The Whistler (The Whistler #1)(33)

“Indeed it is. Myers knows what he’s talking about, Lacy. These guys are doing some dirty business. Not sure we can prove it, but the evidence is looking stronger. What will McDover say when confronted with all this?”

“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

The door swung open and Hugo appeared. He said, “Sorry I’m late. Another rough night.” He tossed his briefcase on the table and took a sip from a tall coffee. “I would have been here sooner but I’ve been on the phone with a guy who won’t give me his name.”

Geismar nodded, waiting, still holding one of the photos. Lacy said, “Okay?”

“He called first around five this morning, a bit early but I just happened to be awake. Said he worked at the casino and had some information that might be useful. Said he knew we were investigating the tribe and the judge and he could help. I pressed a little and he hung up. About an hour ago, he called again, from a different number, and said he wanted to meet and talk about a deal. I asked what kind of deal and he got pretty vague. He said there was a lot of shady stuff going on and it was just a matter of time before it blew up. He’s a member of the tribe, knows the Chief and the folks who run the casino, and doesn’t want to get caught in the storm when it all hits the fan.”

Hugo was pacing around the room, as was his habit of late. Sitting made him sleepy.

Lacy said, “This could be interesting.”

Geismar fell into his swivel and locked his hands behind his head. “Nothing else?”

“No, but he wants to meet tonight. Said he works a late shift and is not free until after 9:00 p.m.”

“You think he’s for real?” Geismar asked.

“Who knows? He certainly sounded nervous and he used two different phones, probably disposable. He repeatedly asked me about secrecy and wanted to know how we can protect his identity. He said a lot of his people are fed up with the corruption but afraid to talk.”

“Where does he want to meet?” Lacy asked.

“He lives not far from the casino, on the reservation. He said he’ll find a spot and call us when we get close.”

“We gotta be careful here,” Geismar said. “This could be a setup.”

“I don’t think so,” Hugo said. “I got the impression I was talking to a guy who needs help and wants to help.”

“Which cell phone are you using?”

“BJC’s. I know the rules, Boss.”

“Okay, how did he get your number?” Geismar asked. “So far, in this investigation, who have you given your numbers to? Both of you.”

Hugo and Lacy looked at each other and tried to remember. She said, “Myers, Junior Mace, the authorities at the prison, Wilton Mace, Razko’s widow, Al Bennett, the lawyer who ran against McDover five years ago, Naylor at the Gaming Commission, and I think that’s it.”

“That’s all,” Hugo said. “Driving in, I asked myself the same question.”

“Sounds like enough to spring a leak,” Geismar said.

“But none of those people are even remotely involved with Dubose and the corruption,” Lacy said.

“As far as we know,” Hugo said.

“So, you want to go?” Geismar asked.

“Of course we’re going,” Lacy said.

Geismar stood and walked to his narrow window. He said, “This could be the break. Someone on the inside.”

“We’re going,” Lacy said.

“Okay, but please be careful.”

—

They sat in Lacy’s car at the far end of the casino parking lot until almost 11:00 p.m., waiting for the informant to check in. It was a Monday night, a slow evening at the tables and slots. Hugo, of course, catnapped while Lacy was online with her iPad. At 10:56, he called with directions. They left the casino, drove two miles along a dark, narrow, winding road, and stopped at an abandoned metal building. An ancient portable sign informed them that it had once been a bingo hall. One home was visible in the distance. The bright lights of Treasure Key were far away. The night was hot and sticky and thick with mosquitoes. Hugo got out of the car and stretched his legs. At six feet two and two hundred pounds, and still with the all-American’s cockiness, he did not scare easily. Lacy was comforted by his presence. She would not have made the trip alone. Hugo redialed the most recent number but there was no answer.

Something moved in the shadows along the side of the building. “Hello,” Hugo called into the darkness. Lacy got out of the car.

A voice said, “Take a few steps this way.” A silhouette was partially visible and not moving. The man was wearing a cap and the red ember of a cigarette moved back and forth from his mouth. Together they inched forward until he said, “That’s far enough. You’re not going to see my face.”

“Well, I guess you can see ours, right?” Hugo said.

“That’s far enough. You are Mr. Hatch, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Who’s the girl?”

“My name is Lacy Stoltz. We’re colleagues.”

“You didn’t tell me you were bringing a woman out here.”

“You didn’t ask,” Hugo shot back. “She’s my partner and we’re working together.”

“I don’t like this.”