Stalking Horse (A Tanner Novel Book 40)

by Remington Kane

  Mills spoke up. He spoke rarely, and when he did, his words were never frivolous. “We could grab up the friend and make him tell us where the target is. That would be simpler.”

  The stranger smiled. “Were you three to attempt that, the man would kill you all.”

  “Bullshit,” Dunn said. “No one has come close to killing us. And we’ve faced off against teams of men. One guy is not going to kill us.”

  “I am ‘one guy,’ and if I squeezed my trigger three times you would all be dead. I assure you; the man Mr. Hayes would befriend is as deadly as I am. The target is far deadlier than that.”

  Stone exchanged glances with Dunn and Mills before asking, “Who is this target?”

  The man smiled. “His name is Tanner.”

  There was silence at the table for several seconds. A server cleared away the empty plate that had held an order of Italian fries and asked if they wanted another pitcher of beer. Dunn waved her off while staring at the nameless man seated across from him.

  When he was sure the server was out of hearing range, Dunn spoke. “When you say, Tanner, do you mean the assassin named Tanner?”

  “That is the one. Many have tried to kill him by coming straight at him. That has not proven successful. The plan I have in mind will work because Tanner won’t be expecting an attack. He will believe himself to be among friends when Mr. Hayes finally makes his move. Deceit and cunning will succeed where brashness has failed.”

  Upon learning that the target would be Tanner, Stone became interested. Tanner was a damn legend and without doubt the greatest assassin who had ever lived. The man who killed him would gain a reputation that a thousand successful hits wouldn’t achieve.

  “What are the details of the plan?” Stone asked.

  “I’ll only discuss those if you agree to take the contract. And remember, I said that it would require patience. Weeks, even months may pass before you’ll get the opportunity to kill Tanner. During that time, you’ll need to pretend to be someone else.”

  “I can do that.”

  Dunn had reached out a hand to grip Stone’s forearm. “Are you serious? You want to break up the team?”

  “No. Once I’ve killed Tanner, we’ll join up again, only then we’ll have one hell of a reputation and can charge what we want. I bet we could ask any amount for a contract and get it.”

  “But we aren’t going to kill Tanner, Stone, you are,” Mills said.

  “That won’t matter. We’ll share the credit. Hey guys, even if we were all going after Tanner together, only one of us would get a chance to take the kill shot. I’m not quitting the team. I’m going to do this for all three of us. As a matter of fact, I want the payment to be split three ways.”

  “What is the payment?” Dunn asked.

  “One million dollars,” the stranger said. “Half will be paid when Mr. Hayes travels to America, and the rest upon completion of the contract. Agreed?”

  Stone had been tempted to say yes immediately, but he resisted the urge and asked if he could speak to his partners in private.

  The stranger slid out of the booth. “I’ll wait for you outside in the parking lot. Come out when you’re ready.”

  Stone, Dunn, and Mills debated the pros and cons for ten minutes. Dunn was against the idea, Stone wanted to do it, and Mills agreed that Stone should take the contract if he wanted it, but he added a warning.

  “This is Tanner we’re talking about. The odds are good that you’ll wind up dead.”

  Stone shrugged. “I could get killed by a two-bit drug dealer while fulfilling a contract just as easily. If I die going after the hardest contract there is, then at least I will have died attempting greatness.”

  Dunn rubbed a hand across his face while sighing. “This is your decision, but I think it’s a bad one. Tanner is no joke. And despite the fancy plan this guy might have up his sleeve, it’s dangerous as hell.”

  Stone slid out of the booth. “Let’s go hear his plan.”

  The bar’s parking lot was small and most arrived at the bar on foot or parked blocks away and walked to it. When they went outside to look for the stranger, they didn’t see him anywhere.

  When the man’s voice came from behind them, they tensed up.

  “How the hell did you sneak up on us like that?” Dunn asked.

  “Years of practice,” the man said with a smile.

