Read Online Night Watchman (The Tubby Dubonnet Series Book 8) by Tony Dunbar - Free Book Online Page A

Spain.
    “You get a retainer?” the cop asked.
    “I do.”
    “What the hell,” his new client said. “I’ll sign.”
    “Excellent,” Tubby said. He took back the executed contract and signed it himself. “You can take care of the retainer with Cherrylynn. Now, what kind of paperwork do you have about your assault. I mean, altercation? A write-up? A copy of your grievance? Anything official?”
    Ireanous had an envelope in his pocket and handed it over.
    “Did I hear you say that Rick Sandoval over in the Police Records office was somehow connected to this?”
    “He was in charge of collecting money for the details from the customers and paying it over to the cops.”
    “I guess you guys took a cut.”
    “Absolutely. We ran a legitimate business.”
    * * *
    As soon as his new client left, Tubby called Flowers.
    “Tell me anything you can about Trey Caponata.”
    “Hello to you.” Flowers’ voice was smooth, almost a like song, with a hint of a Spanish accent. “Caponata is a small time gangster as far as I know. A Mafia-wannabe. His father ran the mob through reputation and fear, but I don’t think the son has ever filled those shoes. I expect he pimps some girls and fences stolen goods, but nothing big-time. Why?”
    “My new client, Ireanous Babineaux, was his bodyguard.”
    Flowers whistled. “That I didn’t know. Babineaux has not actually been a close friend of mine or anything. He has, however, been a source of valuable information for me over the years.”
    “You paid him?”
    “That’s an unusual question coming from you, Tubby, but, yes, in a manner of speaking.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry into your business. Why would Caponata need a bodyguard?”
    “My guess is just for show. Want me to check him out more thoroughly?”
    “Yes, I do. And also see what background you can get for me on the head of the police union. Archie, maybe Archibald, I don’t know, Alonzo.”
    “Right. I can tell you right away that Alonzo is politically connected. He may have dirtier hands than the young Caponata. But I’ll pull together some details for you.”
    “Good. As soon as possible, please.”
    “You got it. I’m glad to get back on a case with you.”
    Tubby was glad, too. The only problem was that Flowers was expensive. He had better bill this client regularly.
    * * *
    “Mister Boaz is on the line,” Cherrylynn told him. Tubby picked up.
    “Good morning, Jason.”
    “It’s noon. I just won three thousand dollars at the off-track. I’m about to walk into Galatoire’s 33 and buy a steak. You want to be my guest?”
    Tubby certainly did.
    “Out to lunch,” he shouted to Cherrylynn as he bolted out the door.
    * * *
    She had been waiting to tell him about her trip to the library. It was so frustrating to be in the middle of some real detective work and have to sit on your hands. Mister Dubonnet might not be back for hours. She was tapping her foot impatiently when the phone rang.
    “Is Dubonnet there?”
    “I’m sorry, sir, but he’s out. Who’s calling?”
    “This is Officer Sandoval at Police Records. When will he be back?”
    “I’m afraid he’s in court and may be gone for hours.”
    “I’ve got something for him.”
    “If you tell me what it is, I’ll be sure to let him know when he gets back.”
    “It’s a package, and I don’t like keeping it around here.”
    “I am Mister Dubonnet’s confidential secretary. If it is important I can pick up the package myself and see that it’s kept in a safe place.”
    “I’d say it’s important to him. I’m at police headquarters.”
    “I could be there in about twenty minutes.”
    “I’ll be outside on the steps taking a cigarette break.”
    Cherrylynn wasted no time locking up and grabbing an elevator. There was a cab stand down at the street.

XIII
    Tubby swung open the gold-handled door at the restaurant on Bourbon Street and was immediately soothed by the elegant décor, the magnificently long bar, and the