Killer Charm by Dan Padavona

Author:Dan Padavona [Padavona, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-28T16:00:00+00:00

26

A bead of sweat tried to escape from Martinez's temple as he stood in the entryway of Sam's cabin. He refused to let it emerge. No way he would let this man see his fear. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, feeling the cold metal of the microphone clipped inside. Wolf's voice, refined and chillingly calm, whispered in his earpiece, "Just talk to the man. If anything goes wrong, I’m right outside the door."

Martinez stepped inside. The sooty stench of the woodstove came to him as he crossed the room. The man with the bald head and goatee leaned against a wall, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest. His eyes narrowed as they locked onto Martinez.

"How the hell do you know Sam?"

Time to take the offensive and push back on the interrogation.

“I already told you who I am. Before I say anything else, I want to know who I’m talking to. I expected to find Sam here, not you.”

“You’re brave, I’ll give you that. You can call me Bulldog.”

The name from the dark web forum.

“Never heard Sam mention you.”

“He wouldn’t. So you’re a cop? Tell me why I shouldn’t put a bullet in your head.”

“I've had it with the system. Sam has been pushing me to join for months. It's time for change, and I want in.”

Bulldog's skepticism was obvious, his stare seeming to bore into Martinez's chest. "And why do we need you?"

"Because I know what goes on within the department," Martinez said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I've seen the corruption, the abuse of power. There is no justice. If you’re wealthy and powerful, you can do whatever you please. I want no part in it."

As he spoke, he told Bulldog of misconduct he'd witnessed firsthand: officers taking bribes, planting evidence, and turning a blind eye to violent crimes. At each lie, he wanted to regurgitate.

"Not surprised. But how do I know you're not playing me? You could be a rat for all I know."

“Listen, I put my life on the line by coming here. I'm risking everything to bring about change. You can either trust me or not.”

“I don’t trust you.”

Martinez tapped the gun inside his jacket. “Then we can remove our weapons and open fire. If we’re lucky, one of us will walk away. Either way, the corruption continues, and the Collective loses at least one useful member. It's your call.”

Bulldog studied him for a moment, his icy eyes searching for any hint of deception. Finally, he nodded. "Okay, cop. No sense in resorting to violence. We can have a civil discussion."

Relief washed over Martinez, though he took care not to show it. He'd successfully planted the seeds of doubt regarding his loyalty to the police force, and now all he needed to do was nurture their growth.

"Fine by me. Just tell me how I can help the cause."

Bulldog paced back and forth, his boots thudding against the wooden floor. Martinez perched on the edge of a chair.

"Time's up, Dave," Bulldog said, stopping in his tracks.

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