It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were witness to a deal struck between Nikola Stanković and Larry, whereby Stanković would give Larry some information on illegal activities that Lazar Popovic is doing. Larry would then arrest Popovic, removing he and Andrew’s concern about Popovic having them shot. In return, Nikola Stanković would be free to control the state of Nevada. The Lieutenant seemed to be ignoring the whole conversation, but Larry knew he was just setting up a deniable plausibly situation. So now, Nikola Stanković has given Larry the information to go ahead and get a warrant for Popovic’s arrest. Larry, Andrew, and the Lieutenant and ten SWAT team members are closing in on a warehouse where Popovic is supposedly directing a shipment of drugs to the East Coast. I think we better join the team, so we don’t miss anything.

“Okay, so Larry and Andrew, I think you two ought to stay out here. I don’t want you to get hurt. These guys aren’t going to give up easily. Our intel says these are not nice people.”

“I understand your concern, lieutenant, but speaking for myself, I want to go in with you.”

“Same here, Lieutenant.”

“Too bad I don’t have a liability release form here I would make you both sign it.”

“That’s pretty funny. So, how’s this going down?”

“Our tactical guys will go through the door and hit the group with some stun grenades. Hopefully, no one will feel like shooting.”

“We want Popovic alive. I have a few questions for him.”

“If all goes well, we will have everyone alive, and you can ask all the questions you want.”

“Sounds good. When do we start?”

“Let me raise the team. Team black. Radio check. Good, all present. We are going to execute the plan on my mark. We want everyone alive and safe, so be careful. Alright, we will commence in one minute. Stand by. Black leader out. You two will stay behind me agreed?”

“Yes, boss.”

“Good. We are ready. Black team, on my mark three two one, execute, execute, execute.”

“Holy crap, Larry, we are really doing this?”

“You had a chance to boogie.”

“You know I wouldn’t do that.”

“You two knock it off and stay with me.”

“Yes, boss.”

“The tactical team is inside, and the grenades have been deployed. Let’s go.”

“Right behind you.”

“The reports are good. We have ten suspects and no shots fired. I think you have all your witnesses.”

“Did we get Popovic?”

“We are here. Let’s find out. Okay, everyone. Keep your hands on your heads. which one of you is Lazar Popovic.”

“I am Lazar Popovic. What is the meaning of this outrage?”

“You and your team are under arrest on suspicion of transporting illegal drugs. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”

“Yes, I do. What the hell is going on here?”

“I just told you.”

“Drugs? I don’t know anything about drugs. I’m an honest businessman. This is my distribution center, and I would like you all to leave.”

“Sorry, Lazar. We can’t do that. We have a warrant to search the place.”

“For these so-called drugs?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Okay, then. I will need to have my lawyer with me before I say more.”

“That is your right, sir. Please put your hands behind you.”

“You are going to cuff me then?”

“Yes, sir. We are also going to restrain your team.”

“Everyone be quiet. I have a lawyer coming.”

“Did you call him already?”

“No. Can I make the call?”

“Of course.”

“You. Are the nicest cop. Who are these guys in baggy suits?”

“Two associates from Boston.”

“Yeah, they look like out of towners for sure. I’ll just be a minute. My phone is in my pocket. I would like to get it.”

“Let me help you. Here it is. Make the call, then I’ll cuff you.”

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned from Nikola Stanković (A dominant Serbian underworld boss) that Lazar Popović (Another Serbian underworld boss) may be behind the attempts on Larry and Andrew’s life. We also found out that Lazar Popović’s sister was married to Igor Sandusky. So now that we have so many names we can’t pronounce, we should get on with the story. The gang has had their second drink of Stanković’s private vodka stock, so it looks like they are getting down to business.

 

“So, Mr. Dunfee, I have a proposal for you.”

“I’m all ears, Mr. Stanković.”

“Ha. ‘All ears.’ One of those American idioms, Yes?”

“Yes, sir. Means I’m listening.”

“Okay, then. You have a major enemy in Lazar Popović, yes?”

“I only have your word for that.”

“You. Can trust my word.”

“Okay, let’s just say that Lazar Popović is trying to kill Andrew and me for reasons unknown.”

“Good. Now let’s say Lazar Popović has some problem with the law, Yes?”

“Problem? What kind of problem?”

“Oh, maybe he is caught trying to distribute some illegal drugs or something like that.”

“How would we find out about illegal drugs?”

“Well, let’s assume you have a friend that has that information and can pass it to you.”

“Do you know such a friend?”

“It all depends.”

“On what?”

“On how much that friend can trust that you and your team will make a good case against Lazar Popović.”

“You know we will need probable cause to even enter a facility.”

“I’m pretty sure I will be able to supply that as you say, ‘probable cause. I know someone who is working for Lazar Popović who would be willing to exercise his good citizenship by coming forward at the right time to provide an eyewitness account of the illegal activities.”

“A solid citizen?”

“But of course.”

“What do you get out of all this?”

“An excellent question, my friend. I mentioned that an enemy of Lazar Popovic is a friend of mine, yes?”

“You did say that.”

“So, without Lazar Popović messing in my business, I stand to control all of Nevada.”

“Please don’t tell me what that means.”

