Merle sent her a silly grin, then he followed her inside, as Earl walked along with Savannah.
342
…Nor Iron Bars A Cage
A biker roughly the size of a refrigerator greeted Tanner and Sammy as they walked into the Iron Horse bar. Calabrese called over and told the man to let them pass.
Both Tanner and Sammy were armed, but then, so were the bikers. The interior of the bar was better lit than Tanner would have guessed. There were a dozen or more fluorescent light fixtures hanging from the ceiling of the A-frame building, which had once been a carpet warehouse. Windows lined the walls on each side, but they were high up off the floor, and several showed cracks, while the bar itself smelled of spilt beer and sour sweat.
There were several women in the bar. They were all wearing short skirts and plunging necklines. One particular beauty with a front tooth missing flicked her tongue at Sammy as they walked by.
“I think she likes you.”
“I’m taken,” Sammy told Tanner, and then winced.
Tanner ignored the remark, knowing that Sammy meant no harm by it, then he concentrated on filing away details about the bar’s interior.
Calabrese left his barstool and gestured for them to follow him, as he headed toward the rear of the rectangular building with two of his biggest men flanking him.
The floor of the old building creaked beneath their feet with each step. The creaking was felt and not heard, as the jukebox blasted country music and raucous voices echoed off the walls.
As they walked down a short hallway, Tanner saw a windowless room with a brass bed in it. There was a blonde girl lying on the bed. She was topless, even younger than Sammy, and when Tanner looked into her blue eyes, he saw that she was high on something.
“That’s Sissy; if you want a piece I can arrange it.”
“I’ll pass,” Tanner said.
At the end of the hall was a door. There were crates full of empty bottles piled in front of it, which blocked the exit. Calabrese turned right just before reaching it and entered an office. There was an old wooden desk and a green metal filing cabinet, while a bare incandescent bulb hung from the ceiling, and bars were bolted across the room’s lone window.
Calabrese, who was really Bobby Volks, sat in the chair behind the desk, as his two soldiers took positions in front of the window and leaned back against the bars.
Tanner stood to the left of the desk and gestured for Sammy to stand to the right of it. Sammy was perplexed by Tanner’s request, but he complied.
Volks smiled up at them. “No offense but lift your shirts and turn around so I can see if you’re wired.”
They both complied, and Volks took note of the puckered wound on Tanner’s chest.
“Somebody came close to putting you down, didn’t they?”
“Close doesn’t count.”
“True, now here’s the deal, two grand a week and you help me get rid of the competition. There’s a group the next town over that’s proving to be difficult. Real hillbillies, like a clan, and even their damn women and kids know how to shoot.”
“They sell meth?”
“They grow and sell pot, and they must be doing two million a year easy. I don’t know what they spend the money on, but it’s not dental work, I can tell you that.”
“I’ll pass, and two grand a week is chump change.”
Volks spread his arms wide. “Name a number.”
“A hundred percent. You see, I’d rather take you down and run my own meth through here.”
Volks pounded the desk with a fist, and Tanner was pleased to see that Sammy didn’t flinch.
“Who are you working for, Myers?”
“You’ll find out when the time comes.”
Volks smiled. “Or maybe I’ll find out when they send the next guy… after I kill you.”
Tanner tossed his head toward the two leaning back against the bars.
“By the time those two clear their weapons I’ll kill them, and if you reach for the shotgun bolted beneath the desk I’ll feed it to you.”
Volks cursed and pointed at the desktop, where the tops of two bolts were visible.
“It is sloppy work, isn’t it? But you’re the first one to spot the bolts.”
Sammy nodded. He hadn’t noticed them. If not for Tanner, he’d be standing directly in front of the gun.
Tanner tossed a thumb back at the doorway. “What’s the deal? You have a signal to let the men in the bar know that we can leave?”
Volks grinned. “Damn, I wish you worked for me.”
One of the men leaning at the window straightened up, and both Sammy and Tanner drew their guns.
“Don’t try it, and Calabrese, why don’t you stand up. Sammy, get their guns, then check the hall.”
Sammy collected the weapons, ducked low, and peered around the doorframe with one eye.
“It’s clear.”
“It’s also the only way out of here,” Volks said. “If you try moving those crates away from the back door, someone will spot you.”
Sammy whispered to Tanner. “Why don’t I kill him now?”
“Too many witnesses,” Tanner whispered back.
“You have a plan to get out of here?”
“We’re leaving by the window.”
“What about the bars?”
“Calabrese,” Tanner said in a normal voice. “Tell your gorillas to tear those bars off the window.”
“They’re bolted into the wall.”
Tanner grinned. “If those bars aren’t off in one minute, I start shooting.”
“You’re bluffing. That would bring the others running back here.”
Tanner walked around the desk and placed his gun beneath Volks’ chin. “Look in my eyes and tell me again that I’m bluffing.”
Several seconds passed, and then Volks spoke to his men. “Jake, Ronny, tear those damn bars off the window.”
“One side at a time,” Tanner said. “It’ll go easier.”
