Mercy

Chapter 50

Peter Buckley listened on his phone for a few minutes. He liked to listen. That was the way one learned things. When you talked, you gave away things.

He said, “Fine. But I want to meet face-to-face and you can give me a fuller briefing. I’ll text you the address. I’ve arranged a place for the very short-term.”

He put his phone back in his pocket and returned to the room where Pine was seated in the chair. They had tied her to it this time, so if any more beatings happened, she wouldn’t fall off it. Britt Spector stood off to one side, watching, a nervous expression on her features.

“Agent Pine,” said Buckley. “The woman you arrested is Dolores Venuti. She is accused, among other things, of kidnapping a child and holding her prisoner.”

Pine said, “I know that.”

“Why do I think Dolores Venuti and Desiree Atkins are one and the same?”

“Think what you want,” replied Pine. “It’s a free country.”

“You won’t confirm it?”

“No.”

“I’ve also heard that Dolores will try to make bail.”

“That’ll never happen. She’s a flight risk.” Pine caught herself a beat too late.

Buckley allowed himself a brief smile. “Right. She’s a flight risk because you told them about what happened in Georgia. Good, thank you for confirming my theory that Dolores and Desiree are one and the same. As for the bail, we will have to see. Court decisions are sometimes unpredictable.”

“Not this time.”

“But if she does make bail I will pay her to tell me what she knows.”

“Desiree hasn’t seen the woman in nearly twenty years. What could she possibly tell you?”

“One never knows until one asks.”

“And if you talk to her, then you’ll just drop me back at the hotel all safe and sound?” said Pine in a blistering tone.

Buckley eyed Spector before answering. “I will give you one more chance to tell me all you know about El Cain. Then, your death is not inevitable. You have my word.”

“Your word? Don’t think so. I pass.”

“Are you sure?”

“What I’m sure of is that I was dead the moment I let your goons get the drop on me. But if you’re going to kill me anyway, you have no reason not to tell me why you want Cain so badly.”

“I told you. She killed someone.”

“But you didn’t tell me who.”

“That is no concern of yours.”

“Come on. I give you my word, I won’t tell anyone. Not that I’ll be able to.”

Buckley hesitated, his mind working rapidly, perhaps too rapidly. “My brother.”

Spector shot him a disapproving look, but said nothing.

“And did he deserve it?”

“Without a doubt he did.”

“So what’s your beef with her, then?”

“He was my family. That’s enough reason for me.”

“I can see how you might think that. But thinking like that tends to get you killed.”

“I like my odds better than yours right now.”

“So when will you know if Desiree makes bail?” she said.

“Soon.”

“Well, I’ve got lots of time then.”

Buckley eyed her closely. “You are brave. I like that in a person.”

“Thanks, now go fuck yourself.”

Spector smiled at this comment, but turned away so Buckley wouldn’t see.

“Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? It is possible that you know a lot more about the matter than Desiree does. I’m a man who prefers as much information as possible.”

“Repeat in your head what I just said to you.”

A visibly frustrated Buckley turned and left, beckoning Spector to join him. Spector eyed Pine for a long moment. Judging by her expression, a number of troubling thoughts were going through her mind. Then she turned and followed Buckley out.