Recovery Force. Don Pendleton

bottoms of the feet beaten of anyone else who had done such a thing. Casco appreciated fine furniture and didn’t tolerate anyone treating his possessions with indifference.

      Casco sat on the edge of his desk and took a long mouthful of smoke, letting it out slowly before he addressed Pacorbo. “Maldo tells me you have some information about the man who killed three of my people last night.”

      Pacorbo said, “You damn bet I do. But I got a question for you, first.”

      Casco smiled but it lacked graciousness. “And what might that be?”

      “What would this information be worth to you?” Pacorbo said. “Because once I tell you what I saw, I’m gonna have to get out of here for a while. Lay low.”

      “Why’s that?” Salto asked.

      “Quiet,” Casco said to him. He returned his attention to Pacorbo. “I would have to give the matter some additional consideration, but I suppose that I would initially ask you the same question.”

      Pacorbo expressed confusion. “Say what?”

      “How much is the information worth to you? Is it worth say, perhaps…your life? Or maybe it is not so much, maybe it is only worth one or two of your fingers. Or how about a nipple? After all, you have two of them.”

      “What’re you talking about? You know me, Hector.”

      “Yes, I do.” Casco took another purposeful draw from the cigar before continuing. “Which is what begs the question, does it not? You are known for being an opportunist, Claudia, and loose enough to do anything for a little blow. You are also a noted loudmouth, and obnoxious with a zest that borders on stupidity. How you ever got the nickname of Angel I will never understand, because you are anything but. So here is my proposal. If what you tell me sounds legitimate, I will allow you to leave here with all of your body parts intact. I will even arrange for a one-way trip to anywhere you wish. If you lie to me, however, or I believe you are exaggerating even a little, I will have to reconsider our relationship and refer you to some people who are not reputed to be lenient toward your kind.”