While he had no intention of ever becoming an active member of that world again, he felt it was in his best interest to keep a finger on its pulse, just in case a situation arose that might require the help of someone still in that line of work. A situation like what was happening to him now.
He flipped through the pages and created a list of people he thought might know why someone would be looking for him. Using the throwaway cell, he called the first number.
“Yeah?” a man answered.
Adjusting the tone of his voice to sound more like he used to, Jack said, “Hello, Marko.”
“Who’s this?”
“It’s Johnny.”
“I know a lot of Johnnies.”
“Fratelli.”
The line went silent.
“You still there?” Jack asked.
“Sorry, Johnny. I should have recognized your voice. What…what can I do for you?”
“That’s what I like about you, Marko. Always willing to help out a friend.”
“Always, Johnny, always. I mean, if I can, of course.”
“This is an easy one. Just need you to answer a question.”
“Sure, sure. Lay it on me.”
“When was the last time you heard my name?”
“I’m sorry?”
“It’s an easy question. Before this call, when was the last time you were either part of or overheard a conversation in which my name came up?”
“Gee, Johnny. I don’t know. It’s been a while.”
“A while like in weeks? Months? Years?”
“I’d say at least a couple years.”
Jack said nothing.
“I swear,” Marko said. “I ain’t heard your name in ages.”
Still, Jack remained silent.
“You and me have always been friendly, Johnny. You know I’d tell you straight up if I had.”
“Okay, Marko. I believe you. Thank you.”
“Of course. I’d never do you wrong. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.”
“As a matter of fact, there is.”
“Oh,” Marko said, sounding as if he wished he hadn’t offered.
“I need you to ask around—see if anyone has been talking about me recently—and let me know. You can use this number.”
