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A look of incomprehension appeared on Hanley’s florid features “Pardon me,” he said, not certain he had heard correctly

“You know, tortillas,” Austin said, er “We hear it’s a fast-growing business”

Recovering nicely, Hanley replied, “And so it is A boo food services area”

Austin had the feeling that the ansould have been the sa mud pies He and Zavala had decided to use the direct approach that had worked so well in drawing a strong reaction from Pedralez

Zavala s about a tortilla plant in Baja California, outside Ensenada, that ht be for sale real cheap”

Hanley’s watery eyes narrowed under the prorowled

“Around” The corners of Zavala’s lips turned up in a mysterious smile

“Sorry, gentlemen, I’m not familiar with any Baja tortilla plant”

Zavala turned to Austin “He says he’s not familiar with that one”

Austin shrugged “We’re surprised at your answer Enrico Pedralez says you’re very faave us your naed the deal for him”

Hanley’s defenses went on full alert at the mention of the Mexican mob boss He was uncertain how accountable he had to be to these two strangers He fast-forwarded through the categories of likely threats: police, IRS, state bureaucrats These eonhole He decided to take the offensive

“May I see soentlemen?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Austin said

“In that case, if you’re not out of my office in two seconds, I’ll throw you out myself”

Austin made no move to rise “You could try,” he said with an icy coldness, “but I wouldn’t reco in your Mexican pals, either”