“Good one. We’ll hit the warehouse and have our buddy Sidi show us around,” Nick said as he moved aside the dishes to lean toward Rachel.
Rachel moved nearer to Nick although the noise in the restaurant covered everything they said. “I’m not real fond of knowing so much about your business, but I guess it’s necessary this trip. I saw the Daughter of Darkness noticed your man too.”
“She did. I hope the Ghost Tour will get the kids’ minds off my business for a while. I know this is the looniest book tour cover we’ve done yet, but it had to happen fast, and I didn’t want to leave you all in Pacific Grove.”
“Do you want me to make any move for you if we see the two couples you showed us pictures of in the room?”
“Only if it is completely a coincidental happening. I’d be interested in their manner and attitude, but I don’t want you in any long conversations with them. Remember, they hate dogs, so if you take Deke for a walk avoid them if you can. I don’t care about their sensibilities, but I don’t want them hurting Deke’s feelings.”
Rachel laughed. “I’ll remember.”
After Nick paid the bill, his group moved toward the exit while John brushed by Nick on his way to the bar. “I will be out shortly with our guest of honor, Muerto.”
“Be careful, John. Shoot the son of a bitch if he gets violent. We’re covered. If I hear a shot, I’ll rush in with credentials. Clyde will be on State Street waiting for us. Take no chances.”
John grinned. “I will be fine. The Kabong will be helping his new friend to the street soon.”
John moved over to kiss Cala and whisper in her ear. She smiled while giving him a quick hug before following the group out.
Chapter Eight
Altered States
Dabor Sidi sipped his rum and Coke while making eye contact with all the women in the crowded bar area he apprised as likely targets for his glowering disposition. He knew Western women. They pretended superiority, but what they craved was a true master – one who would not permit the foolish mannerisms of equality. He felt a sharp sting on his arm. He turned to swipe at the spot with his hand looking around for what had stung him. Only people, noise, and bustling back and forth crowds surrounded him. Dabor could find no mark so he took a gulp of his drink. Then the room began to blur. A dark figure moved in next to him with smiling face peering into his.
“Hello Dabor, my friend. I am Ebi Zarin.”
“Im…impossible,” Dabor replied squinting at John. “You are dead.”
“I am very much alive, Dabor Sidi. I’m here to help you. I think you may have had too much to drink though. Perhaps if we go outside in the fresh air for a moment it will clear your head so we can talk.”
The room began to swim in gently running colors with faces out of focus. “You know my name. How can you be here? You are listed as dead by the hand of a hated enemy: El Muerto. I…I am… not-”
“Come Dabor, let us go outside where the night air will surely aid your state of mind. We will discuss then how I may assist you. All will be explained.”
Dabor stared blearily at John for a moment before nodding his consent. “Yes… maybe that would be best.”
John helped Sidi to his feet, putting an arm around him in a strong grip while shrugging at the smiling bartender who mouthed a ‘thank you’ at John. Guiding the drugged Sidi took only moments of time with John passing unnoticed through the crowd as he half carried Dabor past the entrance. On the cobblestoned walkways around The Black Rose, Nick and Gus laughingly assisted John, muttering about too much to drink while a black sedan drove alongside the men. Seconds later, they stuffed the nearly unconscious Sidi inside the backseat with John. Gus entered on the other side of Sidi while Nick got in next to Clyde Bacall.
“Very smooth, John,” Nick said. “Any trouble?”
“Not a bit. He recognized my real name so it acted as a point of confusion long enough for me to talk him out of the bar with my help.”
“Are you still certain Sidi was at the warehouse alone, Clyde?”
“Paul requisitioned a satellite pass. Nothing in the above house other than his heat signature leaving the place showed. It has a basement though. We’re unsure whether it’s shielded against detection. We can send in a squad to clear the house before you guys take Sidi in if you want.”
“No, that’s okay. John and I will clear the house with what we have in your trunk. We don’t want anyone else in on this before we find out what’s in the warehouse. We’ll put our surveillance cams on the front entrance so you can watch them wirelessly from the safe-house. I don’t want any indication anyone is around except Sidi in case he gets visitors we don’t know about. Gus will stay in the car with you and Sidi until we give the all clear. Park for a moment while John and I get ready in the first darker unpeopled spot you see.”