Tales Of The Sazi 02 - Moon's Web (9 page)

"Rounded up all the usual suspects, huh? Fine. But that still doesn't explain why you don't want Carmine's help. He's got a lot of resources, you know. I know it's probably amazing to you since he's only a human, but he might actually be able to help."

"Knock off the sarcasm. Yes, I know that Carmine's connected. But we can't let him help. It's too dangerous." A short bark of laughter erupted and pulled at the wounds on my neck. "Too dangerous for Carmine? Get real, Bobby! He's a mob boss. I wouldn't worry about him."

The turn signal began to click again as the van eased onto the exit that would take us to the center of town. Carmine lives in the 'burbs. I still didn't know where we were going. Bobby pulled into the nearest shopping center lot and stopped. He shifted into park and put on the emergency brake. Then he turned around in his seat so he could see me.

"Look, Tony. I'm going to level with you. I'll probably get my ass chewed, but so be it. The person took Babs. We don't have many Sazi with that much firepower. The few we have all had unshakable alibis. We're a little afraid that it's one of our agents gone rogue. Several have disappeared lately without the bodies being recovered. A rogue agent will turn Carmine into chopped liver if they don't eat him first. Linda would start a war with the Sazi to avenge him."

"If Babs is dead they might anyway. I mean, she's just their latest toy but she's their toy."

"Precisely. Carmine is too well known not to be noticed if he goes missing. He's too well known not to be noticed if he goes to war. And, if he or Linda bring in boys from other areas, too many people will find out about shape-shifters and the world will destroy us."

"This isn't the days of the Salem witch hunts, Bobby. I adapted to knowing about the Sazi. So would the rest of the world."

"Oh, yeah. We've adapted real well to different cultures since 9/11, haven't we? Ask your average Pakistani cab driver. Or some innocent Arab immigrant who's sitting in Gitmo for no reason— no charges, no accusations." Bobby's eyes were flashing and his voice was harsh. A snowplow noisily scraped by, carving a path around us.

"They can hold him forever that way with the new PATRIOT Act, you know. Maybe he did something. Maybe not. He might have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. But as long as he's deemed a 'security risk,'

he'll sit there until they decide, in their infinite wisdom, to let him go or put him on trial. That's not just my vivid imagination, Tony. It's real. And forever's a long time to us."

Okay, he had me there. I've read some of the case files about the Act. I knew he wasn't kidding.

"Most of the Sazi are just like you, Tony. They didn't ask to be born like this. Those kids you met may be aggressive, but they're not bad kids. They don't deserve to be rounded up like anthrax-ridden cattle and destroyed just because people fear magic. And that's what would happen. You know it!" I thought about it. A group of powerful people who can't be killed, who can mask themselves with illusion so you don't see them go wherever they want to. Wow. Talk about your security risks. Then I imagined the faces of those little kids and thought about what would happen if the troops arrived like they did in Florida with the Cuban kid. Shit. I'm not stupid and I'm not completely heartless. I threw up my hands and was annoyed when Bobby smiled.

"Fine." I snarled, "Maybe I'm willing to admit that one war at a time is all most people can deal with. But do you really think we're going to stop Carmine if he wants to go after Babs?"

"That's why you're going to offer to lead the hunt. Carmine and Linda will let you do your thing. You've always gotten results."

Well, I couldn't argue with that. I'm one of the best at what I do and Carmine knows it. "What if he wants the guy's head on a platter?" My mind switched into business mode.

Bobby's eyes were as cold as his namesake animal's. "We'll give it to him. Whoever it is can't be allowed to live. The execution order's already been issued."

My brows raised a bit. "For a kidnapping? When you don't even know the motive? Isn't that a little extreme?"

"Babs isn't the only one missing, Tony. We think we've got another Sazi serial killer on our hands. And one's more than enough."

« ^ »

Linda spun me around before I could stop her, while I was still gasping for air. I caught the scent of tangy soured milk rise from her. Her eyes matched the surprise and worry.

I was standing on the landing overlooking Carmine Leone's underground war room. I'm not kidding about the

"war" part. A number of men that I knew— and a few I didn't— moved with quick assurance cleaning and loading everything from rifles to shotguns to semi-auto pistols.

