“Dustin said you could hook us up.”
“Dustin? That bitch owes me money. You tell that little prick, I see him again, I’m gonna pop a cap in his ass.”
“How are you gonna get paid then?”
Clarence hadn’t really considered it. “Watching him die might just be worth it.”
“Tell us how you really feel,” JD said.
Maybe Clarence knew the shooter shot the wrong guy.
Clarence looked at Jack, and his eyes narrowed. “You. I know you.“
Jack smiled. “Lead singer of Wild Fury.”
Clarence shook his head. “No. I don’t listen to that dogshit.”
Jack frowned.
I steered things back on track. “You know Dustin is an easy guy to find. He’s working as the Easter bunny at the mall,“ I said, testing his knowledge.
“Yeah, I know where he worked.”
“Did you send somebody up there to collect?”
His brow knitted again. “Why are you asking so many questions? You 5-O?”
I flashed my badge.
Clarence’s eyes rounded at the sight. He froze for a moment, then took off running. He barreled through the crowd like awater buffalo, knocking over revelers like bowling pins. The guy was surprisingly quick.
JD and I gave chase.
Clarance raced across the club and burst out the emergency exit.
I followed him into the back alley with Jack right behind me.
Clarence sprinted as fast as he could, his legs driving his massive frame forward. He looked over his shoulder at me with wide eyes to see my progress.
I was gaining on the bastard.
My chest heaved for breath, and my sneakers slapped against the concrete. The dull thump of music from the club spilled into the alleyway.
I was only a few paces behind. Clarence wasn't an endurance athlete. It didn't take long for his initial burst of speed to fade. Still, he was a big guy and would be hard to bring down. As I drew close, I kicked his foot, causing him to trip over himself.
Work smarter, not harder.
The big guy crashed to the ground like a rhino.
I pounced on top of him and slapped the cuffs around his wrists.
"Man, why you sweating me? I didn't do nothing!”
"Got any needles in your pockets?”
"No. I got nothing in my pockets.”
He was full of shit.
