Chapter 80
TEX DIDN’T WASTE any more words on Alain Creasy. He balled his fist and started to take a swing at the Interpol investigator. Somehow I managed to grab his arm to keep it from its trajectory.
The big man turned and shoved me with his left hand. I stumbled back a few feet, then hit the low wall. It made me sit down ungracefully.
Alain shouted at the man in French. I wasn’t sure what he’d said, but it hadn’t been with his usual good humor. Even though I’d seen Alain handle himself well, this fight looked unwinnable. It was time to identify myself. I was hoping it wasn’t time for me to draw my duty weapon.
Tex took a wild swing. Alain ducked the fist easily, then threw two quick punches into the man’s midsection. I could hear Tex grunt from my place on the low wall. It almost looked like Alain was playing with him. The big man never laid a hand on Alain.
I stood up, reached under my shirt collar for my badge, hanging on a chain around my neck. That’s when another wild swing by Tex made me take a step back. When the wall hit the backs of my knees, I sat down hard again.
But it caught Tex’s attention. When the big man turned to look at me, Alain dropped down on one knee. He reached up and grabbed the man by the testicles.
Even through jeans, Alain’s grip must’ve been substantial. The pimp groaned and went down onto his own knees.
Alain leaned in and said, “Lay down on the ground and spread your arms out to each side.” He had just enough edge in his voice to show that he wasn’t fooling around.
I was amazed at how well Alain had handled the situation. He had avoided disaster. I was a little worried about the crowd that was starting to notice us. It would only be a moment before they gathered around.
That’s when I heard a gunshot.