  “Before I give you my answer,” Stone said. “I have a question.”

  “Yes?”

  “Why do you want Tanner dead?”

  “For revenge, as I said earlier.”

  “He killed someone you cared about?”

  The man smirked. “He killed someone I hated.”

  “I don’t get it,” Stone said.

  “Maybe it will help if I tell you my name.”

  The man did so, then watched as the mouths of the younger men fell open in shock.

  Stone agreed to take the contract after hearing the details of the plan. Weeks later, he met Romeo as designed, and pretended to be a teen assassin in need of a mentor. The plan was unfurling as the stranger had said it would, and soon he would have a chance to kill the most dangerous man on the planet.

  There was a contract killer in New York who he knew slightly. Boyd and Kirby had suggested that Stone make contact with the man, who was named Lombard, and use him as backup in case something went wrong. He said he would contact Lombard if he needed to, but that was a lie. He wanted to kill Tanner alone. It was why he had talked Boyd and Kirby into staying in Italy in the first place.

  Stone used a burner phone to contact his employer. His number would be recognized because the phone had been supplied to him by the man he was calling.

  “Good news. Romeo called and asked me if I’d like to meet Tanner tomorrow.”

  “Excellent! Where will you be meeting?”

  “At a private shooting range out in the country.”

  “Once you’ve killed Tanner, you’ll have to kill Romeo too.”

  “I’ll kill him. I like Romeo, but I’ll kill him all the same.”

  “Show no mercy. I did not go to all this trouble for you to deviate from the plan at this late stage.”

  “What happens afterwards?”

  “There is a flight for Rome leaving LaGuardia airport at six p.m. each evening. I’ll arrange a ticket for you.”

  “Make sure it’s a first-class ticket.”

  “Of course. Are you nervous?”

  “No, but I doubt I’ll sleep much. And I have to call my partners and tell them what’s happening.”

  “After tomorrow, people will know your name. You won’t need those partners anymore.”

  “They’re like brothers to me. We’ll share in the success of having killed Tanner.”

  “If that’s what you want. And remember, you can not make even the slightest mistake around these people. Romeo is nearly as deadly as Tanner.”

  “I know. The man makes shots with a rifle like a Marine sniper, and he’s really in shape for an old dude.”

  “He is about my age.”

  “Like I said, Romeo is old.”

  “And he thinks of you as a boy who needs training. That mistake will cost him the life of his friend.”

  “Nobody stays on top forever. It’s time for Tanner to die.”

  “Do not fail, Stone. Failure will mean your death.”

  Stone’s voice was confident as he answered. “Tanner dies tomorrow. I’m going to place a bullet right in the back of his head.”

  5

  Sicario

  Elke showed up at the apartment after the kids had left for the zoo and Franny and Sara were off to see their play.

  When Elke spotted Marian, her face softened, and she began cooing at the baby.

  “She certainly has the Gant eyes, like your son.”

  “Marian looks a lot like my mother, who she was named after. She also looks like you.”

  “You have to visit Germany with me someday, Tanner. You have many relatives there who w
ould welcome you.”

  “Maybe someday. Speaking of relatives, have you heard anything about our French cousins?”

  “Gina had a baby boy, which I’m told has endeared her to Lucien. After having lost two sons, it’s not surprising that having a grandson would please him.”

  “And what about Salome?”

  “She appears to be in line to control the family whenever Lucien steps down. Not that the monster would ever retire. He’ll never give up control unless he is forced to do so, or dead. Seeing Lucien dead would please me very much.”

  Elke’s last words were spoken with passion. Her only son, Stefan, had been murdered on orders of Lucien Gant. After Lucien’s son, Victor died, Tanner had arranged for a truce that would protect Elke from harm.

  “You’re not tempted to reignite the feud, are you?”

