Page 10 of Deadly Target

“So why spend time taking out an agent? That’ll only put more heat on him.”

A cynical chuckle. “He ain’t worried about heat from you guys. He’s got scarier people breathing down his neck. I asked my guy over some raviolis and he said Frankie and Gino need to clear a path for this cartel.”

“Clear a path?”

“They have all the infrastructure the Fifty-seven Gang needs for buying and distributing a wide variety of products to certain clientele, if you get my drift. But it sounds like there’s some high-ranking guy, Fed probably, putting the screws to them.”

Everything in Olivia’s body froze. “Which Fed?”

“I didn’t get a name.”

Of course you didn’t. “I need to know who the target is, Alfie.”

“Look, my guy was getting nervous from all the questions. I didn’t want to blow it and act too interested. Besides, I should be in the know with Gino and Frankie and I ain’t. Didn’t want this guy to figure that out. The hit wasn’t mine, and if I go badgering people to find out the who, what, when, and why, I could end up taking a swim in the Pacific.”

Pushing him farther would be a waste of time and yet her skin crawled and she wanted to hit something over his lack of intel. She’d learned along the way when to press an issue and when to back off. Handling made men like Alfie required finesse and patience. Too bad she had neither at the moment.

“We’re still on for dinner tomorrow night, right?” she asked, even though she already knew they were.

“Of course, doll.”

“I’ll be there. And Alfie?”

“Yeah?”

“You better have a name for me, or I’ll makesureyou take that swim.”