Shadow Of Misgivings (Margot Harris 5)

“I miss plenty, but I didn’t miss that one.”

“You’re right. The deal was with the cartel. Mal thought this guy was operating independently.”

“Why? I’m assuming he’s a pro, so if no one’s paying, why bother?”

“I don’t know, pride? Maybe he sees having a loss on his record as bad for business.”

“That makes some sense. This guy have a name?”

“Mal called him ‘the cowboy’ because he dressed like a cowboy. Other than that, I’ve got nothing.”

Marv leaned back and sighed.

“Sorry. I know that probably wasn’t much help.”

“I know more now than I did when I came in and knowing shit is never a bad thing. I heard one of the things you do now that you’ve gone private is find people.”

“That is one of the services I offer.”

“I heard you were good at it.”

“You heard that?”

“I did. Like I said, knowing shit is a good thing. Is my information accurate?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“Well, I’ve got a person I’d like to find.”

“You want to hire me?”

“No, I want you to do this free because it’s Mal, but I’d understand why you might not want to. Following him hasn’t exactly been good for you.”

“I’m doing fine, but I still have bills to pay.”

“Family discount?”

“We’re not family.”

“You’re more family to Mal than I ever was. We may not be blood, but I’m no stranger walking in off the street.”

“Fine, twenty percent off the normal rate.”

“I figured the family rate was closer to fifty.”

“Are you negotiating with your brother’s life on the line?”

“I’m just asking.”

“Well, don’t. Take the twenty percent or hit the bricks.”

“You’ve got a deal. Where do we start?”

“The last place you saw him.”

“The clubhouse. Do we start tonight?”

“Tomorrow morning. I’m meeting a friend for dinner.”