The Family Business by Pete Eric & Weber Carl

Author:Pete, Eric & Weber, Carl [Pete, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp
Published: 2012-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

LC

27

“Alejandro, we have a problem,” I said plainly, though it took all of my resolve not to fly off the handle. The morning had come without sleep and without news of the Roadster or the truck it was being hauled in. It would be an understatement to say that I was unhappy, but I would keep my rage in check for the time being. At least for now, we would pretend to be gentlemen.

There was a slight hesitation on the line before he said, “What kind of problem?”

“Right after your men made delivery, the truck was hijacked with the car inside it. As you can imagine, I’m not a very happy camper.”

“I am sorry to hear this. Perhaps your misfortune has something to do with my dilemma. I was just going to call you myself,” Alejandro explained. “You see, I haven’t heard from Miguel or my drivers who delivered you the fine automobile last night. Do you know anything of their whereabouts?”

“Your drivers, I have no idea where they are. But I’m sure you can understand that we’ve been a little preoccupied. Especially since I paid for the delivery in full in advance ... as a sign of good faith. Now I find that faith in question, and I have nothing to show for it.”

“And you suspect me or my people of hijacking the truck?”

“As you know, I am not a trusting man, Alejandro. I suspect everyone, and your man Miguel was the only one other than my people to know the route we planned on taking.”

Again he hesitated. I was sure that like me, he was weighing his words carefully for two good reasons. One, we were feeling each other out, getting a sense of the situation before making rash moves. And two, in this post-9/11 world, a man can never be sure whether his lines are being tapped. “I see. Well, have you heard from my man Miguel?”

“As a matter of fact, we have. He’s talking to my son right now.”

“And?”

“We’re still listening to him,” I answered, letting him know Miguel was alive—for now. “We’d like to listen to you, too, if you have something to say.”

“I’m in the dark about this as much as you, Lavernius. But with the loss occurring on your turf, after you took possession, you’re probably best equipped to find the answers you seek.”

“We’re looking into it—and also into the murder of one of my employees last night. A man who worked in my Harlem operation. We called him Pablo. He was killed in front of his family. It’s a very troubling time.”

“My condolences on the loss of your worker, and his family’s loss as well. Speaking of that, has Miguel mentioned mine? The ones that accompanied him? Should I be contacting their families as well?”

“Can’t say, Alejandro. Your guess is as good as mine. Also, can’t say what happened to my cherished Corvette ... yet. Just an unfortunate set of circumstances all around. How about you replace what I lost, or at least refund my money?”

“Ahhh, I cannot do that, my friend.

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