“We want everyone to know the boss is over at Story Empire today.”
“You have a link?”
“Here it is. Keep smiling Little One.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we met Vlado who is Nikola Stanković’s bodyguard. He took our hero’s weapons and has escorted them into Stanković’s conference room. By the way, Stanković is one of the most notorious thugs that ever graduated from the Slobodan Milošević school of thugdom. Ooops here he comes. I hope he didn’t hear me.
“Gentlemen. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stanković. I want to introduce a fellow police officer. This is Larry Dunfee, a detective from Boston. Also, with us is his associate Andrew Cummings.”
“Thank you for hosting, Lieutenant. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. What brings two of Boston’s finest into my humble conference room?”
“Well, sir—”
“Excuse me, Larry, but let me outline some background for Mr. Stanković.”
“Oh, sorry, Lieutenant. Go ahead.”
“Larry and Andrew have not been treated very well since they arrived in Reno. They are wondering if you might know of anyone who has a desire to see them depart this vail of tears.”
“Vlad has told me of some attempts on your life, gentlemen. He gave me this information before your arrival. I have since had the opportunity to discuss this matter with some of my associates and can confirm that my organization holds no wish to see you harmed.”
“That is comforting for them to hear.”
“Yes, very comforting.”
“Thank you, Larry. We are also wondering if you may have heard who is behind the attempts on these two men.”
“I have heard some rumors, but first, I must apologize for being rude. I did not offer you, gentlemen, some refreshments. Would you care for some tea, coffee, or perhaps some of the finest vodka from my private stock?”
“I think speaking for my associates, we would love to taste some of your private stock.”
“Ah, excellent. I think you have made the best choice. Here is Vlad with a tray. Please take a glass. Vlad will leave the bottle and some fresh Beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea. You must try it as well. A toast. To new friends.”
“To new friends.”
“Whoa, this is not your average Stoli.”
“I see you know quality, Mr. Dunfee. I like that in a man.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stanković.”
“Now, try this caviar with just a little egg, onion, and a caper.”
“Truly outstanding, sir.”
“Lieutenant. I am impressed with your associates. Another drink and we can get down to business.”
“I think I could get used to this hospitality.”
“I do have an opening on my staff, Mr. Dunfee if you are interested.”
“Thank you, but I have a fulfilling job.”
“Yes, but there are those who want you removed. If you worked for me, all that would go away.”
“So, you know who is trying to ‘remove’ me as you say?”
“Well, as I said, I have heard rumors.”
“Care to share?”
“Does the name Lazar Popović mean anything to you?”
“No. I’ve not heard that name before.”
“His sister was married to Igor Sandusky.”
“I know that name for sure.”
“I thought you would. More vodka?”
“I think I need a clear head. Why is he out to kill us?”
“Maybe you are getting close to something he doesn’t want you to get close to. By the way, any enemy of Lazar Popović is a friend of mine. Na Zdorovie.”
