Shadow Of Suspicion (Margot Harris 3)

“Yeah, well, the thing is, some of those people looking to move up don’t really care much about you and I.”

“That’s nice, but how does that help us?”

“We help them out and they forget about us.”

“Help them out how?”

“I was working on that part before you led two cartel gun thugs to my hideout.”

“Look, if you’re looking for a gun thug of your own, I’m not in that business.”

“There are two dead guys up in Riverside that would say different.”

“That was self-defense.”

“It’s all self-defense at this point, but don’t worry, that wasn’t what I wanted from you.”

“Then what do you want?”

“At this point? Just a place to hang out and make a few phone calls.”

“And after that?”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. It’s the cartel, so it’s going to be dirty, but it doesn’t have to be murder dirty.”

“That doesn’t make me feel much better.”

“I figure I’ll do the heavy lifting. Once the new man’s in charge, all it’s going to take is a good word from me on your behalf and this thing will go away.”

“That’s it?”

“Yeah, you’re the old regime's problem and they won’t be around.”

“Sounds too good to be true.”

“Trust me, it ain’t going to be easy. You don’t get to be in charge of a cartel by being a pushover.”

“That’s all good, but you can’t stay here today.”

“Why not?”

“I told someone I’d be out East today and I don’t like the idea of leaving you here.”

“How far east?”

“Past civilization east.”

“Past phone service?”

“No.”

“Actually, that’d be perfect. I’d feel better on the move.”

“You want to ride out there with me?”

“Yeah. I’ll make my calls on the way.”

“You do know I drive a Prius. I can’t exactly hide you in there.”