  “No. As much as I want that man dead, I gave my word. But I know Lucien. One day he will seek vengeance and break the feud himself. When that happens, I’ll do my best to kill him. And if I don’t kill him, I know you will, Tanner.”

  “I’m not Tanner when I’m here with the family, I’m Cody.”

  “Right. I’ll remember that.”

  Marian grew sleepy after having a bottle and was settled in her crib for a nap. Tanner and Elke left the nursery and returned to the living room.

  “How long are you going to be in Manhattan?”

  “A few weeks. I need to make sure people know that I’m here.”

  Elke laughed. “You accomplished that last night. That scene in Brooklyn was all over the news. I also understand that your friend, Mr. Pullo, is suspected of ordering those deaths.”

  “They can suspect all they want, but given the rules the police are forced to play by, they’ll never connect Joe to any of it.”

  “The police should be a lesser concern. The Primeros will consider what happened last night an act of war. They will want Pullo dead, and you as well.”

  “Ernesto Enrique started the war for the Primeros. Last night was about Joe striking back. And yeah, you’re right, they’ll be gangbangers gunning for us.”

  “I’m available to help if you need me.”

  “I’ll take you up on that if you don’t mind guarding my family whenever Romeo and I aren’t here. The Primeros have been known to go after their enemies’ families.”

  “And you fear that they know you have one?”

  “No. But I’m not willing to take the chance that they can’t find out.”

  “I’ll protect them. I can set-up somewhere outside if you’d like.”

  “In this weather? No. You can stay here. I’ll introduce you to Franny and tell her you’re here for a visit. Since we share the same eyes, she’ll have no problem believing that we’re family, which we are.”

  “Franny is your housekeeper?”

  “Yes.”

  “How much does she know about you?”

  “She has no idea that I’m Tanner and I’d like to keep it that way.”

  Elke smiled. “I’m sure knowing the truth would shock her.”

  “Yeah. But I’m not expecting there to be trouble here. Joe is another story. People know that he has a family.”

  “The last time there was trouble, Laurel and her son stayed here. Will that happen again?”

  “No. Joe moved them to a safe location outside New York before going to the pier last night. He knows what the Primeros are like and wasn’t taking any chances.”

  “That is wise,” Elke said as she stood. “I’ll go to my hotel and gather my things so I can stay here.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” Cody said. Before leaving the office, he checked his phone to view the scene of his daughter sleeping peacefully. One of her tiny arms was wrapped around her favorite stuffed doll.

  As they walked toward the penthouse’s private elevator, Cody asked Elke if she remembered where they kept the weapons.

  “I do. Have you changed the combination on the gun safe?”

  “No, but the alarm code is different. The number is 0325 now. You can also use that code to access the private garage downstairs if you need it.”

  “I’ll be back soon,” Elke said, as she stepped on the elevator.

  Cody sent his older cousin a nod and watched as the elevator doors slid shut. Having Elke guarding his family would give him comfort. Sara was capable of defending herself, and she would be helped by Henry. But it didn’t hurt to have another gun in a fight if something happened.

  Cody’s phone rang as he was walking to the nursery to check on Marian. It was Pullo calling on a burner phone.

  “What’s up?”

  “I’m having a meeting tomorrow night at eight at the office building, to talk about the Primeros. Can you be there?”

  “Yeah, and I’ll bring Romeo along too.”

  “Good. I’ve heard from the anonymous tipster again.”

  “Did they want payment for helping you?”

  “No, which is weird, right?”

  “I’d say so. How are they making contact?”

  “I was sent a cellphone. They texted me on it. Instead of asking for money, they gave me a heads-up about a hitter that’s been sent here to kill me. Some cartel assassin, a sicario named Morelos. He’s coming to New York to put me down. Once I’m dead, you’re to be next.”

  “One man?”

  “Yeah. The tipster says that this Morelos is the best sicario the cartels have. It must have cost the Primeros a fortune to borrow him.”

  “It was wasted money.”