A map of the state was unfolded on a large table and was covered with colored push pins. The scent of Vic's VapoRub assaulted my nose. It took me a moment to sort Joey the Snake from the crowd. I hadn't seen Joey since I landed in Chicago.

"Okay, Joey, you take your boys to Riverton. Try to keep a low profile but don't take 'I don't know' for an answer. Capisce?"

"You bet, Boss. And if we find anyone that knows anything, you want them back here, right?" Carmine nodded with a cold light in his eyes. I'd seen that calm fury before. The person he questioned probably wouldn't leave standing.

Linda's voice cut through the din below. "God, Tony! You're bleeding like a stuck pig. What sort of ringer have you been through?"

"I'll heal, Linda."

She summarily ignored me. That's Linda for you. "Carmine, we need some bandages up here. Tony's hurt." Carmine looked up in shock. He was too far away to get the scent but the eyes were enough.

"Tony? How in the hell did you get in here? I've got more guards on this place than Carter's got little liver pills."

Bobby started down the stairs. "I brought him, Carmine. I told you I was bringing you a tracker. Who better?" When my name was mentioned, the room fell silent. All eyes turned on me in disbelief. Sal dropped the pistol frame and cleaning rod in his hands. Louie looked like a statue with a Styrofoam coffee cup frozen near his lip, mid-sip. The last time I'd smelled that much mildew and soured milk, I had to scrub down my refrigerator with baking soda.

Joey was the first to recover. He headed toward me with a broad smile. I could see his hand was raised in his traditional greeting. I did not want him to slap me on the back. I put my hands out in front of me to ward him off.

"No way, Joey. Linda's right about the bleeding part. A handshake will do fine." He stopped as he reached me and dropped the hand altogether. He went serious as he stared at me. I probably did look like shit. "Thought you were dead, man," he said with feeling.

"You were supposed to. That's how it works. Breathe a word of it and you will be." The tone was friendly, but I was serious. "That goes for the rest of you, too."

The remainder of the group suddenly lost interest in me and Bobby, with the exceptions of an occasional small smile or wink toward me. They went back to what they were doing as though we didn't exist, but the banter was a lot less tense. I had to admit I was flattered. I just hoped that nobody would end up getting an attack of the running mouth.

Joey nodded in acceptance and finally held out his hand. "Glad you're not. You're still the best and it looks like we're going to be needing you."

I took the hand and gave it a short shake. "Yeah. Well, I need to talk to Carmine about that." Carmine hadn't greeted me yet because he was on the radio. He was chuckling when he turned around.

"A dog, Tony? A frigging dog?"

I had the good grace to blush. Bobby has an odd sense of humor when it comes to a disguise. When we'd left the parking lot he had decided to take the plowed city streets over the interstate to get to the suburbs and Carmine's house. I had been trying to get Bobby to explain the comment about the "other" Sazi serial killer. He wouldn't budge except to say that Wolven had the situation under control. I got the impression that whoever the "other" serial killer was, he or she was well connected in world politics and was somehow blackmailing the Sazi Council to leave him or her alone.

It was on impulse that I suggested that Bobby turn on State Street. I wanted to drive by Nick's Tavern. The last time I was "alive," I'd left my car there. I knew logically that it wouldn't be there, but I wanted to look anyway. Bobby must have known what I had in mind. He took the turn anyway with a sigh. I wasn't too concerned. The windows of the rental were tinted pretty dark.

Something seemed odd about the block. It took me a moment to decide what was different.

"Where'd the upholstery shop go?" I asked the question out loud, even though I didn't expect Bobby to know.

"Torn down. The Fire Marshall made Jocko install an emergency exit after those nightclub fires back east. He tore down the other shops and put in a parking lot." Hmm. I hadn't known he owned the whole block. Live and learn.

Bobby was concentrating on the icy road, so he didn't notice the tan sedan that drove by going the other direction.

"Shit!" I exclaimed, and ducked my head as we reached the corner of the block. "That's Sommers." Bobby nodded but didn't seem particularly concerned. "He's spending most of his free time at the bar. Thinks you'll show up here." His voice lowered to a sarcastic snarl. "Wonder what would make him think that?" I ignored the dig. "Was that my car in back?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Carmine gave it to him to replace the Lincoln that got trashed at the airport when Leo grabbed Sue. You wouldn't want to see it now. He tore out the front seat."

