Chapter 14

“So lay it on us,” Riki said. “What’s gone down? Where’s Tolbert?”

Brad looked around before he spoke. Seeing no one close, he began his story.

“I wasn’t there. Boz was—he’s in jail—said there was a drug bust. Don’t know who squealed to the pigs. Anyway, somebody did, and they came in with a SWAT team and caught Ivan with dope. A fresh batch of coke and some pot, too. There weren’t many guys around ‘cause it was late, but I know at least Boz and Ivan and a couple others were busted.”

He looked back and forth between them. “It wasn’t you guys who ratted was it? Boz said he thought you might be plants…you especially, Jerry. I told him no. I’d’ve suspected Riki more.” He glanced at Riki. “You try to look and act too cool to be real.”

Riki bristled. “Don’t try to lay no shit on me, you mother—”

Brad held up a hand. “No, don’t get on my case. I changed that opinion. Still, you weregone when it happened…just a coincidence, I know. I told Boz you were both okay.”