State Of War. Don Pendleton

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      CHAPTER FIVE

      FBI Miami Office

      Kaino took in the gleaming, efficient and tasteful Federal Bureau of Investigation surroundings. “Swanky.”

      “Heads up,” Bolan advised. The FBI special agent striding down the hallway toward them wore a very purposeful expression her face. It was a pleasing face to look upon. She was African American, but her face bespoke far more of Africa than America and her skin was very dark. She managed to be petite and leggy at the same time, and the cut of her relaxed hair and her navy pantsuit and the true gray of her blouse and shoes showed her off to maximum effect.

      “Nice,” Kaino opined.

      Bolan agreed wholeheartedly. He put on his most amiable game face and held out his hand. “Special Agent.”

      Despite the special agent’s diminutive stature, she had a grip like a clam. “Sophina Savacool.”

      “Cooper,” Bolan said. “And this is—”

      Special Agent Savacool had a smile that could light up an FBI foyer and did. Though at the moment it was tinged with a little bit of bemusement. “Oh, I assure you, Mr. Cooper, Master Sergeant Gadiel Kaino’s reputation precedes him.”

      Kaino’s massive mitt engulfed the special agent’s. “My pleasure, Agent Savacool. In all my years in law enforcement this is my first visit to the FBI Miami office. Thank you for seeing us.”

      Agent Savacool’s bemusement turned up a charming notch. “Oh, I was the one told to see you, but then again, when legends of Miami law enforcement, and—” Savacool ran her eye up and down Bolan “—a mystery man go on a midnight rampage in the city streets, it’s funny how I end up being the one sent to the meet and greet. At least the call said it was you. Is there a reason I shouldn’t run you both in by the way?”

      Bolan put on his most winning smile. “I mean absolutely no disrespect, Special Agent, but running me in would be...how can I put it? Problematic for you. And Kaino’s with me.”

      “Oh, I got the memo.” Savacool’s bemused smile turned into a genuine smirk. “And I have never seen a government memo shorter, more distinct, much less more anomalous.”

      “Savacool?” Kaino frowned. “Is that like Mandinka or something?”

      “German Dutch,” the agent replied.

      Kaino scowled. “What’s a soul sister like you doing with a name like that?”

      Savacool frowned at Kaino and jerked her head at Bolan. “What’s a pulsating piece of Puerto Rican pulchritude like you doing working for the man?”

      “Well...because...” Kaino grinned. “He’s the man!”

      Savacool stared up at Bolan and her eyes went predatory as she did some math. “Well, bless my soul! El Hombre, in the flesh, and in my foyer. You know, there is a fascinating file I read about a guy with that handle. Seems he’s torn up the streets of our southern neighbor and ripped the cartels a new rectum on more than one occasion.”

      Bolan had dealt with more federal agents than he’d had hot dinners. Far too many when they were exposed to him went straight into bureaucratic bluster mode. Bolan gave Savacool full marks. She was absolutely charming while she was trying to figure him out, and was waiting to have all the facts before she ripped his throat out. “Special Agent Savacool, I—”

      “Call me Sophie—my friends do.” The special agent handed Bolan her business card.

      Bolan grinned. “Sophie? I had to pull a lot of strings to make sure that FBI forensics got the bodies from the shootout last night, and Master Sergeant Kaino lost some genuine cred with his own people for going along with it.”

      Savacool nodded without an ounce of commitment. “I feel you.”

      “I know the circumstances are highly unusual, but I need a complete rundown on the suspects.”

      “They’re like you, mysterious. But follow me.”

      Savacool led them down a series of hallways. Kaino whispered low at Bolan’s side. “What’s pulchritude?”

      “It means the she thinks you’re a fine figure of man, Kaino.”

      Kaino puffed СКАЧАТЬ