Lie or Die: A Shelby Nichols Adventure (17 page)

“Maybe it would be better for me to tell Dimples,” I said. “Then I could be involved. Otherwise, it might not work.”

Uncle Joey frowned. “How would you do that?” he asked.

“Well,” I took a breath. “Dimples thinks I have premonitions about things, and I could make up something about this drug dealer that would make him check it out.”

“What…like he sells drugs?” Ramos chuckled.

“It’s a little more complicated than that.” I frowned to show my displeasure. “But yeah, basically. It might have to be connected to another case I’m working on with Dimples.” I was already thinking I could tie it into my interview with the undercover FBI agent, and Razor, whom I’d seen at Lanny’s. “But…I’ll figure it out and talk to him this afternoon. Maybe we can bring him in sometime today.”

“You really think that’s going to work?” Uncle Joey said, skeptically.

“Sure. Just tell me his name and where he is.”

Ramos shook his head. “If you show up with a cop, he’s going to be long gone before you can talk to him. I don’t think that will work. I have a better idea.” He turned to Uncle Joey. “How about I pretend I’m an undercover cop, and I grab him?

“Shelby could join me as my partner while I question him. Once Shelby knows who he works for, we could let him go with a warning that we’re watching him, and he’ll think it’s the cops, not us, who are doing the harassing. When he leaves, we could even have someone from the South End trail him to find out where he goes.”

“I like it,” Uncle Joey said. “And following him would get us one step closer to the leader. Shelby?”

I pursed my lips. Ramos had a point, and not involving Dimples was probably a good idea. “Yeah, okay. When do you want to go after him?”

“I’ll call my contact and see where he is right now,” Uncle Joey said, keeping his mind blank. He glanced at me. “Why don’t you wait in the other room until we finalize things?”

“Okay,” I said, slipping from the room. There was a lot about Uncle Joey’s organization I didn’t know, and I was glad to keep it that way.

I wandered down the hall to Jackie’s desk. She sent a piercing glance my way, thinking that if I was still here and unharmed, it must have turned out all right. Good thing, since she liked me.

I smiled at her. “Hey, do you have a Diet Coke around here someplace?” I knew she did since she was thinking about getting one for herself. “I can get you one too, if you like.”

“Sure,” she said. “You know the apartment down the hall, where Ramos stays sometimes? There’s some in the fridge in the kitchen.” She really wanted it with ice in a glass, but that was probably asking too much, so she didn’t say anything.

“Right,” I nodded. “I’ll be back.” I hurried down the hall and opened the door to the apartment. After closing it, I leaned back and let out a sigh, savoring the silence. Privacy and alone time seemed rare these days. The apartment was just as I remembered it. Clean and spotless, but more like a hotel suite than a home. I knew Ramos stayed here a lot, but where did he really live, and what was it like?

I could only imagine it being just like this. He didn’t seem to have a life…only work. The fact that he would go against Uncle Joey for me…well, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. It might help if he knew Uncle Joey cared about me too. But I also knew that sometimes caring wasn’t enough when it came to Uncle Joey. If I had double-crossed him…well, that would be the end, no matter how he felt.

I crossed to the kitchen and opened the cupboards until I found a glass. Then opened the fridge and got out the Cokes and ice. I took my time filling up Jackie’s glass, in no hurry to get back. Waiting for the foam to go down, I wandered over to the huge windows to take in the view. If I could, I’d sit down on the plush couch and be content to watch the world go by. If only life were that simple.

I heard the door open and jerked like I’d been caught doing something wrong. As I turned to leave, Ramos walked in. He narrowed his eyes, wondering what I was doing there.

“Just enjoying the view,” I said. “I mean…I came to get a Diet Coke for me and Jackie, and couldn’t resist looking out the window.”

He smiled, nodding with understanding. “Yeah, it kind of pulls you over, doesn’t it?”

“Uh-huh,” I agreed. “So what’s the verdict? Are we leaving soon?”

“Yeah,” he said. “I need to get ready. Change my clothes. Then we can take off.”

“I’ll get out of your way then.” The changing his clothes part made me nervous, so I hurried past him to the kitchen. He disappeared into the bedroom, and I finished pouring the Coke, grabbed mine, and was out of there in record time. Ramos and I had a relationship that was totally platonic, and I didn’t want to jeopardize that in any way.

