Kill Me Twice (A Zeke Edison Novel Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

been referred to Aaron by Akio Sugiyama, the Japanese immigrant who ran the aikido school across the street. Sugiyama-san had opened his dojo the very same day Aaron had opened his investigations firm. Ten years later, Haruko Sugiyama married Jacob Levy. Aaron called his daughter-in-law Harry; Sugiyama-san called his son-in-law Levy-san.
    When Zeke first arrived at Aaron’s office with a letter of introduction from Akio Sugiyama, Aaron asked the imposing young man, “Do you know what your given name means?”
    “Ezekiel means the strength of God,” Zeke said. “My parents told me that.”
    The older man nodded. “Very good. Do you know what my name, Aaron, means?”
    “High mountain. I looked it up.”
    Aaron Levy beamed. “You’re hired.”
    “You know about me, too, don’t you?”
    “I do. I’m not keen on American football, but I saw the video of your final play against Green Bay. It was magnificent. Reminded me of the way we smashed the Egyptians.”
    Now, Aaron had a different question for Zeke. “Are you going to help Ms. Mallory?”
    Zeke nodded. “I am. I think she needs help, and I’m ready to do the job.”
    “Good.”
    Then Aaron told Zeke what he’d be up against facing Jonas Dawson.

Chapter 3
    Jonas Dawson told the reporter from the Trib, “I do criminal defense law, but I know civil litigators who can sue the balls off a brass monkey. You print anything saying — or even implying — I’m crooked, I’ll sue both you and the paper.”
    “Nobody said anything defamatory.” The reporter’s name was Roberta Lane.
    Dawson had called her Lois. That didn’t ruffle her. Neither did the threat of legal action. The guy was just being a dick.
    “Yeah, but you were thinking it,” Dawson said.
    “So I can write you’re a mind-reader?”
    “Better not do that either, Lois.”
    “You have any comment at all about the accusation that you introduced Paul Callas to Hector Campos?”
    Dawson tried to look amused, but he couldn’t keep the anger out of his eyes.
    “Without referring to anybody in particular,” he said, “I didn’t know making an introduction was something you got accused of.”
    “Generally, it isn’t” Roberta said. “But let’s say a guy, not necessarily you, introduces Mr. A to Mr. B, and in the course of a business transaction that involves government funds both of those guys wind up with taxpayer money in their pockets, and they share the wealth with the guy who brought them together. That’s the kind of thing where accusations get made.”
    “You better not write that,” Dawson said, “not with my name attached.”
    “Yeah, yeah, I know. You’ll sue. So let me get on your good side here. That way when you feel the need to talk, you’ll come to me.”
    “Never gonna happen, Lois.”
    “Just listen. That’s all you have to do. Mr. A had a job to do: Put a new coat of paint on all the bridges in the city. Mr. B, happy days, is a painting contractor. Not only that, Mr. B gets a no-bid contract for the job. What could be better?”
    Dawson’s jaw tightened and his eyes began to bulge.
    “I’ll tell you what’s better,” Roberta continued, “Mr. A’s kickback and Mr. B’s profit margin were both so big they shared the pot with Mr. C. Just the way I mentioned a minute ago.”
    Roberta Lane, uninvited, had joined Jonas Dawson at his table in his favorite steak joint. He took his knife and fork in hand. It wasn’t at all certain he meant to use them on his filet mignon. Roberta stood up and stepped back from the table.
    She’d heard stories: Dawson could be a dangerous guy.
    In more basic ways than threatening to take you to court.
    “Here’s the interesting part,” Roberta said, ready to run if she had to. “The feds know their ABCs, and they’re calling their investigation Paint by Numbers. I’m told the numbers refer to both the crooked money involved and the prison sentences that will be handed down. In both halves of the equation, the numbers are