“It’s not a good morning for everyone.” She drummed her fingers, not wanting to waste another moment of time than she had to on this guy. “I need to know who hit Jasper Luke last night.”

“You are not going to believe me, so why do you call to ask? Jasper is someone who works against me and would be happy if it had been me who was killed.” Hector said a lot for a man who didn’t really say anything at all.

“That makes no sense, and I’m not accusing, I’m asking.” This was a waste of her time, but it was the only way to get through these conversations with the sensitive guy. “I know you’ve had your problems, so I’m sure you don’t want to get into a war. I’m not sure, but I’m guessing you don’t want too much more loss.”

“That sounds like a threat.”

“It’s an observation. Jasper’s a friend and I care about what happens to him. A move against him is something I’m not going to forget.”

“That, too, sounds like a threat. The operation Luke and Carlotti have is not big enough for me to worry about moving against them. You have my word it wasn’t me, and if you’re interested, I got hit last night too.” Hector paused as if for dramatic effect. “I am surprised you don’t know this.”

“I keep telling you, I’m not interested in your business. What happens around your world isn’t something I keep tabs on unless it spills onto whatever I have going on.” She smiled at the group listening in with her. Of course, she knew his place had been shot up too, but there was no need for them to know that. “Do you have any idea who would’ve had the guts to do this to you? Granted you’re in a tough spot, but you’re not exactly an easy target.”

“I have no idea, but think of this,” Hector said as what sounded like a closing door came from his end. “If they do not respect my business, it will be no time before they do not respect yours.”

Hector’s English was improving but he still hadn’t gotten the hang of contractions, making him sound more formal in his speech. “Do you have any idea or not?”

“There is someone trying to either kill me or take away what I have. If they want to rule the streets from here to Florida, that means your friends Vinny and Jasper will be in danger.” Hector made a lot of sense, since they were all in the same game. “If you have given them your protection, you will be pulled into this too.”

“Hector, that might sound like a threat,” she said, repeating his words.