The bikers did as they were told and the bars came off the window with much grunting and straining. While they were doing that, Tanner and Volks stared at each other without blinking.
Once the window was opened, Sammy climbed out, followed by the bikers, then Volks, and Tanner.
They walked together toward the front and found the parking lot empty. Everyone was inside waiting to hear the blast of the shotgun beneath the desk, or to see the emergence of the group from the office. Once they reached Tanner’s rental, he put his gun away and spoke to Volks.
“Thanks for the hospitality.”
“This is my territory and I won’t give it up without a fight.”
Sammy started the car and sped away as if he were being chased by demons.
“What if they follow us?”
“It’s too public for him. He likes to make people disappear like magic, but keep an eye out anyway.”
“So, what’s our next move?”
“Tomorrow night we rob their meth shipment.”
“What? How?”
“By playing a hunch. If I’m right, we’ll have Volks right where we want him.”
“And then he’ll be the one that disappears?”
“By your hand, are you up to it?”
Sammy turned his head and Tanner saw the murder in his eyes.
“Good man.”
343
One Call Does It All
In Manhattan, Krupin looked out at the lights of the city from a penthouse suite, which was rented by Juan Alvarado under an alias.
Alvarado was on the phone with his father, and although Krupin didn’t speak Spanish, he had heard his name mentioned twice. When the call ended, Juan Alvarado joined him on the balcony.
“The specialists were delayed, but they will be arriving soon, and then your troubles will be over.”
“These specialists, they’re going to kill Pullo and Tanner?”
“No, Tanner only. Pullo will be handled by more traditional methods.”
“S
uch as?”
Alvarado smiled. “We’re going to shoot him down like a dog in the street.”
“I wish I could be there. I don’t know how the hell he survived that fire.”
“Before the call came through, you were telling me about a federal agent.”
“His name is Ivanov. My people tell me he and his partner discovered that I went to Mexico. If that’s true, they might also know you’re here.”
Juan smiled. “Many people were given money so that your government won’t know I’m here, and yet, leaks still happen. Perhaps we can pay this FBI man of yours to go away.”
“He’s not the type, he likes to bust balls. I was thinking about another option. His partner is young and beautiful, maybe we could frame him for her murder, you know, make it look like a lover’s quarrel.”
“Are they lovers?”
“I have no idea, but an older man, younger woman, people would buy it. And I would love to see him put in his place.”
Juan patted Krupin on the shoulder. “I like you, Michael; you’re a man who knows how to hate creatively. Perhaps we’ll visit that plan someday. For now, let’s concentrate on Pullo and Tanner.”
“Okay, but man I hate that Fed.”
They sat and looked out at the skyline as they drank. When Juan stared at Krupin, the Russian felt the weight of the Mexican’s gaze.
“Why are you staring?”
“My father is taking a risk in backing you. You do understand that, correct?”
“I understand that he’ll be getting fifty percent for his trouble.”
“The money is nothing compared to the risk. He’s doing this behind the backs of the other cartels. If we fail here, this will give our enemies ammunition against us, but if we succeed, then we’ll be able to dictate terms for future American cities.”
“I thought you were already in America. I know you guys are supplying drugs everywhere.”
“True, but it’s… what’s the word, underground? By backing you openly we’ll be sending up a flag.”
“New York City is worth the risk. Controlling the ports alone is worth billions over the long haul.”
“Yes, and you and I, we are both young men, and it’s the young men who usher in new ages. Once we have a strong grip on New York, then we move across the sea to Europe and make alliances there, and after that, Asia.”
Krupin grinned. “You’re ambitious, that’s good, so am I, and I never thought that Pullo would be so hard to kill.”
Juan waved a dismissive hand. “He will die soon enough. Pullo isn’t old, but he’s not young either. It’s time for him to go.”
“I’m more worried about Tanner.”
“That one intrigues my father, and I know that he would like to own him, but since you say that he and Pullo are friends, it would be too dangerous to keep him around.”
“You have to kill him. I don’t know who these specialists are that you have coming here, but they’d better not fail.”
“They never have. In the end, no matter how highly skilled he may be, Tanner is just a man, and a man can be killed. But now enough talk of men. Why don’t you order up some women? After all, this is your city.”
Krupin grinned. “I just have to make a call, any preference?”
“Blonde, I love natural blondes, my friend.”
“I’ll get two for you,” Krupin said, and wondered how friendly the man would be if he knew he had slept with his mother.
344
A Very Bad Man
Tanner decided that it would be a good idea to keep watch, so he and Sammy took turns.
Tanner had taken the first shift, and after Sammy came down to relieve him at three a.m., he went up, took a quick shower, and crawled into bed beside Susan.
“Oohh, you’re cold.”
“Sorry,” Tanner said. “And I was trying not to wake you.”
Susan took him in her arms. “Come here and let me warm you up.”
Tanner felt the softness of her curves against him. He reached up and caressed her face.
“That might do more than warm me up.”
Susan smiled. “That’s the plan.”
