Page 69 of Fatal Strike
“Father Gabriel.”
“So then why are you here?”
“To warn people about what happens when they get in the Venenos’ way.”
“I see. Where did you meet up with the Venenos?”
“Four guys showed up at the body-repair garage where I work.”
“When was this?”
Henry scratched the back of his neck. “About a year ago.”
“Did you know any of them?”
“Nope.”
“They showed up at your work. Then what happened?”
“One of them asked if I’d look at his car. The battery wouldn’t keep a charge, and he thought it needed to be replaced.”
“What kind of car?”
“Mustang. Black. Newer model.”
“Do you remember the plates?”
“Never looked at ’em. If he’d left the car, then I’d have written it down.”
“Sorry I interrupted you,” Jon said. “Keep going.”
“The guy popped the hood. As I was looking at the battery and the wires, three of them got real close. One of the other guys said he had an invitation for me to join the Venenos. He told me I’d make 2K a week to start and be my own boss. Iwasn’t interested and told him so. The guy reminded me about my cousin in prison who got into trouble for hacking computers, and could I do the same thing? I knew where he was headed, so I told him I gave up those ways. No more jail time for me. No thanks.”
When Henry paused, Jon pressed him to continue. “What happened then?”
“They threatened to kill me if I didn’t do what they said. Itold ’em if they wanted me to kill people, then we were finished talking. But one of them said I’d help them get into computers and find stuff for them. I gave in.” He sniffed.
“Whose computers?”
“I forgot.”
“You had to have names to get into systems.”
Henry only shook his head.
“For a man who wants to help and be protected, you’re not cooperating,” Jon said.
“My mind isn’t good.”
“Try leaving the drugs alone.” Jon swallowed his aggravation. “What kind of information did you access?”
“Personal stuff mostly.”
“Like what?”
Henry shrugged. “Don’t remember.”
“Do the names Ian Greer and Marcia Trevelle sound familiar?”
