“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 going 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?”