The Ninth District - A Thriller

by Douglas Dorow

  Jack looked down at the dog and then at the kids. Vince looked up at him with his tongue hanging out. He reached down and patted Vince on the top of the head. Then he checked the collar for tags. There weren’t any there. “Willy knows what this guy looks like?”

  “I do, Dad.”

  “OK. Lynn, you and the dog…”

  “His name’s Vince, Dad,” Willy interrupted.

  “Lynn, walk Vince over and introduce him to your mom and see if the owner shows up. Willy and I will go check out the bathroom to see if he’s in there. Maybe there was a line.”

  “Or maybe he had a big job to do, Dad.”

  “Right, Willy. Get going, Lynn. Tell Mom we’ll be right back.” Jack watched Lynn and Vince as they made it over to Julie. Vince trotted easily next to Lynn without pulling on the leash.

  Willy ran up and grabbed Vince around the neck. “He wasn’t there. Can we keep him, Mom?” Julie looked at Jack as he walked up to the group and shook his head.

  “We’ll see, Willy,” Julie said.

  Willy sat on the grass, his lower lip sticking out. “We’ll see means no.” Lynn sat next to Vince and stroked his back, listening to her mother and brother.

  “No, it means we’ll see. You talked to the owner.”

  “But it’s finders, keepers.”

  “But you didn’t find him. The man asked you to watch him.”

  “But then he left him with us. He said Vince likes kids. We told him we wanted a dog. He thought we’d be a good match so he left him with us.”

  “But he said he was coming back.”

  Jack interrupted the argument knowing there was no winning this one right now. “Ok, ok, let’s make a deal.” Julie and Willy quit talking. All eyes were on him. “We’ll hold onto Vince for now, keep a look out for his owner, and we’ll decide later what the next step is. Maybe we’ll run into the owner while we hang out here today.” Jack put his hand in the center of the circle. “Deal?” One by one, the others put their hands on top of his with Jack topping off the stack with his other hand. “Deal.”

  Chapter 44

  “How about we rest up and give me some time to digest what we’ve eaten before we eat anymore. We’ll do the loop on the trolley, learn some things, and come back to find a nice place in the grass where the trees aren’t in the way so we can see the action and go Ooh, Aaah, for the show.” He looked at the kids. “And we’ll find a place to buy some popcorn.”

  “Do we have to, Dad?” Lynn asked.

  Jack got up and put a hand out to help Julie up. “Yep, let’s go. I’d race you there, but I think I’d puke if I ran.”

  The kids got up from the grass. Vince stood up wagging his tail. Julie let Jack pull her up and she didn’t pull her hand from his. Jack started walking back towards the Nicollet Island Inn holding Julie’s hand. The kids each took one of their parent’s free hands, Lynn held Vince’s leash, and they walked to the trolley.

  The trolley, or bus made to look like an old-time trolley, waited for riders in front of the Nicollet Island Inn. Jack and Julie sat in one seat together and the kids sat in front of them with Vince in the aisle. The kids fought for the window seat before agreeing to take turns. Once they were settled into their seats, the driver of the trolley started off the tour explaining that they were going to do a loop of the Mississippi Mile. Along the way, she planned to point out some things and give highlights of the history and development along the river. When she reminded them they needed to remain seated during the tour, Jack gave the kids a little tap on the shoulder to reinforce the announcement.

  The trolley left the parking lot of the Nicollet Island Inn, turned right, and bounced along the old brick streets in front of St. Anthony Main. The driver pointed out the entrance to the Historical Society’s door where walking tours of the area were offered, talked a little about the buildings, and continued on. Next, they drove by the old Pillsbury flourmill buildings with the bulging walls and the windows white from years of flour dust caked on them. Just a few minutes into the tour and the kids were getting antsy already.

