* * *
At the back of Nick’s house, Gus put hotdogs and hamburgers on a plate John held. Gus reached over on the table and handed Nick a double whiskey. “You’re in time for a burger, Muerto. How’d it go with Paul?”
“Real good.” Nick sipped the whiskey appreciatively. “He confirmed identities. They were all Fontaine’s. I’m going to follow a lead to find out whether Cameron was complicit in the kidnapping attempt. You and John will have the duty until I return from DC. I’ll keep you updated from there on everything until I can get home. I’m adding a fact finding item into the mix for when I talk to the Senator.”
“On the local front, no one knows what happened today,” John said. “We disappeared without a trace. Gus says the cops came in riot gear ten minutes after we left. They found nothing but some broken glass of course.”
“Did Sergeant Dickerson make an appearance?”
“He was there,” Gus answered. “I stayed out of social meetings with him. Your US Marshal pals called. They have a bad guy living near one of their people in witness protection with damning evidence about the Los Zetas cartel forming a new drug tunnel on the Arizona border. They don’t want to move the witness at this late date. I believe they would like you to scare the shit out of him so they don’t have to move the witness. I told them you have a full plate. Grace said you owe them.”
The Unholy Trio shared a laugh over Grace’s declaration. The last time Nick helped them and saved their lives, he had to lock them in the back of an SUV unconscious. “I went along with that comedy show trial trying to convict Kensky when I knew damn well he’d get off somehow. I only did it because I wanted Grace and Timmy to get their crack at justice. I knew I’d have to deal with the bastard. I’ll listen to what they have to say. Are they going to be in DC?”
“Yeah,” Gus answered. “They heard the rumor you were headed that way. Grace said to give her a call in DC if you can get free for a moment.”
“Okay. No calls or stopovers from Neil, huh?”
“I think our police friend Neil is finding other adventures, Muerto. I do not believe he likes all the action happening around you,” John remarked.
“He probably has a ‘Nick McCarty Free Zone’ sign on his front lawn,” Gus added.
“Hey, Muerto,” Tina called out from the table. “Let John bring the dogs and burgers before we starve.”
“Right away, T-Rex,” Nick fired back. “What time do we take you home tonight by car, Sonny?”
“8 pm, Sir. You’re picking my Dad up at 6 am, right?”
“Yes. I hope he’s packed and ready to go. We have a lot of business in DC to straighten out.”
“We should walk Deke again tonight, Dad. If we avoid our regular routines, the terrorists win,” Jean joked.
“Very funny, Daughter of Darkness. We’ll drive tonight. I’ll walk Deke when we get back from Sonny’s house. That will be enough of a slap in the terrorists’ faces for now.”
Deke began barking at the front of the house. Nick checked his monitors inside the sliding glass door to the patio. It was Neil Dickerson with two men dressed in suits of Middle Eastern origin. Dickerson wore his Sergeant’s uniform. Nick waved reassuringly to his family and companions.
“It’s Neil. I’ll go greet him.”
Nick hushed Deke with a gesture. He opened the front door. “Hi, Neil. How are you?”
“I’m okay, Nick,” Dickerson said with grim determination. “These men represent Omar Fontaine. Apparently, they sent men to arrange a meeting with Mr. Fontaine. They have disappeared. These gentlemen believe you know the whereabouts of the men. They believe you should be arrested and made to tell where and what you did with Mr. Fontaine’s men. I explained that would not be happening. Do you know anything about a proposed meeting?”
“No. I do know some men tried to stop Jean and Sonny Salvatore along the beach path. The kids ran for it to the beach where we were. I didn’t meet formally with those men. Were they sent after the kids?”
“How dare you accuse Mr. Fontaine’s men of attempted kidnapping!”
“Nick, this is Fadel Qureshi and his brother, Nadim. They believe you had something to do with it. Do you think they tried to kidnap the two kids?”
“Yes. What I don’t know is why. I would have liked to have asked them. Why do you think I had anything to do with your friends’ disappearance? If you know something about the attempted kidnapping, now would be the time to tell me all about it.”
