Pike went back to his Jeep to decide on his next play, but knew he would ultimately have to return to Button. Button was the last person to have contact with Smith. Pike wanted to know exactly what Smith said, how he had said it, and when. These things could be crucial, and so could having Button back in the game. The police would increase the pressure on Mendoza, but timing their entry was a trade-off. Once the police reinserted themselves they would block Pike’s moves and kill his momentum. He had to cover the primary plays before they came in, and keep himself ahead of the curve.

Pike fished Hector’s phone from the box, spent a few seconds figuring it out, then scrolled through the directory. He found Mendoza’s number under R MENDOZA, but nothing for GOMER or ALBERTO. No numbers were listed for AZZARA, but he found a number for MIGUEL.

Pike pressed the send button, heard two rings, and Mikie Azzara answered.

“Don’t bother me with crap at that body shop.”

Answering this way because the caller ID told him it was Hector.

Pike said, “I am here.”

Mikie hesitated.

“Who is this?”

“One of your boys wrote it on their wall.”

Azzara hesitated again, but this time he recognized Pike’s voice.

“How’d you get this phone?”

“I want Mendoza and Gomer.”

Azzara lowered his voice, as if he was someplace where he didn’t want to be overheard.

“What are you talking about?”

“Mendoza was at their home this morning. Now they’re missing.”

Azzara cleared his throat. Pike heard something in the background, but couldn’t make out what it was. Then Azzara tried to sound reassuring, which left Pike wondering why Azzara wanted to reassure him.

“Listen, I don’t know anything about this, but I will find out. I promise you—you don’t have to worry. I’m sure these people are fine.”

“You’re a liar, Miguel. You told me you covered Mendoza’s bond. You didn’t. What else are you lying about?”

“Would you listen? I’m in the middle of something now, but I will help you here, homes. Just relax. Kick back, give me a few hours, and—”

“Time’s up.”

Azzara fell silent. It was several seconds before he spoke again. Then his voice was softer, but not reassuring.

“You are making a mistake. You think you’re talking to some pretty-boy Mexican, but you are talking to La Eme. We are two hundred thousand strong. You should wait like I say. You don’t want to go to war with us.”

Pike waited him out, letting the pressure of his silence build. When Azzara finally spoke again his voice showed a strain Pike found curious.

“Are we clear on this? Do you get it?”

Pike said nothing.

“Do. You. Get. It?”

“You don’t understand.”

“What? What don’t I understand?”

“War is what I do.”