  The next landmark was the one the kids liked. The trolley was the only motorized vehicle allowed on the Stone Arch Bridge, which snaked its way across the river. The rest of the traffic on the bridge was people on bike or foot. Midway across the bridge, the driver stopped and told them about the building of the bridge by James J. Hill and the importance the river and the falls played in the development of Minneapolis along the Mississippi at this point. This was where the falls were. Outside of the trolley, people were lined up along the railing at the edge of the bridge, looking out at the falls and the lock and dam on the west side of the river to watch the boats and barges be lowered as they traveled past the falls and continued down the river. Jack and the kids had visited the bridge many times on bike rides and had stood at the railing trying to guess what was in the barges or where the boats were going.

  At the far end of the bridge, the driver stopped and told them about the restoration of the area mill buildings into upscale condos and the creation of the Mill City Museum. She pointed out the millraces and tunnels below the end of the bridge. Jack looked up at the condos and noted the people on the balconies partying and waiting for the pyrotechnic displays to begin. He thought his view would be better in the grass; the price was right and the company was better. He gave Julie’s hand a squeeze.

  “Dad, can you believe there are tunnels under here?”

  Lynn tapped Jack’s arm to get his attention. He looked at her. “What, sweetie?”

  “The driver said there were old tunnels under the ground here from when they used water power to do work at the mills that used to be here. It would be so cool to go down in them.”

  “I don’t think that’s part of the tour today.”

  “They used to give tours in boats, a long time ago. That’s what she said.”

  “We’ll stick to the trolley.” Jack’s mind drifted as the trolley continued on its route up the hill past the new condo development. The driver talked about the restoration of the Milwaukee Depot and the development of the hotel and indoor ice-skating rink that was open year round.

  Jack thought again about his family, being with them, holding Julie’s hand. He looked over at Julie and studied her profile until she looked over at him. He smiled and leaned over. “Are you having a good time, Jules?” Before she could answer, Willy interrupted.

  “Dad, Dad, I told you it was going to rain. Look.” The windshield wipers squeaked back and forth to remove a few drops from the trolley windshield.

  “Well, I hope it’s just a sprinkle.” Jack turned back to Julie to get her response. The trolley started over the Hennepin Avenue Bridge to return them to Nicollet Island.

  Lynn spun in her seat. “Dad, did you hear that?”

  “Yeah, I know, it’s raining.”

  “No, she said the Federal Reserve has never been robbed. Is that right?”

  “What’s the Federal Reserve?” Willy asked.

  “It’s that building back there at the end of the bridge. It’s like the bank for banks.” Jack looked back at Lynn. “What did you say?”

  “The driver said that building was the Ninth District Federal Reserve and that the Federal Reserve had never been robbed.”

  Jack looked back through the windows at the Federal Reserve; the color from the lights blurred by the rain running down the glass. That had to be it.

  “You guys are so smart.” He cupped Lynn’s face in his hands and kissed her on the forehead. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called Ross.

  “Junior, I think I know what he’s after.”

  “Jack, I was just going to call you. We figured who Sandy was with at Sheiks and on the boat. He’s a …”

  Lightning flashed and thunder drowned out Ross’ voice. Sheets of rain pounded the windows and roof of the trolley like a snare drum. “Can you repeat that?” Jack asked. “It’s storming out here and I couldn’t hear you.”

  “We figured out who S
andy was with at Sheiks and out on Lake Minnetonka. It was a developer who lives in The Riverview condos by St. Anthony Main.”

  “I’m right there.” Jack thought about the developer who had been complaining about the dead body found in the river when he was out on his run and ran into Patty.

  “I know. That’s why I was going to call you. Even though you said not to call. I’m heading over there now.”

  “I’ll meet you at the street entrance. Hurry up.”

  The trolley pulled to a stop in front of the Nicollet Island Inn, completing its loop. The driver spoke over the loud speaker. “Well folks, I hope you enjoyed the tour. Happy Fourth of July. Sorry about the weather. If you want to wait on the bus for a while, feel free.”

  Jack jumped up. “I have to get off.”

