Page 74 of Creole Kingpin
“Fuck,” Trey and Jules whisper in tandem.
“Exactly. We need friends, family, associates, everything you can possibly find so we can figure out who it is and stop him. Or, if I’m wrong and this is unrelated, we need to figure out who the hell else could be targeting her and why.”
“I’m on it,” Trey says with absolute confidence in his tone.
“Good. We also gotta take into account the possibility that if the elevator dude was erased, his family might’ve been too.” I don’t have to go into detail; they know the drill. “You know where to look.”
“Yeah, I’ll dig in every direction. If there’s someone out there who wants vengeance—for any reason—I’ll find them.”
“Perfect. Jules—Mags has a car at the condo building. We’re going to get you her keys, and you’re going to get over there and move it. Stash it somewhere else. Make sure you’re not followed.”
“You think whoever broke into the condo is following you?” Jules asks.
“He didn’t just break in. I’ll give you the details later,” I say, not wanting to bring it up again in front of Magnolia.
But I should have known she was stronger than that.
“He wroteI’m coming for you nexton my wall. In blood,” she says, her voice steady. “He’s definitely looking for me.”
“Fuck,” Trey whispers again. “That is so fucked up. Okay, I’ll dig deep. You need me, you holler.”
“Thank you both. We’ll be back once I’m sure we don’t have a tail.”
“What if you do?” Jules asks, his concern clear. “You want me ready to intercept?”
I glance over at Magnolia sitting next to me. I want this asshole dead before the sun sets, but I’m not willing to do it in any way that puts her in danger.
Could Jules handle it by himself? Depends on who the guy is and what he’s packing. Revenge is a hell of a motivator, and I don’t want to send Jules into a fight until we know what—or who—we’re dealing with. That’s not shit you do to family if you can avoid it.
“If he’s following us, then I’ll get the make, model, and plate. We’ll go after him and take him out when he doesn’t expect it.” It’s the best I can do on the fly with so many unknowns looming, and trying to keep everyone who matters to me breathing.
“Got it, boss. Call if you have any trouble. I’m ready.”
“We’ll see you soon, and then it’s time to lock shit down and get our strategy together.”
I hang up the call and glance at Magnolia again.
“This is serious, isn’t it?” she asks.
“Because you’re involved, it’s serious as a motherfucking heart attack. But for now, we’re just going for a drive to see how smart this asshole is.”
* * *
As we ride past the World War II Museum, I spot a black Ford Fusion staying three or four cars behind us. He’s followed me through a few turns, and now I’ve got a lock on him. With Magnolia beside me scanning every alley and side street, I’ve got a choice to make.
Do I tell her or not?
I recall what she said to me this morning.“That’s what I want, Moby. I want a partner.”
What the hell kind of partner am I if I don’t trust her too? Not the kind I want to be.
Gripping the wheel, I say, “I’m pretty sure we’ve got ourselves a tail.”
Her head swivels to me and then right back to the sideview mirror. “Which car?”
“Black Ford Fusion. Three cars back.”
She nods when she notices it. “I see him. How do we find out for sure?”