Jackie smiled with surprise when I gave her the glass. How did I know? “I thought it would keep cold longer with some ice,” I quickly explained. “But if you prefer, you can take the can, and I’ll drink that.”

“No,” she said. “This is great. Thanks.”

“You bet.” I found a certain satisfaction when I got to use my powers this way. It made me feel good, plus it never hurt to be nice to people.

I moved to the sofa and sat, knowing I’d have to wait a moment for Ramos. Not surprisingly, the beginning of a headache was coming on, so I got some aspirin out of my purse, and washed them down with a swig of coke.

A few minutes later, Ramos came down the hall, and my mouth dropped open in surprise. If I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t have known who he was: wearing a tight, black, sleeveless muscle shirt, worn jeans held up by a studded belt with a skull and crossbones buckle, and a navy bandana covering his hair. His ear had a big diamond stud in it, and his muscled shoulder was covered in a tattoo. To finish it all off, he sported a pair of dark glasses and was chewing on a toothpick. He smirked at my response, and I snapped my mouth shut.

“Nice disguise,” I said, breathlessly. “Is that tattoo real?”

He nodded, thinking it would have been fun to dress me up too, but since I was playing the part of a straight cop, it wasn’t necessary. “Let’s go,” he said. “I’ll explain what’s happening on the way.”

Chapter 10

I followed Ramos to the elevator, grateful I was on his side; otherwise I’d find him totally intimidating. 

“Our guys are keeping watch,” he said. “But I’ll have to drop you off where they’re hiding so you won’t blow my cover. They’re in a building close to where the dealer’s set up shop. Just stay with them until I bring the dealer there.”

“You’re bringing the dealer to the building?” I asked. “How are you going to do that?”

“That’s my problem,” he said, thinking he had a plan and I didn’t need to know. Mostly because I wouldn’t approve. “You just sit tight and wait for me.”

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out into the parking garage. “Over here,” Ramos said, nodding toward the right. I followed him around the corner and jerked to a halt. The only thing in that corner was a flashy black motorcycle.

“That’s yours?” I asked.

“Here.” Ramos tossed me a helmet, which I barely caught. “It might be a little big for you, but we can tighten up the straps.”

“But…my skirt.” Since I was going to court that day, I’d worn my black boots with a black knee-length tiered skirt, a fitted white tee, and a sweet black vest with little chains on it. Around my waist, I wore an elastic black belt that hooked together with a silver buckle. Luckily, since my skirt wasn’t tight, I might be able to straddle the seat without too much leg showing.

Ramos shrugged. “I’ll be sitting in front of you. You’ll be fine. But we need to go before the dealer leaves the area.” He backed the motorcycle out and turned it around.

I slung my purse over my shoulder and stuffed my hair into the back of my shirt before pulling the helmet on. I found the strap, but couldn’t find the snap on the other side.

“Here,” Ramos said. “Let me do it.” He quickly snapped the strap in place and did something that tightened it. “Okay, get on,” he said, scooting forward.

With the big floppy helmet on, I could hardly see out of it, let alone find the foot pedal. How was I supposed to do this in a skirt and keep my dignity?

“Here, give me your hand, and slide your leg through to the other side.” Ramos grabbed my arm to steady me, and I slid my leg over, but then I was stuck. I couldn’t get all the way on. “Grab hold of my shoulders and pull yourself up.”

I did what he said, and managed to get centered, but my feet were dangling, and my skirt was hitched up clear to my thighs. With his hand, Ramos guided my left foot to the pedal, and once I found where it was, I got my other foot situated.

“Ready?” he asked.

“No!” I yelped. “I’ve got to fix my skirt.” I quickly stood on the pedals and with both hands, smoothed my skirt under me and sat, pulling it down my thighs as far as I could. I tucked it under me, hoping the breeze wouldn’t blow it up too much. “Okay, I think I’m ready.”

“Hold on,” Ramos said. He pushed a switch, stepped down on the starter, and the engine revved, sending a ripple of excitement through me. He settled in his seat, and we roared out of the parking garage. I closed my eyes, grabbing Ramos’ waist in a death grip.

We came to a stop, and I cracked my eyes open. We’d only gone from the parking garage to the street, and my heart was pounding to beat the devil.

Ramos glanced over his shoulder. “Put your visor down,” he shouted. “On your helmet.”

“Oh, right.” I flipped the visor down, and Ramos made a right turn into traffic. As we zipped down the street, I decided it was best to keep my eyes open. Since I couldn’t see much anyway, it was better to know what was coming. It kept me from freaking out.