They made love, and when it was over, Susan lay back in his arms.
“I know this won’t last, and that you’ll be leaving, but I want you to know that it’s more than just sex to me. I’m too old for just sex; I need a little feeling behind it.”
“It’s more than purely physical for me too, although, I have nothing against that either.”
Susan laughed. “You are an honest man, Tanner; I’ll say that for you.”
Susan had breakfast on the table when Tanner asked about Amy.
“Oh, she spent the night at her boyfriend’s place. I think I’ll be losing a guest soon, because that boy is going to pop the question any day now if I had to guess.”
“I’ll spend the day with you at the restaurant, but tonight, Sammy and I have to go out again.”
Susan sat down her coffee cup and looked at both of them. “Will it be dangerous?”
“Only for Calabrese,” Tanner said.
Susan’s phone rang. When she looked at the caller ID, she saw it was Amy calling. She was smiling when she answered the phone, but as she listened, she became solemn, and tears formed in her eyes.
“Oh God, Amy, I feel so bad for her. Yes honey, I’ll see you later.”
When the call ended, Susan pushed her plate away and wiped at her tears.
“What’s wrong, Susan?” Tanner asked.
“A friend of mine, her son, Tyrone… he died last night after taking meth.”
“Did he overdose?” Sammy asked.
“Amy said that the doctors think he had an undiagnosed heart condition, but if he hadn’t taken the meth, it may have never bothered him.” Susan stood. “I’ve got to give Maggie a call. That’s Tyrone’s mother. Tanner, Tyrone was only sixteen, and I used to babysit him when he was a toddler. Oh God, what a waste, what a waste.”
Susan drifted out of the room and Tanner saw that Sammy had grown angry.
“I know we just came down here to kill Volks, but maybe we can destroy his drug pipeline too.”
“Yeah, but someone else will take Volks’ place a week later.”
“I know, and this is why my grandfather passed on the meth trade. He was all about giving people what they wanted, legal or not, but not that shit.”
“Your grandfather wasn’t good, but he was a good man.”
“How well did you know him, Tanner?”
“Not well, but it’s because of him that Joe and I are… close.”
“How so?”
“He sent us out on a job once when we were about your age, and we got to know each other.”
“This job, did you get it done?”
Tanner broke eye contact and looked off into space. “Yeah, we did what your grandfather asked. That’s when I knew that Joe wasn’t just another hood, and that he had a sense of honor.”
“Who died?” Sammy asked.
Tanner sighed. “A very bad man.”
“Good, then the world was better off without him.”
Sammy went back to eating, but like Susan, Tanner found that his appetite had fled.
345
Soulless Joe
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, ELEVEN YEARS EARLIER
They watched Conti all that day, waiting to see if he’d run, but the good reverend only traveled between the shelter and the soup kitchen, and appeared to be going about his regular duties.
Tanner and Pullo also kept an eye out for any more retaliation because of what they’d done at the brothel, but it looked like no more trouble was coming from that direction.
Tanner had assumed that there wouldn’t be. The madam would have been reluctant to admit to the people above her that two unarmed men had taken over her house.
He and Pullo had stolen no money. That meant she didn’t have to come clean. Still, the men working for her wanted payback, so they had to go.
And despite the
hookers having seen their faces, the madam and her bodyguards were the only ones who could tie them to Conti. Now that they were gone, no one would know where to look for them.
Tanner saw that Pullo was becoming increasingly agitated as the day went on and Conti didn’t budge. When Conti emerged late in the evening and headed for home, they fell in beside him.
“Like I said earlier, guys, do it at my apartment, that way the kids won’t see.”
“We’re just walking with you for now,” Pullo said.
Conti chuckled. “At least the shelter will be all right. I always knew that men like you would find me someday, and I took out a life insurance policy. After they find me, the shelter will have enough to keep running.”
“Shut up,” Pullo said. “I’m tired of hearing about how good you are now. You’re still Carlo Conti and Carlo Conti is a scumbag.”
“We’re all sinners,” Conti said.
Conti’s apartment was on the third floor of an old house that had started its existence as a single-family home, but which had been converted into ten separate dwellings. Tanner and Pullo followed Conti up a set of exterior back steps and into the tiny space.
It was one room with a bathroom the size of a closet, and other than a radio and a hot plate, Conti had few possessions.
“Monks live better than this,” Pullo said.
Conti shrugged. “I eat most of my meals at the soup kitchen, and TV is nothing but crap.”
Pullo looked at Tanner. “What the hell should I do here?”
“It’s your move, Joe. I’m backup, remember?”
Pullo paced for a few seconds, then spun and pointed at Conti, who was seated on a ratty couch.
“I’m going to spend the night thinking things over, but one of us will be watching at all times. If you try to run, we’ll make it hurt bad before we put you down.”
Conti shrugged again. “You’ll do what you have to do. I know your type and you lost your soul a long time ago. This delay is just your way of easing what’s left of your conscience.”
The Tanner Series - Books 1-11: Tanner - The hit man with a heart Page 108