"Ah, jeez." I exclaimed in disgust. Logically, I knew that Jocko's big frame— a massive 6'8"— wouldn't fit in my Mustang Fastback without removing the seat, but damn it, it was a classic. Bobby turned the van down the alley that fronts the store. I peeked my head up and glanced through the van window as we passed. I couldn't stifle a strangled cough. The front window that had been covered by years of cigarette smoke haze and dirt was sparkling clean. Through the window I could see Jocko polishing the bar. When he turned, I got my second shock. He wore a hairnet around his waist-length black locks and his white apron was clean.

"God, Bobby! What did they do to him?" My voice held equal amounts of disgust and dismay.

"Sommers doesn't believe you're dead, Tony. He got a swarm of agencies to lean on Jocko so he'd squeal where you were. Of course, Jocko doesn't know, but that hasn't stopped the good Lieutenant from making his life hell."

I couldn't think of what to say. There really wasn't anything to say. I mean, it didn't change anything. I couldn't think of any decision I would alter had I known what would happen. Jocko has always lived under the knife. He knew he skirted a bunch of the health and zoning laws. I shouldn't feel responsible— but I did. Another glance behind us cured any soul searching. I dove to the floor and flattened against the carpet. I didn't have time to think about it right then. We'd picked up a tail.

"I see it," Bobby said when I swore and dived. "Just stay down and shut up." The cruiser was following about five car lengths back. If I was a betting man— and I am— I'd bet that Bobby was on a list of "known accomplices" of me, Leo Scapolo and his boys. Since both of us were supposed to have died, Bobby's presence here would be noticed. It probably had been noticed by Sommers. So, I kept my body flat on the floor. Actually, it did feel better on my back that way.

"You know, if you'd teach me that illusion thing where they don't notice me, we could drive like normal people." I whispered the words, in case there was more than a police scanner in that cop car.

"Yeah, right. Like that's going to happen. Maybe if you agree to start playing by the rules you can have some of the toys, Joe. I don't give gasoline to firebugs."

I guess we just agreed not to even speak the old names. Yeah, probably safer.

"What happens when we get to Carmine's then? His boys are going to want to look in the back of the van. Everyone can be bought, Bobby. Leo Scapolo's old lieutenants in Las Vegas probably have a price on my head. And if they don't, Prezza's goons in New Jersey do."

"I said I've got it covered."

Oh, he had it covered all right. It turned out that the clothing I thought I was wearing was a freaking illusion and I was totally naked in the van. That same illusion made me look like a dog to all of Carmine's guards. Bastard! I had to get dressed in a rush before we entered the house, because I was so not going to be naked around my former boss and I am not a dog! I was very displeased with Bobby, although I had to admit to enjoying scaring the crap out of one of the guards by lunging and barking at him when he used the metal detector on me. Bobby convinced them that I had a couple of stray bullets in my "dog" body. I was startled out of my memory as Carmine strode over to me with the weighty blur of a fast moving rhino. He bent down suddenly. He lifted the leg of my pants and let out an exasperated breath when he saw my derringer. He patted the back of my jeans. I let him. He found the Taurus. No problem. I wasn't trying to hide them. He let out a low growl that would do a Sazi proud.

"Jesus! You people are dangerous, Mbutu." He got back on the radio. "Mike. Hey, Mike."

"Yeah, Boss?" came the crackled reply. Hard to get a signal this far underground, even with the best equipment.

"The next time a dog don't pass the wand, you call me before you let it in." I smiled in the silence.

"Uh, sure, Boss."

He waved to the assembled group. "Okay, everyone clear out. Go upstairs and blow off some steam for a while. Nobody leaves until I give the go." The men all looked at each other, not bothering to hide their annoyance.

Carmine glared at them. "You heard me. I gotta talk to these boys before we do anything else. So, go for a swim, bowl a few lines or help yourself to the pool tables. One drink apiece limit and leave the weapons. I still need you all in top shape. Get moving."

A few shrugged and a few rolled their eyes but they put down their guns and left. Bobby remained leaning with crossed arms against the wall. I just tried to stay standing.

