“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.