“Ha. You are a knowledgeable man, Mr. Dunfee. Do we have a deal?”

“What about you, Lieutenant. You’ve been pretty quiet.”

“What did you say, Larry. I’m sorry, but I haven’t been paying attention. Sure, I’ll have another drink.”

“Okay. I get it. I guess we have nothing to lose Mr. Stanković. Let’s do it.”

“Ah, my friend. You will not be sorry. Here let me fill your glass.”

 

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that one of the hitmen after Larry and Andrew is a former Serbian secret service guy. The lieutenant knows a guy who is a Serbian crime lord. The Lieutenant doesn’t think the guy is involved but might know something. He and our guys were just getting ready to leave when the Major of the highway patrol came in.  He reported that there is a rumor on the street of a contract on Larry and Andrew but nothing concrete. Let’s catch up with the Lieutenant, Larry and, Andrew as they arrive at the location of the Serbian crime lord’s place.

 

“I’m glad the Major decided not to come. I think it would have spooked my guy?”

“You have a name for this guy?”

“Nikola Stanković. Of course, this would be like John Smith here.”

“Popular name in Serbia.”

“The most popular.”

“Could be a fake.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me. Let me do the talking. These guys know me.”

“You hang around them a lot?”

“No, but I have put a number behind bars, and as Nikola once said, “Mrzim te, ali imaš čast.”

“Okay. I’ll bite.”

“I hate you, but you have honor.”

“Well, that is a happy note.”

“I hear someone coming to the door. Stand back, we don’t want to spook him.”

“Da?”

“Hello. My name is Lieutenant Mayfield with two friends, and we would like to see Mr. Stanković.”

“You have appointment, yes?”

“Well, we don’t have an appointment, but as an old friend, I’m sure he will see us.”

“Here, you wait.”

“How tall is that guy anyway?”

“I would say six-feet ten. Not one to mess with for sure. Here he comes.”

“Mr. Stanković will see you. Hands above your head.”

“Just do as he says. He will take your weapon, but from experience, I always get it back.”

“Be careful with that, Boris?”

“Not Boris. Vlado. Follow me.”

“These guys have a minimal sense of humor, Larry. Let me do the talking.”

“Ah, humor. Boris funny guy in Serbia. How you say funny stuff?”

“Comedy?”

“Da. Good joke, he does. Count of Serbs to kill vodka bottle?”

“Okay, Vlado. How many?”

“None.”

“None?”

“They drink bottle. Only kill people.”

“Okay, then. That was a good one.”

“Here, wait. Mr. Stanković comes.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week our heroes with a police escort began their trip to the airport. As luck would have it, there was some kind of ambush set up, which was interrupted by the State patrol. By the sounds of it, there was a big shoot-out. The escort thinks it is better to head back to SWAT headquarters until everything is sorted out. I see the group is at the headquarters, so let’s go there and see what the next move is going to be.

“Right in here, gentlemen.”

“Thanks, Sarg. Is the lieutenant here?”

“Let me go check. He’s not answering his comm. I’ll just be a second. Please have a seat.”

“This looks like their war room, Larry.”

“Yeah, I think that is what it is. What do you suppose is going on?”

“I think a bunch of folks want us dead. That’s what is going on.”

“Never in my life have I dodged so many close calls.”

“Well, the keyword is ‘dodged.’ As long as you are doing that, you are okay.”

“Gentlemen.”

“Lieutenant. Nice to see you again.”

“It is especially nice to see you both, detective.”

“What is going on?”

“Good question. We are running the prints and facial rec on the dead guys. The survivor is heading for the lock-up, but so far, he’s not talking. He gave a name, but we think it’s a phony. In any case, we think these guys are pros from out of town.”

“Looks like the same situation as when we arrived.”

“You don’t have many friends in Reno that’s for sure.”

“Any way to trace these guys to Cortez?”

“Not sure right now. I’ll tell you what, though?”

“What?”

“I’m pretty doubtful Cortez would hire outside help. His guys are about the best there is. I can’t believe he would want to risk having the job mishandled if he was behind it. I’m sure if it was Cortez, we would be zipping up the body bags and shipping them to Boston instead of chatting here.”

“So, who do you think is behind all this.”

“I’m going to reserve my judgment until we find out what the prisoner has to say.”

“You think he will talk?”

“If we give him some kind of deal, he will. Hold on, I got to get this. Yeah, Mayfield here. No shit. Uh-huh. Damn. Okay, thanks for letting me know. Mayfield clear.”

“A problem, Lieutenant?”

“The prisoner just took something, and it looks like he’s dead.”

“How can that be?”

“Looks like he had some poison, and he used it.”

“How often does that happen?”

“In spy novels all the time. Here not so much.”

“You would think we could catch a break.”

“Well, detective. The fact that you are still alive is a break. I think these guys are operatives at a different level, and we need to get to the bottom of this. You two are going to need round the clock protection.”

“How about we help with the case? Could kill two birds with one stone.”

“Interesting choice of words, detective, but I think it will work. Let’s coordinate with the State patrol and get a plan together. In the meantime, how about some coffee?”

“Sounds good. Everyone would expect that offer to come up sooner or later.”

“Huh?”

“Private joke, Lieutenant. Let’s get to work.”