Death in Her Eyes (A Mac Everett Mystery Book 1) by Nick Vellis Read Free Book Online

on someone in the can?” Ted asked.
    “Naw, just a garden variety shake down on some swell. You know these country club cowboys,” I replied. I’m always careful to protect my client’s name and steer people away from their identity. “Is Marco here today?”
    “Yeah, he’s in the back. Come on. We’ll get some breakfast and you can let Marco know what you want.”
    Ted took me to the cook line. Marco acknowledged me with a nod, always the circumspect fixer. I asked for a western omelet and a waffle and gave him a knowing nod. Ten minutes later, I was sitting down to a full breakfast and coffee while my buddy Ted had some bacon and Danish with his coffee.
    “So what are you up to, Mac?” Ted asked, as we got ready to dig in. He gave me a casual look and smiled.
    “Just a job,” I replied. I hadn’t had a decent meal in a while and my night off from booze had left me starving. “Someone’s trying to put the squeeze on someone else. You know, the usual.”
    “You look different. You take your razor out of retirement?”
    “Very funny,” I replied. “Ah, I’m going to be interviewing some hot shots, so I thought I’d go conventional for a while.”
    “No good can come of you mixing with the rich and famous,” he laughed.
    I chuckled too. He was probably right.
    “If you’re serious about cleaning up your act though, you should get some clean clothes and a haircut. No self-respecting businessman will talk to a rumpled, ponytailed, dirt bag like you. You look like a crack head.”
    “Thanks. I love you too.” He was right. I looked like Fido’s ass. You don’t know a good barber do you?” I asked sheepishly. It had been a long time between trips to the barber pole.
    Ted gave me the name of his barbershop on East Colonial. We traded barbs between idle chatter, and eating until Marco appeared from the back.
    “You two have some business,” Ted said. “I need to get back to work anyway. Good to see you, Mac. Check with me before you leave, oh, and the breakfast is on me.”
    I thanked my friend after an attempt to refuse his freebie, but I knew it wouldn’t work. Ted excused himself while Marco got a cup of coffee. He came back with a cup and sat down.
    “So how’s it hangin’ Mac?” Marco asked.
    “Good Marco. You?”
    “I’m happy. Working too much, but happy. What I make here and my county pension, I’m able to help my grandson with school. He’s going to be a doctor and he’s going to graduate without being in debt.”
    Having his grandson make something of himself was a source of pride for Marco. The kid being debt free was a matter of honor. Honor was important. It didn’t hurt that Marco made a bundle dealing in information.
    “That’s great, Marco. Where’s he going to school?”
    “He’s at the University of Miami, first year medical student. His mother and I couldn’t be more proud.”
    “UM! That’s my school. I’m so glad for you. That’s great.”
    “Did you come for the food or a social call?” he asked.
    Both unfortunately,” I replied. “I need some…”
    “You need some information on a big wig… some high roller got himself in some trouble. What’s the scam?”
    “Blackmail, but how did you know?”
    “It’s my business to know.”
    “Yeah, but I just got the gig late yesterday. How did…”
    “The busboy heard you talking to Mr. Graves about a shake down on some rich guy. You know I hear everything.”
    He was smiling. He liked to show off, but never rubbed it in, at least not with me. Note to self, shut your damn mouth, I thought to myself.
    “Right I’ll have to remember that.”
    “Who’s the mark?” He asked as he took a sip of coffee.
    “General Martin Hunt and his son Cary,” I replied. “You did not hear that from me.”
    For a minute, I thought he was going to choke. He sputtered and coughed. When he caught his breath, he blew out a long low whistle and shook his head from side to side in disbelief. “You hit the big time my