Hard Case VI: The Killer Inside (John Harding Book 6) Read Free Page A

would get messy. We needed a statement made. No one comes for our loved ones… no one. If the Mob does anything other than what Gus orders it too, they’ll disappear. These outside the law adjustments are an inexact science. I admit you caught T and I by surprise, but what happened to the Mob will be streaking through the city grapevine by tomorrow, including the disappearance of Jeron Thomas. I’m sure he’ll have family looking for payback or someone to blame because poor old Jeron’s been a murderous thug since he was in diapers. Boo hoo. Jess’s Mom, Flo, is worth a thousand of those gangbangin’ bastards. You fixed Jeron real nice, Crue.”
    “Thanks. You won’t let T ban me, will you?”
    I chuckled. Like she’d listen even if he did. “He’ll get over it. We’ll have to stay on the down low for a while. We had to handle this in too much of a messy open way. The politicians and police will be under pressure to do something about the vicious Oaktown Cartel.”
    “The only witnesses will be gangbangers. If they cause trouble, we’ll do them like they do innocent citizens. They’ll never make it to court. I can’t believe tomorrow is Al’s last soccer game for the season.”
    “At least we could be helpers, and not have to get involved in running the team. It’s more fun as a spectator. Besides, we worked with Al privately anyway. You’re damn good at soccer. You should have been a coach.”
    “Maybe when Clint Jr. gets of age. Is it against nature to talk Mommy and Daddy issues after I slit a guy’s throat, and you maimed four others?”
    “I don’t know. Do you care?”
    “Nope. I was wondering if I should.”
    Now that was funny. “We pretend a lot. It’s part of the game where we offer our human mask for people to see rather than our monster mask.”
    “What time’s the game tomorrow? I forgot to check the schedule.”
    “It’s at one,” I replied. “Al has to be there by 12:30 though.”
    “Are you making a pilgrimage to The Warehouse tonight?”
    “I’d like to, but it’s late. Lora will be waiting for me. She probably let Al talk her into allowing the little extortionist to stay up late too because the game’s not until one. It’s Friday night, so I guess it’s no big deal. Al might even sleep in for a change.”
    “Uh oh, planning on some morning delight, huh? Since Clint Jr’s been sleeping all night lately, it’s been easier on Clint and I. He jumps faster at the first sound on our Nanny Cam than I can even think. Clint said you’re fighting some guy named the Berserker in Las Vegas.”
    “Maybe. That one’s in the air. He’s the number one contender. His opponent dropped out due to a training camp injury. The UFC and Berserker’s handler asked Tommy if I would fill in on short notice. If I do, I’ll probably be sleeping on the couch for the next month.”
    “La Lora has been getting awful feisty lately with the disapproval tirades. Is there something that I, your unappreciated adopted sister, can help with?”
    “Not really, Sis. You know how it is. Two people don’t always see eye to eye. I listen and reason with her, but we don’t have the option of unarmed combat like you and Clint.”
    Lynn frowned. “The prick always beats me, but it does get rid of any tension building up. I don’t know what Clint Jr will think about it as he gets older.”
    “Just so you’re not Tasing my partner, Clint, I think Clint Jr will understand. I think I like Lora’s small acts of disapproval more than if I had to come home like Clint, watching around every corner for an attack.”
    “It keeps him sharp.”
    “I’ll bet.”
    “Do you think we’re done? I’m going to grab Clint and head for home. Dannie and Amara are watching movies tonight while watching Clint Jr and Tonto. I figure we should relieve them of their duties before it gets any later.”
    “Sure, go ahead. Has Amara decided what she wants to do?”
    Lynn looked away guiltily. “I think I may have