“How did you know? Beth wasn’t supposed to tell until after I got the file.”
“She didn’t.” He told her about Clarence’s stammering warning. “I was scared I’d be too late.” He pulled her to him, a little clumsily and roughly. They clung fast to each other but only for moments before he set her away and asked about Andrew and Beth.
“They’re at her house. He was a little clingy, wanting you. He’s bound to have sensed tension from all of us. But once he sees you, he’ll be fine.”
From the lobby, they could hear John asking El Paso routine questions that were answered not at all or with an obscenity. After a particularly loud profanity, Mitch glanced back at them, then asked Dylan if she thought there might be something useful in Malone’s file.
“I won’t know until I get into it.”
Mitch said, “Get to it. I’ve gotta deal with this.”
He gave her a quick squeeze, then she headed for her inner office. He rejoined El Paso and John, who said under his breath, “The honor is all yours.”
“Looking forward to it.” Mitch squatted down in front of the hostile young man and flashed a grin. “How you doin’ there, hotshot? Your drawers aired out yet?”
El Paso glared at him with malice. “You Haskell?”
“Good guess.”
“Figured you might be.”
“Who told you about me?”
“I forget.”
Mitch smiled. “Well, I haven’t forgotten you. You cut me the other night in front of Malone’s restaurant.”
For the first time, he displayed some wariness. “That was you?”
Mitch raised his eyebrows.
El Paso looked up at John, who said, “Nasty cut. He’s still pissed about it.”
To Mitch, El Paso mumbled, “You looked like a bum. How was I to know you were a cop?”
“Well, I am. I’m the cop you cut, and the one who is about to cut short your life span.”
He chuffed. “That’s a bluff. You could’ve shot me in there,” he said, chinning toward the other room. “You didn’t. And you won’t, ’cause of your badge.”
“No, I won’t. But I am putting you in jail, where I don’t think you’re gonna live too long.”
Despite his circumstance, the kid could still smirk. “You think I’m scared of this shit-bird town’s jail?”
“Oh, I don’t think you’re scared of that at all. No.” Mitch scooted a few inches closer. “But, see, that’s not where you’re going. You killed Malone in Orleans Parish. So you’ll be incarcerated there… along with your Caballero amigos who you turned your back on today.”
El Paso’s smirk collapsed. Mitch’s grin got wider. “You’re gettin’ my drift, aren’t you? Since you abandoned your cartel cronies and went over to Oz’s side, I don’t think it’s going to be a very warm reunion when y’all get together in the jail yard.
“And don’t delude yourself into thinking that anyone over there in the Big Easy’s jail is going to protect your skinny ass, because half the police force, sheriff’s office, and higher-ups in the justice system were getting generous monthly graft from Malone to turn a blind eye to his lucrative drug dealing. You gutted their candy man. They’re not gonna take kindly to you, son.”
The young man’s foxy eyes had begun to dart about asthough looking for a means of escape. But he still put up an arrogant front. “I know how to take care of myself.”
“Well, that’ll be an interesting matchup to watch. I want a front row seat. What do I think? I think one of the Caballeros is gonna get creative on how to end you.”
He squirmed. He wet his lips. His eyes had become furtive and fearful. “What if I were to… you know.”
“Betray somebody to save your hide?” Mitch chuckled. “Good try, but I’m making no deals with you.”
“I could give you something good. Lots of good stuff.”
