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“I don’t know,” Canidy interrupted. “That’s what I’m telling you. My gut says Nola is more or less on the level with us—as long as it meets his needs. But these new guys…We’re about to add two new unknowns. For all we know, they could be trying to fuck over Frank and he doesn’t even know it.”

Fuller nodded.

“And, if not them, then others,” Canidy said.

“So what do we do?”

“Well, we have to move forward. Otherwise, coming here was a waste of time.”

“Not a complete waste…” Fuller grinned.

“Try to think with your big head, Tubes,” Canidy said. “If these goons even susp

ect you’re having carnal thoughts about their baby sister, that makeshift gallows could get awfully crowded.”

Fuller made a face. “Okay, okay, I get your point. So what now, then?”

“We need a code word for my contingency plan.”

“What’s the contingency?”

“Take this next meeting as an example. We’re talking with the Buda brothers and Nola. And we determine that, despite their profound oaths of being our loyal agents, the bastards are working for the Krauts…Pins on the Map, right?…”

Fuller nodded.

“…and about to burn us. So, one or both of us says the code word, calmly in conversation, then we both silently count to ten—and then we blow away every last one of the two-timing sons of bitches.”

Fuller’s eyes were wide.

“Severe case of lead poisoning?” he said. “That certainly is a definitive contingency plan.”

“Beats hell out of the alternative,” Canidy said.

“Which is?”

“Not having one and getting the shit shot out of us,” Canidy said pointedly. “Or strung up for the seagulls’ entertainment. You wanted to go operational, Tubes. This is what you get. I don’t know about you, but I damn sure plan on going home alive.”

And the sooner, the better, now that I know my goddess is in my castle.

Fuller nodded slowly, then said: “Fins.”

“What?”

“That’s our contingency plan’s code word. Fins.”

“I’m guessing, as in a surfboard’s?” Canidy said drily.

“No. Like a shark’s.”

They came to where Quinta Casa made a T with the intersection of Christoforo Colombo, the street that ran parallel to the northern section of the port.

The horrid smell was not there, and Canidy noticed that the wind had shifted, a fresh breeze was coming in off the sea.

As Canidy started to lead Fuller to the right, he automatically glanced to the left, checking for traffic.

He did a double take and stopped.

Fuller almost ran into the back of him.