  “Jack, what are you doing?” Julie asked.

  “I have to go, Jules.” Jack sat back down and leaned over to speak quietly so others on the trolley wouldn’t hear him. “That was Ross. The agent I’m working with. They’re going to search a condo near here that they think belongs to the Governor. I have to be there.”

  Julie turned away and looked out the window of the trolley.

  “Come on, Julie. I have to go. This guy’s killed a couple of people and I think he tried to kill me.”

  “I know. Just go, Jack.”

  “Julie, look at me.” Julie turned and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “You don’t know how much I’ve been looking forward to spending the day with you guys.” Jack took a deep breath and braced himself. “But I have to go.”

  “I know.”

  “I’m sorry.” Jack slid out of the seat and bent down by the kids. “Guys, I have to go catch a bad guy so I can’t spend the rest of the day with you. I feel real bad about it. I hope it stops raining so you can see the fireworks.” He kissed his right hand, then his left and put one on each of their heads. “I had a great day. I’ll see you later. Watch your mom for me. And take care of the dog.”

  Jack got off the trolley, the rain immediately attacking him. He saw a police officer sitting in a cruiser and asked him to keep an eye on his family until somebody from the FBI office came. Jack took off at a jog to meet Ross at the apartment building.

  Puddles were forming in depressions in the streets and sidewalks. Water ran down the gutters into the sewers on its way to the Mississippi River. People were huddled in the buildings and under eaves waiting for the storm to pass. Jack splashed through the puddles, his feet squishing in his waterlogged shoes.

  Chapter 45

  Rain pushed the people from the balcony back into the condominium. The Governor made sure the servers kept moving about the rooms serving the hors d’oeuvres and that the bartenders poured the drinks.

  “It’s a great view.” The Governor handed two glasses of wine to a couple standing at the window. “If the rain stops we’ll have a great view of the fireworks in a few hours.” He pointed out some of the landmarks to the couple and talked about the development of restaurants and stores that made the location more desirable. “No, questions on the property? Enjoy the evening.”

  The couple left the Governor to his view. He looked over the river and Nicollet Island where people were soaked and looking for shelter from the rain. He thought about his crew underground and looked towards the Federal Reserve. He was excited. He felt like a young boy at Christmas waiting for Santa. A few hours and he would be at the end of his journey. A caravan of cars, and a panel truck with a police escort crossing the Hennepin Avenue bridge caught his attention.

  “Sir, could we see a couple of the other units that aren’t quite so expensive?”

  The Governor tried to watch where the cars were going, but was pulled back into the party and the sale of the condos. He smiled and answered their questions while he sat with them in the living room where he showed them condo layouts, pictures, and price ranges.

  As he was talking with them about financing options, his mobile phone rang. The Governor’s pulse quickened and he excused himself to take the call when the caller identified herself as an employee of the security system for his condo and said that the alarm had been triggered. The Governor stepped to the window and looked across the river. The rain-streaked glass obscured his view. He opened the patio door and stepped outside. He looked and saw that the lights were on in his home.

  He didn’t know how they had found him, but he knew he needed to leave. It wouldn’t take them long to search for him at the party. They may already be coming for him. He checked his watch. There was still time to execute the plan. He was so close to the end. The Governor hurried to the elevator and took it to the basement parking garage.

  Jack and Ross hung back while the team went to work executing the warrant. Neighbors had been moved from the adjacent quarters on either side, above, and below. They’d used the key from the landlord so they didn’t have to break down the door. The security alarm was blaring and team members were calling out directions to each other as they checked out the condo.

  When it was determined that the condo was secure and empty, Jack and Ross entered. “Can somebody shut off the alarm?” Jack yelled over the din. He tapped Ross on the shoulder and leaned into him. “This noise is giving me a headache. What do you want to do?”

  Ross spoke into Jack’s ear. “You check out the living room and kitchen, I’ll take the other rooms.”

