A Dangerous Game

Security had acted suspicious when she tried to go to the upper floors of the hospital, so Irene sneaked in, first pretending to be visiting a patient, and then lurking along the corridors and ducking into doorways when she saw someone approaching. The person she sought was surely here somewhere. Finally she saw her.

“Sara!”

The nurse looked up from bandaging a wounded man’s arms. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Looking for you. I didn’t think you’d mind. It’s about your brother.”

Sara frowned and looked like she wanted to stop her work and tell Irene a thing or two, but then her professional training took over. “Sit down,” she said, motioning toward a small chair in the corner. “I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Irene smoothed her skirt and waited. It took several minutes for Sara to finish with her patient, but finally they went into a narrow stairwell where they could speak privately.

“What is it you think you need to tell me about my brother? This had better be good.”

Irene drew a sharp breath. Of all the reactions she might have expected, having Sara practically snarling at her wasn’t one of them. “He’s in trouble.”

Sara shrugged. “So what’s new? Vince has been in trouble since he was born.”

“No, I mean real trouble,” Irene said. “There’s a guy named Banlon. He met up with Vince at that bar he likes to go to—“

“Leon’s Social Club? That place is practically hearth and home to him.”

“Well, yeah, that’s it. Banlon promised him a good haul if he’d move a few weapons for him.”

Sara remained unconcerned. “This wouldn’t be the first time Vince did a little gun-running. He’s got scars from doing that sort of thing. What sets this particular gig apart?”

“Banlon works for Ortiz,” Irene explained, “And Ortiz is conspiring against El Duque. This isn’t just some small-time turf war Vince is mixed up in, it’s high-level.”

“And what exactly do you expect me to do about it?” Sara asked. “Vince has been closing dangerous deals since I was a kid. How do you think he put me through nursing school? I’ve got entire trunks of stolen goods he’s given me as gifts over the years, not to mention all the things I’ve given away. And you expect me to get all worked up over another deal of his?”

Irene sighed. How could she make Sara understand just how serious this situation was? “Look, I know you think I’m naive, but Ortiz comes to my church. I know what he’s like. He’s the sort that orders hits on people six days a week and prays for forgiveness on Sunday. No matter how this deal comes off, Vince is going to be in danger.”

“He’s always in danger. And as long as he’s doing what they want…”

“They won’t be grateful. These guys cover their tracks,” Irene said. “If El Duque finds out what they’re up to...”

Sara considered, absently toying with a strap of her nurse’s smock. Finally she nodded. “Okay. I don’t know how much help I can be – Vince only respects my opinion on medical matters, and even then not so much. But I’ll try to help.”

Irene grasped for Sara’s hand. “Thank you. I swear you won’t regret this.”

This was written for The Sunday Whirl. Please check out my new serial Valley of Ashes.