A few minutes later, I started to get the hang of it, and my breathing settled down. I relaxed and let out a breath, finally enjoying the ride. My skirt was flapping in the breeze, but luckily, it was still tucked under enough to be okay. I hoped…since there was no way I was going to let go of Ramos long enough to fix it.

We rounded a corner, and I held on tight, catching my breath. Ramos yelled something over his shoulder, but I couldn’t hear him well enough to understand what he was saying. He yelled again, but I still didn’t get it. Then something strange happened. I could feel the muscles in his stomach wiggling. What was he doing? His shoulders started to twitch, and it finally dawned on me that he was laughing.

“What’s so funny?” I yelled. Of course, with the helmet on, and the visor down, I doubted he could hear me.

About ten minutes later, Ramos turned down an alley that curved around to the back of a building and slowed to a stop, killing the engine. His stomach was still wiggling, so I quickly let go of him and scrambled off the seat. He caught my arm before I fell, and I managed to stand on both my feet with my skirt still intact around me.

Feeling a bit claustrophobic, I tugged at the helmet snap and pulled, but it wouldn’t budge. With the helmet this big, I was ready to try pulling it off any way I could. Totally frustrated, I started tugging at it, but nothing happened.

“Here, let me help you,” Ramos said. With a quick jerk he got the strap undone, and pulled the helmet off my head in one swift move.

My hair was full of static, and it covered my eyes, but I could still see Ramos’ barely contained mirth. Was he laughing at me? I probably looked pretty awful, but still. I shoved my hair back and combed my fingers through to loosen the tangles. “What’s so funny?”

Ramos shook his head. “You. Is that the first time you’ve ever ridden on a motorcycle?”

I wanted to deny it, but he knew it was true. “What gave me away?” I said instead.

He chuckled again, shaking his head. “Babe…I thought you were going to break my ribs.”

“Oh…sorry,” I said.

“It’s okay,” he assured me. “Just don’t hold on so tight on the way back, okay?”

“Yeah, sure.” I could feel my face going red with embarrassment.

Before I could say another word, he handed me the helmet and focused his attention on the building behind us. “Keep hold of this,” he said.

I turned to see what had caught his attention, and found a scary looking dude coming toward us. Ramos faced the man, and his shoulders tightened with tension. The guy did something with his hands, and Ramos suddenly relaxed his stance. He turned back to me. “Come on.” He was thinking something about the South End, so I figured they were with us, and it was all right.

I followed him to the door, and the guy held it open. His clothes were along the same line as what Ramos was wearing, only without the bandana. He was wondering what I was doing there, but since I was with Ramos, it must be okay.

The room we entered was filled with dirty cupboards and rusty filing cabinets. There was a desk in the corner along with a couple of old tattered chairs. Other than that, it was empty. There were two other guys inside, and with the addition of Ramos and me, the room seemed pretty small.

“Is he still there?” Ramos asked.

“Yeah, but not for long. We’d better get over there. He’s got two guys watching his back, so we’ll have to move fast.”

“I’ll approach from the street,” Ramos said. “You know what to do.”

The three guys left in a hurry, and Ramos turned to me. “Wait here.” Without waiting for an answer, he walked out the door. His motorcycle rumbled to life, and I followed the sound until it was indistinguishable.

I frowned, wondering what I was supposed to do if he didn’t come back. This was a side of Ramos I had never seen before. It was like he was in full Metal Gear Solid Mode, and his mind was focused and blank. I had no idea what he planned, or how he planned to do it.

Maybe that was a good thing. Did I really want to know all the gory details? Not really. At least I knew they were going to bring the dealer back here for questioning. I dusted off the nicest looking chair and sat down to wait.

After about ten minutes, I needed to find a bathroom. That Diet Coke had gone right through me, and I instantly regretted drinking it. Maybe there was a bathroom in the building. I found a door along the back wall and turned the handle. It opened, and I took a quick peek to the other side.

I was facing a wall, and to my left and right was a long hallway. Leaving the door ajar behind me, I stepped into the hall, and wandered down until I came to another door. It was locked, so I figured it was another office. I turned back the way I came, and at the end of the hall, I found it. Now if only it worked!

