Chapter 13 The Informant

Luke didn't stop him.

David's wife was a drug addict and had likely cheated on him. As a man with normal emotions, he needed an outlet. David carried a ticking time bomb in his heart, and Luke, his partner, knew he could be affected. Letting David vent was the best solution. What could be more suitable than confronting a group of street racers?

David drove up to a bar and blocked several motorcycles with his car.

"Bang!"

The racers, feeling provoked, hurled a beer bottle at the car.

David stepped out. "Who the hell smashed my car with a bottle?"

A bearded man in a skull jacket approached. "You looking to die?"

David flashed his badge. "You looking to go to jail?"

The bearded man laughed. "No offense, officer, but you should get a better car."

The group laughed in agreement.

"Someone reported trouble at this bar. Bearded guy, you're coming with me. The rest of you, scram."

"Take us all or none of us," the bearded man challenged, and the group closed in.

Luke placed a hand on his gun. "Need backup?"

"Where's the fun in that?" David scanned the group, showing no fear. "You want to fight me? Come on, don't hide in the crowd like cowards."

No one moved.

"Whoever beats me down walks free. If I win, you follow me to the station. Deal?"

The bearded man pointed to a curly-haired guy. "Harry, your turn."

Harry took a swig of beer and threw the bottle at David, who dodged. Harry charged, swinging his fist.

"Bang!"

David took the hit, and they grappled. Harry landed a punch on David's face.

"Come on, Harry!" cheered the racers.

David was on the back foot. Luke was ready to intervene but held back, knowing the racers likely had guns.

David shoved Harry away and punched back. Harry, skilled in street fights, kicked David to the ground and kept kicking. David grabbed Harry's leg, threw him, and delivered two elbows to his head, dazing him. David cuffed him.

He lifted Harry up. "You fought well. Now you're coming with me."

A tattooed man tried to intervene.

David barked, "Move."

Luke drew his gun. "Try anything, and you'll get a bullet."

The bearded man pushed the tattooed man aside. "Fair fight. Take him."

David shoved Harry into the car. "Tell your friends about today."

Under the hostile stares of the racers, they drove away.

Luke, driving, asked, "How do you feel?"

David wiped blood from his mouth. "Much better."

"Don't make a habit of it."

David grinned. "You sound like Captain Susan."

"Now I see why she was transferred from Internal Affairs to Robbery and Murder."

"Trying to kiss up to the captain?"

"If you want to get promoted, you need to solve cases and know how to play the game."

"You're learning."

"If you don't change, you'll lose your job."

"I get it. Thanks." David turned to Harry. "Your name's Harry, right?"

"Harry Sabo."

"Congrats on the felony. Your buddies saw it all. Enjoy your skull jacket when you get back."

"I'll thank you from prison."

"Let's talk. Maybe you won't need to go to prison."

Harry looked wary. "I'm not betraying the gang."

"No one's asking you to. I need info on someone."

"Who?"

"Tony Will. Know him?"

Harry thought. "A white guy, fifties, drug addict, lives east of the bar."

"That's him. I need all the details, especially the hidden stuff."

"You arrested me just for that guy?"

"Yes. Help me find him, and you walk free."

"You're crazy."

Luke laughed. "He's right. Do what he says, or you'd be better off in prison."

Harry hesitated. "If I help, I'm free?"

"Yes."

"Why are you after him?"

"We're investigating a Taser robbery. He's a suspect."

"I can help, but I need to be free to find him."

David uncuffed him and handed him a card.

Harry rubbed his wrist. "I'll find him. No more favors."

"If you don't, I'll catch you myself. Got it?"

"Trading his info for my freedom? Deal."

"Smart guy."

"Hope you'll keep your word."

"Yes."

Luke drove to a deserted spot and let Harry out.

"You're not afraid he'll forget?"

"He won't dare."

David smirked. "If he does, I'll spread that he's a police informant. The racers will handle it for me."