Sunday Sneak Peek - Exceprt from Storm Warning - A Kelli Storm Novel

Friday October 15^th 10:18 A.M. Washington Heights

Jay Hood Wright Park -

South Pinehurst Avenue

   The word was already out on the street, so it didn’t take long to track down Hector’s gang. Fifty dollars and the promise of more was all her snitch Benny needed. She knew exactly where to look.

   As she pulled up into the dead end street, she could see several young men sitting along the wall facing the park. Cars were parked three wide in the narrow street and the wall was covered in multicolor layers of taggers paint. She parked, got out and walked around a panel van to the group of men. The guy she was looking for was sitting right in the middle.

   Angelo Diaz was a member of the Trinitario’s, a gang that had originally been formed in prison, and now was estimated to number in the thousands, all hardcore members.

   She drew in a deep breath, adjusted her jacket and walked toward the group. Angelo’s pullover featured a large number seven, signifying he was a Trinitario. He had the hood pulled back and was talking to one of the other gang members.

   “Angelo,” she called out as she got closer, “I need to ask you a few questions.”

   As she approached, the other gang members took off, heading in different directions. Angelo remained seated on the wall, a grin on his face. “Hola, chica. Lookin’ fine today,” he said and winked.

   Kelli flashed her badge, purposely exposing the Glock in its shoulder holster. “Thanks, Angelo, and I must say I love what you’ve done with your sweatshirt, number seven is really you,” she said, stepping up to the wall, her eyes focused on his.

   He jumped off the wall and turned to face her. “I know who you are, Detective,” he said, looking bored.     “What you want?”

    “Answers, Angelo. Information.”

   “I look like a snitch to you?” He hawked and spat a large gob on the street next to Kelli. It was just far enough away to make it look accidental. Next to her feet would have been an insult.

   “I could take you in, but if I wanted to do that, I wouldn’t have come alone.” She waved her right arm toward the street behind her.

   Angelo grinned. “Yeah, I can see you’re alone. So what you want, Detective?” he said, placing emphasis on the first part of the word.