Gus took Nick’s cup. “I’ll be back.”
Nick trekked to where Neil waited. “Hello, Officer Dickerson. How may I assist you?”
Neil gestured at the squad car. “Let’s talk in the car, Nick.”
“Do you want me in the front or the back?”
“Very funny.”
Inside the vehicle Neil waited for Nick to begin the conversation. Nick kept smiling. “Aren’t you going to say something?”
“I texted you the details. What else would you like?”
“A professional assassin contracted by a mobster living on a ‘Mother Ship’ was sent to ace me because his boss, Fernando Carone, wants to build a port connection for illegal trafficking. You found him before he did it. Want to tell me how?”
“Can’t. I only told you about the hitter because until I get Carone shut down, you’ll be in danger. Those ‘bangers being released today, Nano Calista and Doug Morgan, were part of Jay Park’s crew. Carone sent them all in to test the waters for his port plot.”
“Their lawyer, Lance Botorf died yesterday too. His secretary found him early this morning. It seems he died in his sleep. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you, Nick?”
“Why ask me that, Neil? I’ve went over the details of everything you should be concerned with. Let’s focus on going forward. I can’t watch for all the ‘bangers who show up in town, hoping to create extortion rackets and drug outlets. You know now to be observant when strange hoodie idiots frequent the town. We’ll move on Carone as soon as possible. He’s dangerous in more than a few ways.”
“You saved my life again. I know that. Calista and Morgan have already been released. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?”
“Nope. We’re good right now. I may ask you to keep an eye on my homestead soon. Gus, Johnny, Cala, and I will be traveling into the Tahoe area for a time. It’s undecided whether I’ll be taking my family or not.”
“I can do that. What’s with calling Groves, Johnny, and did you three cartoons draft Cala?”
“We’ve been collaborating with another team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their leader’s named John Harding. Johnny loved that robot movie, called-”
“Short Circuit… Johnny Five?” Neil took a moment to enjoy that piece of information. “That…that’s good stuff. I’ve seen John Harding fight in the UFC. Is it the same guy?”
“The very same, and Cala requested a more active role. She’s taking piloting lessons. Cala also has a few other impressive skills.”
“Things seem to be heating to a boiling point around here since you all went on that ill-fated cruise. Did you partner with Harding’s crew on that action? I read where it was heavy combat with pirates.”
“It was heavy combat with Iran backed Isis assholes. There were no survivors… at least on their side. I have a morning’s relaxation to get back to, Neil. Thanks for letting me know about the two ‘bangers being released.”
“No problem. They gave us an address in Salinas. It’s a known gang hangout. I’ll text it to you. They had money for a taxi, so no one met them when they left. I didn’t know if you’d want them followed or not. Now that I know about Carone, maybe I should have.”
“We’ll stay alert. Until Carone’s taken care of, we’ll have to be on guard 24/7. See you later, Neil.”
“Until then.” Neil gave Nick a small wave before getting in his squad car.
Nick rejoined his crew, relating to them the news about Calista and Morgan. Johnny had finished the bird feeding. Jean and Sonny were walking along the coastal path with Deke as Nick sat down. Gus indicated he had the kids on com. “The cops found the lawyer already. I warned Neil to be on his guard until we fix the Carone problem.”
Rachel handed Nick a refilled Irish coffee. “We’re lucky to have Neil.”
“Or he’s lucky to have us,” Gus replied. “Nick’s already saved his bacon numerous times. He’s on the pad.”
“There’s only so much he can do. He knows many times we have actionable intelligence about national security problems. Grace left a text wondering about fallout after the ‘Starlight’ at sea action. I’ll let her and Tim know about our Carone problem. It would be interesting to know if the DOJ has ears on Carone’s ship, Tempest.”
“What’s on for the rest of the day, Muerto,” Johnny asked.
“I’m thinking a cruise possibly tomorrow. With The Tempest parked only five miles off of Point Lobos, we could empty the freezer, and see if we can spot Carone’s pleasure craft.”