Once they filed out the door, Linda latched the deadbolt and came downstairs. I hadn't noticed before how haggard she looked. Her shiny blonde hair hung limply and her normally flawless skin was drawn and grey. The smile she gave me didn't reach her eyes.

She sat down on the couch and Carmine started to join her when he stopped, grabbed a shotgun and tossed it my way fast enough it would have been nearly a blur to a human.

I reached out and snatched it from the air. I probably failed miserably at hiding the stinging in my shoulders. He looked at me for a long moment and nodded.

He sat down next to Linda and patted her knee gently. "I hear you had a little run-in with your pack leader. You ever gonna learn how to shut up and do what you're told, Tony?"

I winced as I set the shotgun back on the table. "I'm working on it. Your enforcers didn't have teeth and claws."

Linda got a pained look when I said that. She'd seen Babs after Bobby knocked her around on the island. But she'd also seen Babs heal wounds that would have laid up a human in ICU for a month. Carmine just pursed his lips and nodded. "So, Tony. Bobby tells me you want to go hunt down this person by yourself?"

I nodded. That's what Bobby and I had agreed to tell him. "You know me, Carmine. Other people are just cannon fodder. I work alone."

He kept nodding. I couldn't quite tell from his scent what he was thinking. The overwhelming wet mist of Linda's sorrow masked everything else in the room. But as I watched, her eyes became an icy blue storm. Linda's like that. She can push through pain with anger and keep moving. She gets dangerous when she's sad: the perfect gun moll. We'd been together for a time but it didn't work out. I don't like to share. Linda prefers frequent threesomes. Babs had been the latest in a string.

"You a cop now? Bobby's a cop. I don't want the law in this. They'd want to catch the person— put him on trial."

"And you want him brought back here to you." It wasn't a question. Carmine has his own version of justice. Not too different from what the Sazi use, really.

Carmine shocked me by shaking his head no. "All I want is the head. Nice, neat and recognizable." He didn't smell like black pepper. He wasn't kidding. "You don't want to watch?"

"No, Tony. I've watched Babs train. She's tough. A real artist. Anyone who took her is out of our league. I won't risk the boys for trash like that. Swear to me that you'll bring me the head and I'll shut down the operation. You'll get your normal fee."

I stared at him for a long moment. I'd been listening to his voice, watching his movements. Carmine's tells were vibrating through the room. I settled my stance and crossed my arms over my chest. My voice was flat and non-negotiable. I needed to toss another chip on the table. "Not good enough." His eyes narrowed and fury grew in his scent. Linda's sudden surprise widened her eyes, and her fingernails dug into her thighs. I could feel Bobby tense behind me. His voice was a little strangled when he spoke.

"Could I talk to you for a minute, Tony?"

I turned and cut him with a stony glare. "No, you can't." Then I turned back to look at Carmine. The only scent that Bobby would be able to get from me was calm and determination.

Carmine stared at me with that cold light in his brown eyes. His big hands were clenched into fists. "My money isn't good enough for you suddenly?"

"It's good— just not enough. This is a big job. You said so yourself. It'll cost extra." Bobby's hand was reaching for me. I saw it in my peripheral vision. I sidestepped his grip, and kept my eyes on Carmine.

"What do you want?" Carmine's voice was carefully neutral. He was realizing that he might not have the better hand, after all. Bobby stopped moving when Carmine spoke. He went back to leaning against the wall, but he was so not happy— just a trigger pull away from being all over me.

I crossed my arms over my chest once more. There was fire in my voice and jalapeños in my scent. "You've got strings at City Hall. I want them pulled— hard. I want everyone off Jocko's back. You find a way to keep that damn Sommers the hell away from Nick's. Jocko guarded my things, helped me escape, and drove his car straight into the junkyard crusher for me. You gave him my ride. That's fine. But it's not enough. If he doesn't want to wash his windows, he shouldn't have to. And get rid of that damned hair net!" Carmine's eyes had lightened in surprise and his mouth opened in shock when I mentioned the net. Linda nodded her head in agreement. "Oh, God! He's right, Carmine. I forgot to tell you about that. When I went to pick up Tony's things, I saw it. Those assholes in County Health made him put all that beautiful hair in a net."