As we left our last chapter, Carnival had just called the Major to check up on me. “Well, I was just calling about some guy that showed up here,” began Carnival, “looks like he works for Victor, but not sure, just wondering what he is doing here.” “None of your business Carnival,” said the Major, “but you leave the Lieutenant alone. Got that? I am sure you recognized Carver is with him, plus Ralph and Frank. The rest are his personal crew.

He works for Victor and is well liked here. He is looking for the people who murdered his friends, and that better not be you. You do not want to deal with the Lieutenant, just a word of caution for you. But you touch him or any of his people, that includes his cats, and you will be dealing with me. You got that clear? Leave him alone.”

“Yeah, got that Major,” he replied, “I was not planning to do anything to him, just wondering if he really was from Victor. Hope he finds the guys he is looking for.” Then the Major hung up. “Well Carnival?” asked his man, “what did he say?” “The guy is from Victor alright,” he said, “we need to lay low on this one so that guy leaves quickly.” “What is his name?” he asked.

“The Lieutenant,” said Carnival, “that is all the Major said. Apparently he is well liked in Victor’s organization and if we touch him then the Major gets involved. By the way, who do you have watching the Lieutenant?” “I hired Walker to watch him for a while,” said Mike. “Walker?” exclaimed Carnival, “he is not part of our organization!” “Yeah, I know, but he works cheap,” said Mike, “and Pat was getting bored watching the guy.”

“You get over there and tell Walker to beat it,” said Carnival, “and you take over for a while. And make sure you do nothing but watch!” “Okay, okay,” said Mike, “I am on my way.” “Walker is usually reliable,” said Dan. “I am glad you said ‘usually’,” said Carnival, “Walker works for the highest bidder, and if anyone else is after this guy, that could mean trouble.” We went back into the office to get something else I had noticed and came back out.

Carver and John were with me, Frank was in the car across the street waiting. Another car had pulled up behind our car just as we came out. “That is him in the middle,” said Walker. A shot rang out and I fell to the ground. Carver had his gun out and shot twice, killing the shooter and driver, which was Walker. A third man got out and started running up an alley with Frank right behind him! Frank caught him quickly and slammed him against a building, putting a gun at his chin.

“Who are you working for man,” said Frank, “talk and live.” “Car, Carnival,” he said shaking, “he hired Walker to do it. I just came for the ride.” Frank pulled him down to the street where Carver was waiting. “Who little man?” he said. “Carnival, he hired Walker, the driver,” he answered, “I did not know we were going to kill the guy, I thought we were just going to watch him.” “The first part was good,” said Carver, “I do not like stories though.”

The man suddenly went limp and Carver wiped the blood off his knife. Mike drove slowly past and saw me lying on the sidewalk and also noticed Walker and friends looked like they were dead. He kept on going until he was safely away, then he went back to Carnival quickly to tell him what happened. “What did I tell you?” asked Carnival, “now we might have the Major coming next, and we do not want that, not now, that could ruin my plans totally.”

He then pulled a gun out of the draw of his desk and shot Mike. He then told Dan to get rid of the body, and fast. He called a couple other men and they hauled the body away. Carnival sat there trying to figure out what to tell the Major, he knew that Major would be calling him, and he was now very nervous. He could see his plans for dominating the drugs in Canada disappearing overnight.

He could tell the Major that Walker does not work for him, so someone else must have hired the guy. It was his only hope. But would the Major believe him? Hmm, maybe he could hand over the guys that killed the lawyer and his wife, that might satisfy the Major too. Or the Lieutenant, if he is still alive. Yeah, that is what he will do…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.