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“Talk to me, mother fuckers,” I said.

“You better watch your mouth,” the man walking up behind me said.

I turned to face him, ready to bolt the first chance I got.

“Take it easy. We just want to ask some questions,” he said.

“About what?” I asked, flexing my muscles.

“Afghanistan.” He turned to the other two men. “You two, back in the car,” he commanded.

They obeyed immediately without saying a word.

“What about Afghanistan?” I said. “That was a long time ago.”

“Relax. We don’t have enough proof to take you down in a court of law, at least not here in the States. But we know you were involved with the smuggling. Do you realize how much help you gave the Chinese?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that all before. Believe me. We’re after Melvin. He’s working with someone posing as a journalist.”

“A woman?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“She’s not involved.”

“How do you know?”

“I just do, okay?”

“Are you connected to her?”

“I said she’s not involved. Keep her out of this.”

“Relax, big guy. I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

We locked eyes, neither of us backing down or looking away.

“We want you to help us take down Melvin. Your name will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Hell, we might even throw in an extra incentive for your cooperation.”

I stared at him for a moment longer. “I’ll consider it.”

“You better do it fast. We don’t have a lot of time.”

“Can I go now?”

He stepped aside and waved with his arms. I walked by him and back to the main street. After walking around for half-an-hour to make sure they weren’t following me, I headed back to Rose’s apartment.

We needed to talk.

CHAPTER 28

Warren

I stood outside her door and took a deep breath. She answered after the first knock.