Heart of a Dragon Read Online Free PDF Page B

ever seen.   I cut one of them at least three times, but he wouldn't stay down.   Snake said no guns, but after a few minutes a couple of the guys pulled theirs all the same.   It didn't seem to matter.   They couldn't get off a clean shot, and when they did it was like shooting smoke.
    "We lost five men, and another ten were cut or hurt.   Just before the storm broke, they took Vasquez.   I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it.   He went down under a mountain of them, and we thought he was done, then he just erupted – rose up like some sort of crazed monster in an old movie and started flinging the little bastards off him like they were rats.   It didn't matter.   They took him down – and that's when the sirens rose.   We took the colors from those we lost, and we got the hell out of there."
    Jake paused for a moment then, catching his breath.   It seemed as if the big man might break down, but he got control of his voice, and he went on.
    "I'm not one to run from anything, but I'll tell you.   I was glad to turn my back on that fight – happy to get away with my life."
    He glanced down then and saw that he'd twisted the vest in his hands into a tight roll.   One of the pins had popped off – a small chrome dragon.   He slowly released his hands, then picked up the pin and stared at it.
    "He was a good man," Jake said.   "Vasquez was a mountain.   Snake depended on him, and…"
    He fell silent then, and Martinez spoke at last.
    "I understand.   I, too, have heard the stories.   I believe there is a real danger, and I will do what I can to help.   That is why Snake has sent you to me, yes?   For my support?"
    Jake nodded.   He glanced around the room dully.
    "You've known me a long time, Martinez.   You know I've never much believed in all of this," he swept his arm out to encompass the shelves and the walls.   "I believe in what I know, and I don't' know … this.    At least, that's what I thought.   Now…"
    He trailed off.   Salvatore ate the last bite of his bread and washed it down with a sip of tea.   He turned as Jake slowly unrolled the vest he'd been bending and twisting out of shape.   It unfurled onto the edge of the table, and Salvatore stared.   His hands shook, and a bit of the tea in his cup splashed onto the table.   Jake and Martinez turned to him, and he lowered his eyes once more.
    "I am sorry," he said softly.   "I am very tired."
    Jake only glanced at him for a moment, and then returned his attention to the vest in his hands.   Salvatore felt Martinez' gaze remain on him for a moment longer, but he didn't meet it.   He couldn't get the image of the vest on the table out of his mind.   He'd seen it before – and he knew of the man who'd worn it.   His heartbeat sped, and he did not try to drink again, fearing another spill.
    Martinez broke the silence.
    "Tell Snake that I will do what I can.   What is happening affects us all, and we must stand together.   Tell him to send word to the other clubs…the smaller ones.   They will already know that something is wrong, and I believe they will offer support.   Tell them all to keep their eyes, and their ears open.   Anything and everything they learn about these others – Los Escorpiones – I need to know."
    "The police took him," Jake said.   It was hard to tell if he'd heard what Martinez said.   He was staring at Vasquez's colors.   "His body won't be released immediately – his family is trying to get control of the remains – and to arrange services.   You'll come?"
    Jake glanced up then, to gauge Martinez's reaction.
    "Of course," the old man said.   "I will come, and I will help with the preparations.   I have contacts with the authorities as well…I will see what I can do to speed the release of his remains.   I am very sorry for your loss.   I