Vice Enforcer by S.A. Stovall

Author:S.A. Stovall [Stovall, S.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery/suspense
ISBN: 978-1-64080-124-0
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2018-04-03T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I PARK in front of the Red Roof Inn and stare at the generic cookie-cutter establishment. Better than Noimore, with its seedy businesses and shady practices, but it’s still a lackluster hotel that reeks of mediocrity. I step out of my car and keep my new jacket zipped tight. I’m not a fan of this jacket—too stiff—but it’s thick enough to hide a handgun.

My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen. Miles sent me a message that reads: if something happens, call me. He didn’t want me to go, I could see it in his eyes, but he didn’t try to stop me. Probably for the best. I don’t know how well I would have gotten along with his classmates anyway.

The parking lot has a few bums roaming around, but I ignore them as I walk into the lobby. To my surprise, Shelby is waiting for me, a long coat pulled tight across his large frame, the collar propped up.

He nods to me and then motions to the side door. I follow him out, and instead of going to a room, he takes me to the sidewalk and starts walking toward the outskirts of town. I get nervous—the farther from civilization, the more likely questionable things will happen—but I trust Shelby enough to give him the chance.

We pass an open field of grass lined by trees, and it’s a pleasant evening sight. We continue a few blocks, into residential areas, and the quaint houses ease my anxiety. Shelby is silent, and he walks with stiff, locked legs, like he’s hurting. Makes sense. He should be in the hospital. What little of his skin I see is paler than usual.

I wait.

Finally he says, “What have you found? Do you have any evidence yet?”

“It’s been a week, old man. Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t have this case solved.”

“I don’t have much time.”

“You said you were in danger,” I state, glancing over my shoulder and scanning the pleasant countryside. “What’s going on? Who’s on your trail? Why aren’t you in the hospital?”

Shelby lowers his voice. “I’ve made a lot of enemies, Pierce. Davis didn’t do me any favors when he got us caught. I’m running out of time.”

“What’s going on? Give it to me straight.”

He stops. I follow suit. For a moment we regard each other. “Did the cops send you?” he asks.

“Yeah. A cop asked me to speak with you about your sources. He thinks you’re helping the traffickers.”

“And you’re here for him?”

“Of course not. I don’t trust cops. I came here because things aren’t adding up. You said the cops are in on everything, but I don’t see much evidence. They look busy picking up other criminal offenders. Or are you saying they’re allowing it to happen?”

“That’s not it.”

He doesn’t offer any more information. I step back, frustration eating my thoughts, but the coolness of the night relaxes me. I like the darkness. It’s easier to think. Pulling my jacket close, I glance around for a second time. I can’t see right with a blind eye.

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