Tonton (A Hunter Kincaid Novel)

Alonso, said, “He didn’t talk to us, and the Sheriff didn’t say. But he was dropped off in a helicopter, a fancy one. It was black.”

Hunter looked at Gary, “A helicopter.”

Gary said, “No tracks.”

Hunter walked toward the Jeep. “I can’t wait to hear what Danny has to say.”

Gary said, “That better be some good coffee he’s brewing or we’ll walk out when the politically correct talk starts. I’ll stay a little longer if the coffee’s good.”

“I hear that.”

The Sheriff was good at his word and had a fresh pot of coffee finishing when the two Border Patrol Agents walked into his office.

Danny said, “There’s your cups, and Hunter, you know where the cream and sugar is. Help yourselves.”

Hunter said, “You’re letting us use your real coffee cups? Wow, this is gonna be some story.”

Danny shook his head. “You’re giving me a migraine, Kincaid.”

When they were seated, Danny said, “You didn’t recognize him, did you?”

Hunter and Gary shook their heads. Hunter said, “Who is he?”

“His name is Lincoln Jones. He’s made a lot of money, mostly from the large amount of stock he bought early on in both Microsoft and Apple. He keeps his face out of the news, and has for the last two decades. Before that, he was overseas for the CIA, evidently did some heavy espionage work for years.”

Gary said, “I think I remember that name from way back, in Grenada maybe.”

Danny said, “You’ve got a good memory.”

Gary said, “I was there.”

Danny said, “He was a Marine at that time, and did some heroics that were played up in the press. He has the Navy Cross and two Purple Hearts.”

“That deserves some respect.” Gary said.

Hunter said, “Why are you suddenly his chauffeur?”

Danny put his cup down, walked around his desk and closed the door. “Because I got a call from the White House.”

Hunter said, “What did they say?”

“They asked me to extend every courtesy to Mr. Jones.”

“That was good enough for you?”

Danny sighed, “Hunter, everything’s not black or white like you think.”

Gary asked, “What’s he doing in Presidio County at a murder scene?”

Danny said, “The murdered man is his stepson.”

Hunter said, “I feel like such an ass.”

“You don’t have to. He said he liked your attitude, said you were protective of your organization and your friends, and he admired that in you.”

“I’ll be. I will apologize to him if we meet again.”

Danny said, “You’ll get your chance. He wants you to meet him in El Paso tomorrow.”