Opening the door, relief swept over me. The place was somewhat dirty, but not as bad as I thought. I flushed the toilet, just to make sure it worked, before wiping it down with a tissue from my purse. I’d learned long ago to keep tissues in my purse, and today was one of those days I was particularly grateful. Still, I didn’t think I’d actually sit on it.

After finishing up, I washed my hands in the sink, drying them with another tissue. I pulled the door open, and took a step into the hallway, but froze. The door down the hall slammed open and a body flew into the hallway. I quickly retreated, knowing I was safer in the bathroom than out there.

“Where is she?” A voice I recognized roared.

I hurried out of the bathroom, just as Ramos raised a fist to hit the guy again. “What’s going on?” I asked, hoping to distract him. Ramos lowered his fist, and glowered at me. Where had I gone? He’d told me to wait.

“Potty break,” I said, motioning behind me. “So…is that him?”

Ramos growled, and dragged the guy back into the room. I followed, but kept my distance. Ramos dumped him unceremoniously into a chair, and cuffed his arms behind him. He glanced at the three South End guys and they left, casting surreptitious glances my way. I caught a stray thought about me and frowned. Of course, the way Ramos had acted probably made it seem like I was his girlfriend, but did they have to think I wasn’t his type? At all?

I closed the door behind me and stayed there, content to keep out of the dealer’s sight and let Ramos handle it. Ramos glanced at me, and I nodded. His questioning began. “The only reason you’re still alive is because I need some answers. If you want to stay that way, you’ll tell me what I need to know.”

“You can’t kill me,” the dealer said. “Cops don’t do that. Either take me in or let me go.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Ramos growled. “Who’d care about another dead dealer found in some back alley or abandoned building? Not anyone I know. I’ll start easy. You’re new in town. Who do you work for?”

He kept his lips pressed together, but I heard the answer clearly.

“Not going to tell me?” Ramos said. “Then how about this. Where are you from? Why are you here?”

Again, he kept his mouth shut, but I heard his answer. Ramos glanced at me, and I nodded. His brows drew together on a frown. How could he let this guy go when he hadn’t answered any of his questions?

“What’s in it for you?” Ramos asked. “Is it worth your life? Or prison? Tell me what you know, and we won’t press charges. You can leave a free man. You see…I’m not after you. It’s the big guy I want. Just tell me what you know, and I’ll let you walk out of here.”

“No,” he said. “Either take me to jail or let me go. I’m not telling you anything.”

“Cut him lose,” I said, knowing what I needed to do. I walked over to him and leaned into his face. “You think you’re so smart, but you listen to me. We’ll be watching you. Every move you make. We’re going to take your boss down, and when we do, he’s going to think it was you who ratted him out. How’s that going to go for you?”

Fear shuddered through him loud and clear. I’d hit a nerve. He was thinking it didn’t matter, because he was leaving this place. The free drugs, the money…all of it just wasn’t worth getting mixed up in this war. The cops had no idea, and he was alive because he’d always known when to check his losses and move on.

I straightened, glancing at Ramos. With reluctance, he undid the cuffs and hauled the dealer out the door by the scruff of his neck. As soon as his feet touched the ground he was up and running. I knew we’d never see him again.

“Did you get the answers?” asked Ramos.

I glanced at him. Until now, we’d been dancing around my secret without admitting it. Once I told him the answers, it meant something would change between us. But since he’d already figured it out, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. I decided to trust him…out loud anyway. “Mostly,” I said.

“Is it Kate?” he asked.

“Nope, at least not that I could tell. Remember the security guy Uncle Joey hired while you were gone looking for Kate?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Doug Carter. He’s the one that left all those bugs.”

“He’s part of it,” I nodded. “But there’s more. There’s someone else, but that’s where it gets tricky. I didn’t get a name, but whoever it is scared the crap out of that guy.”

“Huh,” Ramos said, thinking he had his work cut out for him. “At least we have a name. What about the dealer? Do you think he’ll warn Carter about the cops?”

“No. He’s leaving town. Unless Carter gets to him first.”

Ramos rocked back on his heels. This was serious. “We’d better get back.”

This time, I got on the motorcycle before I put on the helmet. Ramos still had to help me snap the strap, but at least he didn’t have to haul me over the seat. I started out holding onto his waist with gentle pressure until he sped up, and my gut reaction was to squeeze for all I was worth. I felt the wiggling of his stomach, and knew he was laughing again. He’d sped up on purpose. I shook my head, but couldn’t help the smile that creased my lips.