“You continue to insult us with your accusations!” The other brother Nadim said. “We want answers as to the whereabouts of Mr. Fontaine’s men. The last call we had from them was near a park along the coast. There were reports of much gunfire there. We believe you know what happened. We suspect foul play where you and your murderous friends killed and probably tortured the men!”
“Really? Neil? Am I being punked? Do you have someone in the bushes with a movie camera?” Nick peered past the men on his porch as if indeed looking for hidden cameramen as he set the screen door to stay open. “I don’t see anyone. If this isn’t a joke, why come here? Perhaps your men tired of working for your boss and left for greener pastures. Would you like to come in for a drink and hot dog, Neil. We’re barbequing. Your buddies will have to wait on the porch though. Deke doesn’t like strangers, right Deke?”
As if in answer, Deke barked.
“No thanks, Nick. I’ll take a raincheck. If you don’t know anything about the missing men we’ll be moving along. I would like to hear more about this kidnapping attempt by Fontaine’s men from these gentlemen and Mr. Fontaine.”
“Are you insane?” Fadel’s face looked ready to rip apart like a too tight mask on Halloween. “Take this murderer into custody and find out what he has done!”
“On what evidence,” Dickerson asked. “Nick was nice enough to speak with us about the matter. We sent a squad of men over on the weapons’ discharge call but found nothing. Until we find evidence of wrong doing I can’t arrest Nick for anything.”
“I have an idea,” Nick said. “I’ll go with you to meet Fontaine if you’d like. Maybe he could tell me why his men were sent to kidnap my kids. I’ll only ask questions relevant to the event. How’s that? Is he in town? Can I speak to him?”
“No, you may not speak with him!” Nadim appeared more upset than his brother if that were possible. “I am sick of this discussion. You will-”
Nick saw him reach inside his jacket. When the handle of an automatic peeked out with Nadim gripping it Nick shot forward grabbing the wrist with his left hand and Nadim’s throat with his right. He slammed Nadim into Fadel, broke his wrist with a twisting snap, and tossed the yelping Nadim off the porch. Deke moved on Fadel when he reached for Nick, grabbing the man’s arm in his mouth, growling and holding. Dickerson held up his hands in a gesture of calming intent.
“Wait Nick! I saw what he reached for. Please don’t do anything else. These two acted completely normal until now, only mildly interested in Fontaine’s men. Would you like to press charges?”
“Yes.” Nick gave Deke a gesture. Deke released Fadel. “Can we put these two in your car while we speak further?”
“Of course. Would you watch Fadel while I disarm his brother?”
“Sure. Deke will keep an eye on him.”
“What…what are you doing? Surely you don’t mean to-”
“Shut up!” Neil pointed at Fadel. “Don’t say another word or I arrest you too. I won’t restrain your brother if you keep your mouth shut.”
Fadel did as he was told. When Dickerson completed his frisk of the moaning Nadim clutching his broken wrist, he returned to do the same with Fadel. Both men carried Sig Sauer P320’s which Neil pocketed along with their cell phones. He escorted the two men with Nick and Deke following to his squad car. After they were locked into the rear holding area, he and Nick walked away from the car toward the porch.
“That stupid bastard was going to shoot you. Is there something else I don’t want to know about g
oing on, Nick?”
“Unfortunately, yes. We’re closing in on Fontaine for terrorism, blackmail, and extortion. I would consider it a great favor if you could find out if Fontaine is in the area and where.”
“I have an idea of how to do just that,” Neil answered. “Is this real with backing or do you have to go solo with your ass in the wind… and mine?”
Nick grinned. “Clear all the way to the President on particulars. Endings will remain a need to know process though. Fontaine sent men to kidnap Jean and her friend Sonny. He wants something from me we think concerning another investigation. I believe he planned to use the kids as leverage. I will be home all day today, so call me anytime if you find out anything. It would be a miracle if that clown Fontaine was actually in the area.”
“Will do, Nick. Do you think these two are just hired guns I have in the car?”
