I think about my experiences with New York publishers. “And someone will publish it, all right.”

“You bet your ass they will. After forty years, the definitive truth about Dallas comes out at last? Mobster Carlos Marcello uses ex-Klansmen to kill John Kennedy? Teenage Lee Harvey Oswald sexually exploited by David Ferrie? That’s number one for months.”

“Do you have enough evidence to debunk the story?”

Kaiser takes a deep breath and sighs heavily. “Penn . . . I think the goddamn story is true.”

A chill races over my skin. “Then why not beat Snake to the punch? Go public with it?”

“For one thing, the Bureau can’t make pronouncements like that without rock-solid evidence. Snake, on the other hand, can say any damn thing he feels like. He’s not even worried about libel—hell, he’s wanted for multiple murders. But we’ve drifted afield.” Kaiser wipes his hands on his jacket. “What matters tonight is that the VK involvement is a gift to us. Up to this point, Snake’s been moving completely underwater. But now we can start pressuring the VK. Bring in every member that’s got an outstanding warrant and squeeze them, hard. Sooner or later, somebody will talk.”

“That’s what you said about the Double Eagles.”

“These guys aren’t the Double Eagles. They’re hard-core by today’s standards, but not one VK in fifty could have stood toe to toe with Frank Knox.”

“I hope you’re right this time.”

Kaiser motions for my bodyguard to join us. Tim sidles over and waits to hear what the FBI man has to say.

“I’m afraid these VK assholes are all about payback,” Kaiser tells him. “The fact that you and Penn put down two of them isn’t going to be forgotten. They’ll try to hit back. You need to double up on security for a while. I might be able to augment what you’re doing, but in the end it’s going to come down to more money for private protection.”

“Caitlin’s dad will help out,” I say. “Tell Tim what you think we need. I’m going to get back to Annie and Mia.”

“I’ll handle it,” Tim says. “You take care of those girls, Penn.”

I walk a couple of steps toward the glass door, but before I get out of earshot, Kaiser calls, “Are you sure the guy said nothing else to you before he died?”

I look back at the corpse lying in the dark. “Positive, John.”

After a long look, Kaiser says, “Okay. You’re good to go.”

I walk back into the station, where Annie and Mia sit drinking Diet Dr Peppers. Both have been seriously shaken, but as usual, Mia is doing a good job of managing Annie’s anxiety.

“You guys ready?” I ask wearily.

“Way past,” Mia says. “Let’s get this girl home.”