The Serpent and the Crow

Book 2: Chapter Eight

Wade smoked as he drove to Lake Laconic. There was a cliff face or a steep drop on either side of the road. Jador had a nervous demeanour, checking her weapon and her magazines.

"Are you expecting it to get hairy?"

"Aren't you?" she said, "It's likely our Killer is at Lake Laconic. That's why I chose you."

"Why am I so different from Douglas?"

"No offence to Doug. But, he ain't no killer."

"And I am?"

"Thirty-eight confirmed kills in Iraq. Twenty-nine in Afghanistan. Is it true you hit someone from two miles away?"

"Some say."

"Parts of your career in the Marines are restricted or redacted. You some kind of agent? You knock off a high-value target or something?"

"Some say, you have a record too. Criminal record. Some say you're not only working with Para Los Muertos, but you are Para Los Muertos, or at least you were."

"Some would say there are only killers in this car and killers that can keep a secret."

"What secret would that be?"

"I guess some might say two detectives, one from Solemn and one from Armadillo, went out to Lake Laconic. Although the killer was never captured. Kids stopped going missing. Peace fell upon the valley once more."

"If we do this, then you can count on me."

Jador smiled, "That's why I chose you."