“They were packing with shoot to kill orders by the looks of it. When his men didn’t come back, Fontaine may have let his survival instinct kick in. I have a feeling we would not have fared well if Nadim had cleared his piece.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I brought them along in the squad car with a cage. I’ll get a couple of my guys over to the car for restraining them. Then, I’ll put my Fontaine locater plan to work. You’ve made Pacific Grove into the old Berlin border during the Cold War, my friend.”
“Always remember that we’re the good guys, Neil. I appreciate your help locally, and so does the DOJ. I’m seeing some big promotions coming your way. I’ll keep you out of the nasty part of all this because we can really use your help to continue.”
“You’ll never be just a writer again I assume.”
“Tried it, pal. I’m everything you ever imagined in all your Nick nightmare musings, Neil. Knowing my business can be profitable for you and mildly dangerous. You haven’t indicated which way you want to go yet. I trust your word. In or out, buddy?”
Dickerson hesitated, then shrugged. “I’m in. Fontaine’s men are in hell, aren’t they?”
“Indeed they are. No trace of them will be found. I’m going to DC tomorrow for a couple of important loose ends. There have been potentially devastating terrorist attacks we’ve stopped under the table these past weeks. Fontaine and Senator Diane Cameron had a hand in them.”
“Jesus… what do you want me to do here?”
“Find Fontaine’s whereabouts as you offered. That would be huge.”
“Consider it done. I’ll make sure to send a car around your house every couple of hours looking for suspicious cars or anything else out of place. I’ll hold his guys I have in the car as long as possible. I’m thinking they’ll want to make a call. That’s where we’ll be able to find Fontaine. Whatever lawyer they call will be getting into contact with Fontaine. If I find him I’ll call right away.”
“Thanks. Things may quiet down soon for an extended period of peace,” Nick replied.
“It’s mean promising things you can’t deliver, Nick.”
“That’s very cynical of you, Neil.”
* * *
Nick found his family and friends flocked around the monitors on the inside of the patio entrance. “I see you all know what’s going on already. It’s another unquiet day in the neighborhood.”
“If Neil can find Fontaine for you, will you be postponing the trip to DC,” Gus asked.
“No. There’s too much riding on the DC trip. If I can get him before DC, I’d be on it fast and furious. I have a theory about what Fontaine wanted from me I’d like to confirm in person with him prior to DC because it wouldn’t matter much after DC. As you saw on the monitor, Fontaine doesn’t want to blackmail me for any nefarious purpose now. He wants me dead before I can arrive to escort him to the pit of hell.”
“Did you break that guy’s wrist with one hand?” Sonny didn’t smile when he asked.
“Yeah, I did, kid. He tipped Fontaine’s intentions when he drew.”
“How did you do that with one hand, Sir?”
“Strength will be the next step in the training plan I promised to help you and Jean with. It’s monotonous and torturous, but it works. I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
Rachel handed Quinn over to Nick. “I’ll fix you a plate. I liked what Neil asked. You won’t ever be just a writer again, will you?”
“He can’t, Momster,” Jean cut in. “Dad has to train us. Our first mission is coming when he gets back from DC. Operation Summer Camp Hell will soon be engaged by Viper and Cracker.”
“I hate that name,” Sonny said.
“I know,” Jean replied. “Maybe next time you get it in your head to brag about beating me at anything, you’ll think twice.”
“What for? I’m already the Cracker. I might as well do whatever I want to do.”
“Cracker’s a great tag, Sonny,” Jean said, softening her tone. “I’m going to tag Quinn too. He’ll be Kong.”
“Don’t you dare nickname my baby, Kong!” Rachel grabbed Jean in a headlock. “When I get finished with you, my nickname will be Head Cracker.”
Jean yelped as Rachel began a vicious noogie. “Dad… help meeeeeee…!”
“Sorry, Viper. It appears you’ve journeyed into retribution land. I’ll pray for your safe return.”
* * *
“He’s in DC, Nick,” Dickerson said. “He’s staying at the Ritz-Carlton Presidential Suite. The lawyer called him the moment he got off the phone with the brothers. I have no way of knowing if it’s him for certain. I thought of checking the registration but I figured I could cause you problems if I did.”
