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They chatted a bit about the business All the while Ross kept one eye on the kitchen area Soot the sense that Ross hadn’t stopped by their booth ht—or to be social He had some other reason

As she was trying to figure out what it lad you stopped in here tonight, Laredo A couple weeks ago I hired a new guy to work in the kitchen A Mexican na about you”

“Really? Why?” Laredo’s tone was smooth but wary

“Damned if I know,” Ross admitted “But he knows your name and he knew you live in this area Just not where”

Stiffening a little, Jessy stole a worried glance at Laredo, not sure what any of this ood

“Did he say what he wants with me?”

“Not toabout you in Spanish to Miguel Octaviosent by the wind I probably got that part wrong, but that’s what it sounded like”

“The wind, huh” Laredo smiled And it was the ease of his smile that Jessy ione “Now you’ve got o talk to him and find what all this ‘wind’ business is about”

“Sure I’ll take you back”

The two men eased out of the booth and Ross walked with Laredo to the rear of the restaurant, not far fro in her seat, Jessy watched as Ross went into the kitchen and ca him to Laredo, Ross left the two men alone

She strained to hear as said Octavio’s voice was low and he spoke in rapid-fire Spanish that she didn’t understand Laredo’s first words were clear

“Slon My Spanish is a little rusty” She made out that much in a lull in the restaurant noise

Octavio appeared to co thes There was no way Jessy could hear Laredo’s conversation above their noise She gave up trying and simply waited

After a few moments more, Laredo returned to the booth

“What was that all about?”