The Scorpion Killer: A Thriller by Conrad Conley

Author:Conrad Conley [Conley, Conrad]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Conrad Conley
Published: 2024-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

51

They pulled up to Julio’s apartment complex in the middle of a rundown neighborhood—a place you didn’t want to get caught in after dark.

“Have you been here before? I don’t feel safe, Miles.”

“Yes, I have been here before. I have lived in LA for twenty years. Just act like you own the place, don’t take any shit, and be respectful.”

“Oh, what would I do without you?” jibed Kelly.

“Just stay close to me, Red. What floor is he on?”

“The third floor. Apartment 309.”

They showed the warrant to the manager, and he gave them the key. He didn’t even bother to walk them up. He said if they found a million dollars, they had to whack it up with him. Baxter liked him from the beginning. He was an old Black man with gray hair and a beard. He spoke with a deep southern drawl. What the hell brought him out here? Baxter thought. The sunshine of course.

He knocked hard on the door. “FBI. We have a search warrant. Anybody home?”

“You’re hitting everything hard this morning, huh,” said Kelly as she laughed.

Baxter made no gesture.

“FBI. We’re coming in!”

He entered the key and opened the door quickly. They both had their guns drawn.

Baxter’s gun was like a cannon on wheels. A .44 Magnum leaves no doubt who’s in charge.

“FBI, god damn it! If there’s anybody in this shithole, you better come out with your hands up.”

The apartment was decked out in a 70s motif. There was a green couch, a zebra rug, and more lava lamps than you could shake a stick at. It was swanky chic with a twist of tacky orange. There was a yellow donut phone with the words “Call me baby” written on the side.

Baxter went right and Kelly went left. The apartment was bigger than it appeared. They nodded at each other and did their FBI stuff. Ducking and diving, zigging and zagging, and covering each other. Baxter took more precautions than he normally did with a partner. He didn’t want this one hurt, not one red hair on that gorgeous head.

They met back in the dining room after an initial scour of the place.

“I got first dibs on the platform shoes and the bowling shirts,” said Kelly.

“I don’t think anyone’s here, but I didn’t check the closets. Did you?”

“Are you going to laugh at any of my jokes today?” asked Kelly.

“Look, Kelly. I like you a lot. A heck of a lot but when we are at work, it’s work. It’s not fun time or playtime.”

“Jesus Christ, Miles. Learn how to walk and chew gum, for Christ’s sake,” said Kelly.

Baxter just didn’t want Kelly to feel the sting of the scorpion.

“Did you check the closets?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“What was that?” whispered Baxter.

“What?”

“I heard something in the back bedroom. Stay here.”

“Stay here, my ass. I’ll cover you.”

Baxter cocked the hammer on the .44 Magnum. Kelly followed suit and cocked the hammer on her heater as well.

“There it is again.”

“I heard it. Somebody’s in the bedroom, Miles. Holy shit.”

“Relax, Red,” whispered Baxter.

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