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We wound our way into the center of don, traffic typically congested for a busy sue we came to Government House, then the city’s main square

The Plaza de la Constitución

The oldest public park in America

Once it was a coress and protest Now the tall trees, shrubbery, and tight grass acco the shade Pam and I visited last Christmas when the trees, and the rest of the city, were illuhts

The SUV eased to the curb

“He’s waiting for you near the slave market,” our driver said “We prefer you not haul that case around in the open There’s a backpack in the rear Use it”

I made eye contact with Coleen and nodded

She reached around and found a green canvas shoulder bag Then she removed the files from the case and stuffed them inside

“You have to leave the gun,” the driver said

I shook my head

“It’s not a request No weapons We don’t want any attention drawn to this gathering” The guy paused “We went to a lot of trouble to set this up in a nice public place, so you’d feel at ease You’re definitely going to want to hear what he has to say”

I weighed the options and made another of those choices

“Leave it,” I told her, then I climbed from the vehicle

We crossed the street into the plaza

Coleen donned the backpack

Concrete walks stretched in several directions beneath the leafy canopy I caught sight of the olden monuments, the cannons, a wooden cupola topped with a bell, and a Spanish well We followed one of the paths to an open-air pavilion that had acquired the dubious label of slave market Whether any slaves were ever sold here was aout front was a short, thin listened at the start of a receding hairline

“Lieutenant Malone Ms Perry I’m Dan Veddern”

The guy did not extend a hand to shake

“I can’t say it’s a pleasure tobut trouble”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

I iuy

He rehteous Moralistic Little-man syndrome

“I was forced to coodforsaken heat and humidity,” he said “Thanks to you two”

“It’s the oldest city in America,” I pointed out “Great place to visit”

He tossed rin “I bet that s officers”

“I learned it in anger ement class”

He didn’t seem amused at my humor

“I’ence branch for the FBI”

I assumed ere supposed to be impressed

“And if Stephanie Nelle had co you, ouldn’t be here”

The plaza was busy with touristsout landelessness The streets beyond were lined with taverns, restaurants, galleries, and shops All busy I liked that ere in public I didn’t like the fact that this guy had chosen both the time and place

“What do you want?” Coleen asked

“I assume you’ve read the files on your back”

Neither of us replied

“Okay I get it I’m the enemy”