“It matters emotionally.”
“Yes.”
“And cases are not built emotionally.”
“I know.”
The Vendor looked toward the photographs on the wall.
Complaints.
Dates.
Closed businesses.
“For once, they need to see that speaking wasn’t pointless.”
The Investigator stared.
Then finally:
“One controlled confrontation.”
“No touching unless he initiates.”
“No revealing until signal.”
“No improvising.”
The Vendor nodded.
“Agreed.”
“Your watch triggers the team.”
“Yes.”
“Only when he makes the demand.”
“Yes.”
The Investigator pointed at him.
“And if I call it early, you obey.”
The Vendor nodded.
“Understood.”
Friday ten arrived hot.
Cloudless.
The Black Vendor came early.
White shirt.
Charcoal apron.
Black trousers.
Watch.
The grill ignited at 8:15.
Ribs went down.
Smoke curled over Fulton Avenue.
Old soul music played quietly.
By eleven, every participating surveillance position was active.
One federal investigator sat at the café pretending to read financial news.
Another ate breakfast across the street.
Two agents wore delivery uniforms inside a white van.
Unmarked SUVs waited three blocks away.
The Taco Vendor knew nothing.
The Flower Vendor had been discharged from the hospital that morning.
Her niece told her to stay home.
She refused.
She returned with half the flowers she usually carried.
The Black Vendor saw her setting up.
Walked over.
“You should be home.”
“So should half this city.”
“You okay?”
“No.”
Honest.
He nodded.
She looked at him.
“Today’s Friday.”
“Yes.”
“I’m short.”
The Vendor’s chest tightened.
“How much?”
“Don’t.”
“How much?”
She shook her head.
“If he comes, I’ll deal with it.”
The Vendor looked at her.
Then:
“Don’t give him anything today.”
She stared.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Her face changed.
“Are you crazy?”
“Maybe.”
“You have no idea what happens.”
The Vendor held her gaze.
“Today, nothing.”
The Flower Vendor stepped closer.
“You’ll get us all shut down.”
“No.”
“How do you know?”
The Vendor almost told her.
Couldn’t.
“Trust me.”
She laughed bitterly.
“That’s expensive.”
Then walked away.
The Vendor returned to his cart.
At 11:37, the Federal Investigator’s voice whispered through his earpiece.
“Target vehicle two blocks.”
The Vendor picked up tongs.
Turned ribs.
Heart rate steady.
At 11:39:
“Target approaching west side.”
The Vendor poured sauce.
Customers lined up.
At 11:40, the Sergeant appeared.
Sunglasses.