  The living room drew Jack’s attention first. He looked around with his fingers stuck in his ears to muffle the alarm. The room was neat and orderly. Nothing personal was visible. The room felt more like a furniture store display area than a home. The décor was tasteful, with a touch of class. After checking a couple of drawers in the side tables and looking behind the paintings on the wall, Jack ventured into the kitchen. “Who’s taking care of the alarm?” he yelled as he passed the alarm panel.

  The refrigerator was modestly stocked with green bottles of water and a couple bottles of wine. Two Chinese food take-out containers were on the second shelf. A few apples were in the proper storage compartment. He looked under the sink and found a garbage can, but it was empty. Everything was too neat.

  The alarm continued blaring. He couldn’t think. He stood and leaned against the counter while he massaged his temples. Now they know who the Governor is, they just have to find him. “Would somebody stop this alarm? I’m trying to think here.” Jack closed his eyes, thinking back over the past few days. He and Patty had watched a real estate developer, the Governor, walk across the bridge with a dog. Silence pressed on Jack when the alarm abruptly ended. He opened his eyes and pulled his fingers from his ears. “Finally.”

  Jack decided to finish looking through the kitchen. The cupboards held some crackers, cereal, and cans of soup along with plates, bowls, and glasses. Everything was clean and stacked neatly. Labels all faced forward. Around the corner by the stove, Jack found dog bowls on the floor, one empty, one filled with water. An empty hook on the wall would have held a leash. He looked down at the black rubber matt that the food and water bowls sat on. White letters across the matt spelled out

  V I N C E

  Jack pictured Willy looking up into his face. His name’s Vince, Dad. Panic gripped him. It was hard to breathe. His vision was a blur as he pictured his kids with the dog just thirty minutes ago on Nicollet Island. Jack found himself at the living room window looking down on the bridge and the island. People were huddled under the eaves of the buildings. The sky was still dark with storm clouds. He grabbed his phone and dialed, looking down, hoping to spot them.

  “Nice view, isn’t it?” Ross asked. Jack turned and found Ross unrolling plans on the coffee table.

  “I have to find my family.” Jack walked over to Ross. “Some guy left a dog with my kids. I think it was the Governor. He left his dog with my kids!”

  “What? Well take a look at this.” The top-half of the top page was an overhead view of the area of the Mississippi River they were at from Boom Island to the north to locks south of the Stone Arch Brid
ge. There were notes written in pen and pencil at various locations. The bottom half of the page had some elevation views, cross-sections of what was below ground.

  “What is this?” Jack asked as he dialed another number.

  “Hold down this side.” Ross peeled back the first page like a giant book to show the second page. “He’s got sewers marked and named. It shows their depths, routes, etc.”

  “Just a second, Junior. Jules. That dog, Vince, he’s the Governor’s dog. The Governor gave him to the kids. Tell the officer to take you all to the FBI office and stay there until I get you. Bye.”

  “OK, Junior. Sewers, depths, and?”

  Ross turned back the second page. The third page was a cover page for the rest of the documents. The seal for the Ninth District Federal Reserve covered the center of the page. “These are the plans for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve from when it was built in 1994.”

  Jack leaned forward, then back to bring the drawing into focus. He used his free hand to smooth out the page. “Guess what I learned today from my daughter?”

  “What?”

  “The Federal Reserve has never been robbed.”

  Chapter 46

  “Damn it.” The Governor stood next to his car in the parking ramp underneath the condos. The cellular phone in his hand showed he had no connectivity to the tower network. He couldn’t get a call through. He stared at the screen and walked towards the garage door to see if he could pick up a signal. One bar flickered, there then gone again. “Come on.” He walked out the door to escape the reinforced concrete and earth that kept him from getting a signal. Drops of rain flung through the air by the wind, peppering his face and arms. Finally the signal was strong enough. He dialed and waited.

  “Yes.”

  “Vadim, it’s me. I’m just calling to check in, see if there’s anything you need. What do we have, seven hours to go?”