Embedded Files
Tagline: Returning to help the mob was not what Mandy had in mind when she joined witness protection with Hunt.
Blurb: After a move and name change, Amanda thought her days with dealing with the FBI and Mob were over. Her past comes back to haunt her as Eddie, the right hand man of the kingpin himself, tracks her down, claiming to need her help. Amanda’s instinct is to refuse, until she discover what it is he needs. The return of the kingpin’s son, Angelo.
Vince Menusco’s men are being killed off with no explanation of who is behind it. Learning of Angelo’s disappearance is enough for Amanda to agree return to the streets of New York and help find him. Against her wishes, Hunt goes along to help.
Even after getting Angelo to safety, Eddie refuses to free Amanda from their deal. Threatening her family, he insists she puts an end to the killings. Finding out who is causing them and why was more than Mandy was prepared to deal with.
Excerpt: “Where’s the kid?”
“With my parents tonight. They aren’t coming back. What do you want with us?”
“You? Nothing. Amanda we need to borrow for a few days.”
“Over my dead body.”
The man reached in his coat and pulled out a gun, aiming it at Hunt’s head. “That can be arranged.”
“No!” Mandy screamed and she stepped forward. “Eddie, you touch my husband and so help me, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”
“Eddie? You know these guys?”
“Ugly Italians. What do you think?”
Her face was backhanded by the one she called Eddie. Again Hunt tried to stand. This time he was hit in the head with the butt of a gun. He wasn’t knocked out, but it hurt like hell. The rope was let go and Mandy was allowed to run to him. She flew onto his lap again and threw her arms around his neck.
“I’m so sorry, Hunt.”
“This isn’t your fault. How many times do I need to ask what the hell you thugs want? I know you’re not here to visit Mickey Mouse.” Mandy turned around, but stayed on Hunt’s lap. He held her tight.
The man that had been holding Mandy hobbled over to the table. He picked up the serving fork and helped himself to the meal.
Eddie spoke again. “We have ourselves in a bit of a situation. We’d like the little lady’s help.”
“What can she do? She’s out. Been out for years. Both from the FBI and your little family organization. There’s nothing she can do.”
“I beg to differ.”
“If she were to step foot in that neighborhood, she’d probably be killed within five minutes. Anyone that wasn’t busted or killed would have it out for her. They have to know she was an agent when she was working with Menusco and want to kill her to keep her quiet. You know better than I do the things she saw.”
“Don’t forget the things she did herself.”
Mandy stood and addressed them both. “Quit acting like I’m not right here.”
Eddie pointed the gun at her and motioned for her to sit back down.
“What’s the matter, Eddie? You’ve never been such a pussy before. If you’re going to shoot me, shoot me already.”
“Just sit still. I don’t want to have to take either one of you out. I told you, I need your help.” He scratched his head with his gun. “To back up just a little, cop, it wasn’t made common knowledge that Amanda was a fed. You know she was kept out of the papers when the bust went down and Menusco was hauled off to jail.”
“He’s out now though,” Mandy said. “I was mailed an article.”
“You were what?” Hunt shouted.
“It was from the FBI, Hunt. I didn’t think it was worth mentioning and upsetting you. We’re safe here.”
“I currently beg to differ.”
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Originally released with Musa Publishing August, 3, 2012. They are now closed. I've re-released it, but do have a few print copies of the original. E-mail me june[at]junekramin[dot]com if you'd like a copy. $10 will include shipping.
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