Silver Bullets by Élmer Mendoza, Mark Fried Read Free Book Online Page B

and holding it in plain view said: The boss doesn’t see garbage. He had turned to stone. He doesn’t? Lefty said, his face suddenly contorted, but he’s the Dumpster himself. The sentry raised the rifle, they heard running boots approaching, soon they had three guards standing before them preparing to shoot. Zelda pushed him toward the street: Let’s go, boss, you don’t want one of these animals filling you full of holes. You’re leaving, Lefty Mendieta, without even saying hello? The Gringo stepped forward with an aggressive grin: Put those down, boys, these people are not from Santiago, but they come in peace. Well, I wouldn’t want to leave without congratulating you, your security squad is spectacular. My man Lefty, whenever it can be of use to you, it’s yours; the boss would be delighted to see you, but he’s not in, can I help out with anything? Just one small thing, Gringo, I’d like him to recommend a supplier of silver bullets. They glared at each other, on the boil, the Gringo’s smile broad and menacing. Are you planning to put away a werewolf or what? No, they raised my budget at headquarters and we thought we’d add a touch of class. I’ll ask him when he gets in and I’ll give you a call, have you got the same number? I hope you haven’t forgotten it. What is well learned is never forgotten. I know you threatened Bruno Canizales over his relationship with Samantha, what time of day did you kill him? Doesn’t Ortega work with you anymore? He was smiling again, he’ll know exactly when, you’re peeing outside the bowl, Lefty, I heard he died in bed from a single shot to the head, you know that isn’t our style. Tell your boss we’ll be back. Come back on Monday if you’d like to tell him yourself.
    They got into the Jetta and drove off in silence. When they passed La Lomita, the detective opened his mouth: They say eating is therapeutic, Zelda looked at him surprised, I’ll buy you an aguachile.
    They went to Roberto’s stand next to the Arts Council and set themselves down on the sidewalk in folding chairs with the Modelo brewery logo amid truck exhaust and rushing pedestrians. Frank Aldana is in Mazatlán, we should bring him in, she said, homosexual romances are passionate and cruel. We will, I don’t want to ask the Mazatlecos to do it for us, they might lock him away for the rest of his days, I have a friend over there who could lend us a hand. Could they bring him to us? No, my dear, you will go and get him. Me? Boss, please, it had better be soon, next Saturday is Rodo’s birthday and I want to spend it with him, don’t be bad. You’ll be back by then. She looked at him with her big eyes: That’s why you took me out for seafood, right? To twist my arm. How could you think such a thing? He’s my boyfriend, couldn’t it be after his birthday? The guy is taking a course with Delfos, the dance company, I phoned the artistic director, she says he’ll be there for several days. What, do you expect him to come back on his own? No, I didn’t say that, do I have to bring him in or just interrogate him? Okay, stop whining, I’ll go with you, we’ll leave early Monday. Why do you do this to me? For police we’re such complainers, aren’t we, nothing makes us happy. Zelda asked for another hibiscus drink. Did you reach the parents? Nobody answered. Briseño doesn’t want us bothering them, so let’s pay them a visit this afternoon. Do I have to go with you? No. Boss, it’s just that Rodo wants to go to a movie.
    Cavalry charge. It was Laura. Do you know that Paola Rodríguez is dead? Oh, yeah? When did you find out? I just heard, we’re in Navolato, leaving the cemetery. What did they tell you?That she committed suicide. Oh. Listen, as far as I’m concerned she was the one who killed Bruno, she did it for revenge and to make good on her threat; I heard the wake is being held at the San Chelín on Zapata, in case you want to drop by. Are you going? Absolutely not. What’s the