket.”
I shrug. “What does that have to do with me?”
“The name Deja was written on the inside flap. Word is that’s your lady and she’s the owner of this place.”
I keep my calm and remain expressionless. Inside, I’m ready to burn down everything moving. Someone is playing a game offuck around,and I know they don’t want tofind out.
I take off my shades to look them in the eyes. “You boys have seen firsthand what playing with me and mine gets you. You come to me when you find the problem, not with the problem.
“And now, if this becomes my problem, it’s going to be yours. You feel me? You boys have a good day and stay the fuck out of this establishment.
“Go near my woman and all the grace that has been given goes up in smoke. I hate repeating myself and you three have brought me to my quota of words for you this century. Have I made myself clear?”
“Whatever, fuck this asshole and his bitch. Let them Russians put a bullet in her head,” Detective Baker grumbles and turns to head for their car.
I pull my gun and cock it. “You want to repeat that?”
Vargus jumps in front of me and holds his hands up. Strong restrains Baker as I glare him down.
“This is the shit we have to deal with now? He can pull a fucking gun on me in broad daylight and we’re not going to cuff him?”
“Not if we want to keep our badges. We shouldn’t even be within a hundred feet of him in the first place,” Strong barks.
“Fuck this shit, they can have my badge.”
“Listen, we didn’t come here to start any shit. We got a lead and came to talk to Deja. If you won’t allow us to speak with her, keep an eye on her at least.”
“My baby is always good, but thanks,” I say as I pat his cheek. I think I’m going to like this alliance. The NYPD has needed some checks and balances for a while.
I hop in my car and call Logan and LaSalle. They should know about the mention of the Russians. I’m not sleeping on that.
CHAPTER 45
Italian Weddings
Boyle
Seven months later …
“You aresure you want to do this?” I say as we sit in the car watching LaSalle Locatelli’s wedding from down the hill.
The place is buzzing with activity. Some powerful people are in attendance. Once this move is made, we’re not going to be able to back down. I don’t know if she’s thinking clearly anymore.
So much has changed now that the Alliance has gone into effect. They may not be at full capacity, but they are still strong and growing stronger. I think this is a mistake.