  Pullo laughed. “I’d thought you’d say that. Have you ever heard of this hitter?”

  “No, but I might know someone who has. I’ll check with them and see what I can find out.”

  “According to the tipster, Morelos is driving here. It should take him a couple of days at least.”

  “He’s driving? That sounds to me like Morelos is being cautious. Which was a smart move since your tipster gave you a warning about him.”

  “Too bad the guy is smart. If he had flown here, I would have had people staking out the airports.”

  “What’s Morelos look like?”

  “He’s Mexican but looks white because he had an American mother. About forty, average height, dark hair, brown eyes, with a scar on his right cheek from a knife wound.”

  “If not for that scar he’d have an easy time blending in.”

  “And he might cover it with makeup.”

  “Yeah, or maybe conceal it some other way. I’ll find out what I can and get back to you.”

  “Thanks, Tanner. I know this isn’t your fight.”

  “I’ll always have your back, Joe.”

  “I know, and you can count on me to do the same, buddy.”

  “Keep your head on a swivel.”

  “Hell yeah,” Pullo said, and ended the call.

  Cody looked in on Marian and found her still asleep. After leaving the nursery he returned to the office and made a call to Stark. He was calling Raymond “Crash” Wyman. Crash was fascinated by assassins and had spent decades studying them. He ran a website dedicated to discussing assassins. It had visitors from many countries commenting on its message board daily. Crash also ranked assassins. Tanner was Number One on that list.

  “Morelos? Yeah, I’ve heard of him. He is one dangerous man if even half of what’s said about him is true.”

  “If he’s so dangerous, why isn’t he ranked on your list?”

  “I don’t include cartel killers because they’ll murder anyone on orders from their boss. Everyone on my list is an independent assassin. These sicarios are vicious killers who only do as they’re told. There’s also the problem of verifying their kills.”

  “What can you tell me about Morelos?”

  “He’ll kill anyone who gets in his way and has been known to use innocents as pawns. There’s a story that he placed a bomb on a room service cart to get to one target. The guy delivering the room service was killed along with the target and bodyguards when the bomb went off.”

/>   “Does he ever use a sniper rifle?”

  “Oh yeah. And he’s also mechanically inclined. He can tamper with brakes or wire a doorknob to electrocute someone. Those are both tricks that he’s used in the past. Mind you now, this all comes secondhand from several of my people living in Mexico, but I’ll bet that it’s true.”

  “I believe it.”

  “Why do you want to know this, Cody?”

  “Morelos is on his way to New York City.”

  “He’s coming after you?”

  “Me and Joe Pullo.”

  “Don’t underestimate this man. He’s deadly.”

  “We’ll be ready for him.”

  “Anything else I can help with?”

  “I guess not. What’s going on back home?”

  “Your buddy Steve and Mayor Jimmy had an argument at the town council meeting last night, but that’s nothing new.”

  “What was the argument about?”

  “The mayor wanted to slash the police budget again. The council voted against him.”

  “The council voting against Jimmy is a new development. He lost support during the last election.”

  Crash laughed. “Jimmy pouted like a child afterwards. I don’t think he’s accustomed to not getting his way.”

  “Thanks for clueing me in about Morelos, Crash.”

  “No problem. But tell me, is Franny around?”

  “She’s off seeing a Broadway play with Sara.”

  “I’ll call Franny later on then. I miss that lady.”

  “Make sure you tell her that.”

  “Caroline said the same thing.”

  “How is your daughter?”

  “She’s good. I’ll tell her you said hi.”

  “Do that, and thanks again.”

  Cody put away his phone and checked the camera in the nursery. Marian was stirring awake. He entered the nursery and stood by the crib. When his daughter’s eyes opened, she smiled up at him.

  “Daddy.”

  “Hello, baby girl. Did you have a good nap?”

  Marian put her arms up and Cody lifted her from the crib. After changing her diaper, he carried her into the office and sat her in her playpen.