PART SIX.

I sat in the rental car with my hands gripping tight on the wheel, my knuckles turning white. I could hear Ellie breathing next to me. I knew that she had a better idea of the Russian influence in the city. But, I could tell by the way she took slow, deep breaths and played with a bullet absentmindedly with her hand that she was nervous. I knew her well enough to know that much.

I could tell, by mere instinct, that this was a trap. There was a very good possibility that I wouldn't return to Detroit alive, if at all. That suited me, because I'd be reunited with Joseph. That made death and dishonor all worth it. Even if I survived the gunfight that was sure to happen, I'd likely be killed for disobeying orders. Marietta would never have approved of me coming here.

The car stopped outside the warehouse. I climbed out of my car, taking my friend with me. She agreed to go in the other door, and left me to my thoughts. I put on my hat and walked into the warehouse.

I stepped into the midst of the building. From the shadows opposite me walked a man. He wore a blue hat, and it had a star on it.

"You should have taken the sergeant's advice and taken the police escort. That would have saved me the trouble of having to hunt you down myself. Your associates would have thought you turned into a snitch, and ice you. I'd have the money and wouldn't have to lift a finger. Then you had to be a bitch and deny the escort, so I sent the Russians in. My Russians, I should say. They chased you out of the building, you think? Not all of them did. Two remained behind, and injected rattlesnake venom into your kid's veins. I figured that would drive you to suicide. The revenge would have been done by the Russians, and my check would be in the mail. But no, you had to come out here, where my power is weakest. No matter, I thought. I still had enough men to get you, and probably Marietta, too. But that tramp had to be there, before my men could get you. I didn't want to risk a war with Detroit and Los Angeles at once," said the cop.

I pulled my pistol and aimed it at his face. He chuckled, and I said, "You may not have noticed, but I am not afraid to die. I guarantee you, if I do die, I'll see you in hell."

I heard footsteps around me. I pulled my second pistol and pointed my gun at the person behind me. The person walked into the light, holding their own pistol. It was Ellie. She raised her pistol at the cop. Two guys came from beside us, and I turned my second pistol on the guy on my side. Ellie mirrored my movements, albiet in the opposite direction. '

TO BE CONTINUED.

Good stuff.  And actually "continue"ing !  Very impressive.