Nightmare in Red (Nick McCarty #5)

“I agree with Clyde. It’s not bad, Nick. The scene is insane as your friend who doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut says,” Ken added. “The cops will be left with a pile of shit to sort out. The moment they see the only people involved are foreign nationals, they’ll call in Homeland and the FBI. That’s when Paul kicks in the details to fit your scene. I like it.”


“Exactly,” Nick said. “Did you call in to Paul yet? We need to update him and find a safe place to get Clyde worked on.”

“We’re on our way now,” Ken replied. “We called in while you were building your scene. He knows who tipped off Sahraoui too. He said he’ll have the usual suspects ready for whatever scene you create. As to the Senator, the Director hopes you will show restraint in that particular case.”

“I can wait on that particular payment. Clyde is the injured party in this. What do you think, buddy? Want to wait out the Senator for a later date?”

“Anything you do with the Senator on a permanent basis would be messy,” Clyde replied. “I’ll be happy with the payout you acquired from her without permission. Let her get kicked out of office. I’ll watch the news with a smile.”

“What payout?” Phil’s facial features brightened at the mention of a payout. “What was the payout?”

“Your payout is you get to live,” Nick replied. “We can change that payout if you’d like to negotiate.”

“Ah… no, I’m good.”

“A wise decision, Phil.”

*

Lover’s Point at 10 am sparkled under the rare early morning sunshine with balmy temperatures in the sixties. Gus, John, and Nick walked the path down to the stand of trees where the wedding would take place.

“I hope the weather is like this for the wedding,” Gus said. “Are you sure the Kaders are under wraps for the event, Muerto? That was a great idea pushing everything ahead in a couple days since you returned. The wedding planner was shocked.”

“The bonus soothed her hurt feelings about being speeded into action,” Nick replied. “As to the Kaders, we’ve allowed no word to leak concerning when it will take place. It is a temptation not to kill a bunch to give them something else to think about. Once the wedding and reception are over, Bill and Dimah will be moving to his base. The ‘Cleaner’ will be with us. I believe the Kaders will be done.”

“Perhaps Ishmael’s warning from you will ease this insanity from Cala’s family,” John said. “I bet they were really outraged at turning your money offer down and then having their golden goose, Omar Fontaine, found dead by mysterious causes. I cannot believe it will really be happening tomorrow morning. It will be very nice having Bill’s Marine comrades in full dress uniform for the wedding and reception.”

“We flew Bill’s people out in secret. Everyone’s at the Lover’s Point Inn so there won’t be any last minute delays. Even the Marines are on a three day pass,” Nick said. “I believe as the designated father of both brides I have done an exceptional job in making this happen. I didn’t have to kill anyone either.”

“Muerto, you are a true yenta,” Gus said.





Chapter Fourteen


Loose Ends


Nick stepped away from the brides, retreating to an area out of the way after giving Dimah and Cala away. A small group of family and friends joined with the dress uniformed Marines in attendance as audience to the wedding. Sonny acted as ring bearer for both wedding parties as Jean acted out flower girl duties for both. With Gus as John’s best man, Rachel’s Maid of Honor for Dimah and Tina for Cala, only Bill’s Marine best man was the one wedding party representative not a member of Nick’s inner circle.

Nick listened to the vows and heartfelt personal recitals by the grooms and brides with happy acceptance of a nonviolent occasion he mentored from beginning to end. With a perfect morning, rocky coast, Pacific Grove beach scene surrounding the event, the balmy weather added an element quite different from the usual foggy coolness. Joe Montenegro, owner of Monte Café, dressed in the same wedding party tuxedo as Nick moved quietly to stand next to him as the ceremony ended.

“Are you sure you want me to fill in for you, Nick?”

“Yep. I have to look after any outside interruptions that might occur. The reception begins right now over at the catered area you saw near the other stand of trees. Dimah and Cala know to treat you like the Father of the Bride for the reception. Did they finish the nursery addition I ordered for the Café yet?”

“Almost. Does Rachel really want to come back to work the café?”

“She can’t wait, Joe. She’s nuts. Rachel loves working the Café. With the nursery and computer room, she can continue with your permission to work while watching over Jean and Quinn when I’m not around.”

“Thank you for all that, Nick. I don’t know what to say. It will be great to have Rachel working at the café again. I don’t know how to repay you.”

“Filling in here is payment enough. I have to get into character as reception security guard. Enjoy yourself, Joe.”