My 6-year-old granddaughter phoned me in panic just after midnight. “Mommy says the baby is coming! Help!” I asked, “Where’s daddy?” She answered, “He k!cked mommy’s tummy and left.”…..

Delmare said flatly. Has been for years. Trent’s got him on a leash. Harry had been counting on Delmare having useful information. The mechanic serviced half the vehicles in the county and had a memory like a steel trap when it came to other people’s business. “Tell me about Trent’s operation,” Harry said. Delmare glanced toward the garage entrance, then moved to close the bay door.

When they were alone, he pulled two beers from a mini fridge and handed one to Harry. Runs an illegal bedding ring out of his lake cabin. Takes action on everything from college football to horse racing. Charges 20% juice on loans. Breaks legs when people don’t pay up. His main muscle is Rafe Gunner. Big son of a with no conscience and a short fuse.

Who’s he paying off besides Tims? City Councilman Dave Garrett takes a cut to keep the gaming ordinances loose. Judge Patricia Moss gets campaign contributions every election cycle. Sheriff’s Department looks the other way as long as the violence stays quiet. Harry nodded. Corruption was like rust once it started. It spread until the whole structure was compromised.