“You did great, Neil. I’ll handle it from there. Thank you.”
“Good luck. The lawyer will spring the brothers in a few more moments. Anything you’d like me to do about that? I can probably delay the lawyer getting in to see them for a while.”
“No. Let the lawyer right in. If you’d note down all the lawyer’s information as you can I’d appreciate it.”
“Will do. Bye Nick.”
“Bye.” Nick smiled. Omar, my friend, you and I have a date.
Nick called Paul Gilbrech. “He’s at the Ritz in DC. Any news?”
“We closed all the threads, Nick. There’s no doubt he’s buying Congress, one member at a time. The ones he can’t buy, he’s blackmailing or threatening, all through third party people. No one wants him arrested, detained, or questioned. The Ritz would be a wonderful place to die, Nick. A splash like a gangland hit is what is desired. Are you still interested?”
“Absolutely. Will you be able to smooth over the Ritz people somehow? I’m sure he has bodyguards. I’ll have to do this messy in there.”
“You get it done. I’ll handle the rest. Do you want to do it before the Cameron Meeting?
“I need him dead during my negotiation, so it will be before.”
“Outstanding.”
* * *
“This is Ken Carter,” Clyde said as stocky gray-haired man in a suit joined them with a slight smile. “Paul trusts him with anything. He’ll keep an eye on Salvatore and whatever else we need done.”
“Hi Nick. I’ve heard a lot about you from Paul. He and I go back a long way.” Ken shook Nick’s extended hand. “Is this the gentleman you would like me to look after?”
“Nice to meet you, Ken. Yeah, this is Phil. I’m glad you could join us.”
“I know Washington like the back of my hand,” Phil complained. “I don’t need a guide. I’ll be fine. I need to get in touch with a few old friends.”
“No phones, no contact at all, Ken,” Nick said, ignoring Phil. “I want him held incommunicado until we return home.”
“Understood. He and I will be fine.”
“You’re not listening. I’m not-”
Ken grabbed Phil by the throat, lifting Salvatore onto his tiptoes. He stared into his eyes from inches away. “Listen closely, Sir. This is not a game. Your business is completed today. I will look after you this afternoon until your meeting later. Nick will then bring you back to me again after t
he meeting. You will be incommunicado or adjusted in painful ways. You and I can be friends or I can show you some very bad ways to pass the time until you go home. Your choice. Understand now?”
Ken eased enough on Phil’s throat for Salvatore to choke out enthusiastic agreement and understanding. “Very good, Mr. Salvatore. Have a seat on the sofa over there in silence. Hand me everything of an electronic nature right now.”
Salvatore handed over everything as ordered and sat down as Ken requested.
Ken walked over to the apartment’s sofa on the opposite end of Phil. “Good luck, guys.”
“Thanks, Ken,” Nick replied. “We should be back here in a few hours. Can we bring you back anything?”
“No, I’ll be fine. If I get hungry, I’ll order room service. I know all the personnel here from the maids to management. Are you expecting anyone?”
“Not a soul.”
“No visitors then. See you later.”
* * *
In the apartment hallway, Nick turned to Clyde. “Paul sent the right guy. Do you understand what I have to do at the Ritz this afternoon?”
“I do. We’ve confirmed Fontaine’s in the apartment with two bodyguards. What would you like me to do?”
“When I get down, we’ll have to make a hasty exit. I’ll need you ready to flash ID and badge in case more noise gets made in the apartment than I’m anticipating.”
Clyde handed Nick an envelope. “Here’s your Ritz-Carlton security identification. I have the security cams on all the floors ready to glitch for half an hour in which time there will be commotion when the real security people start going nuts.”
“Perfect. When I get in there I have to ask a question so the half hour will be nice. Is Paul planning on letting Homeland hit the place after I do?”
“He’s hoping to get them in there within fifteen minutes of you leaving. Have you given any thought of what to do if this goes sideways, Nick?”
“Yep. I brought a grenade.”
Clyde’s eyes widened until he saw Nick grin. “Not funny, Muerto.”
Chapter Thirteen
Omar Fontaine and Enablers
Nightmare in Red Page 30