Clifford nodded. “The sooner we get a list of names, the better off those people will be.”
“If all goes as planned on Tuesday morning, we won’t lose anyone else. As soon as they know they’re safe, I think they’ll all start talking.”
Clifford pointed toward the table. “Do you want to wait for your friends or dig in?”
Jenna laughed. “I vote for digging in. I’m starved.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Harry parked in front of the residence. “Looks like that’s our boy over there near the steps.”
Jake climbed out, stretched, and waited for Harry as the young boy approached at a fast clip.
He started speaking quickly in Spanish.
“Wow, son, slow down. Can you speak English?” Jake asked.
“Sí, señor.”
“Then start from the beginning.”
“I come to clean Mr. Garcia’s pool. I look through window, and Mr. Garcia is lying on floor. I think he’s dead.”
“What’s your name?” Harry asked.
“Antonio Menez. I work for Mr. Garcia for long time. He help me go to school.”
Harry pulled his gun and headed toward the house. “Antonio, would you mind waiting for us at the car? We’re going to go in and check on Mr. Garcia, and we’ll be right back.”
“I’ll take the back,” Jake said.
Harry nodded, moving onto the porch. He knocked on the door and turned the knob. The door opened and he called out, “Police. Mr. Garcia?”
He moved inside, searching the corners and doorways for movement. A body lay in the center of the room, arm outstretched, holding a gun.
Jake strolled in from the back of the house and knelt beside the body. “Isn’t Garcia the name of Jenna’s boss?”
Harry holstered his gun. “Yeah, David Garcia.” He glanced around the room. “It looks like a suicide.”
Jake stood up and walked to the credenza. “There’s an envelope here for Jenna.” He opened the envelope and pulled out the top sheet. “You better read this.”
Harry took the note and read it.
My dearest Jenna, I had a choice. Death or taking the chance that I might once again have to betray you. I chose death. You are everything I once wanted to be. Do not grieve for me, my friend.
I’ve asked that Judge White hear the arraignment. We spoke, and he’ll let the case stand if your arguments are good. Dade will argue that all the evidence you have is circumstantial and that your informant is an escaped convict and vindictive toward his father and brother. The death of the undertaker and his girlfriend helped to convince him to hear your argument. You need to use that.
I’ve also enclosed a list of the names of the staff on the farm in Kentucky. I don’t know how many, if any, know the truth, but you need to get those names into the record, as well as the name of the coroner, Jordan Elkins, the maid, your two police friends, and yourself—anyone even remotely involved in this that has any information that you can use must be mentioned. Otherwise, there will be more bodies showing up soon.
David
Harry folded the note and stuck it inside his pocket. “We’d better call it in.”
“Harry?”
The tone of Jake’s voice was enough to get Harry’s legs moving quickly in his direction. “What?”
Jake pointed at the ceiling. “Do you know how to defuse a bomb?”
Harry glanced up, eyes locked onto the timer slowly ticking down. They had less than a minute. “Nope.”
The two turned, darting for the front door. Outside, they headed for the nearest hill and jumped just as the explosion went off behind them. A second explosion followed the first.
Harry stood and glanced toward the cruiser, where Antonio was huddled, whimpering in Spanish.
Jake whistled long and low, bringing Harry’s attention back to the house, which now lay in a pile of burning rubble. “That makes three I know of.”
Harry dusted off his pants and stood up. “Three what?”
“Bombs. The killer you and Jenna talked about. The feds in Atlanta and now this one. We need to look for an explosives expert, and when we find him, I say we ram a stick of dynamite up his butt and light it.”
“Look on the bright side.” Harry chuckled.
“What bright side?”
“You’re always telling me you want to drive. I’ll let you start the car from now on.”
~ ~ ~
Clifford hung up the phone and glanced across the courtyard at the group gathered around the table—a happy, family-type atmosphere. Jenna was smiling at something Kamela was saying. Drago looked up and caught his eye. Beaumont cocked his head, motioning Drago to join him.
“Something up, Mr. Beaumont?”
“Somebody just blew up David Garcia’s house.”
Drago glanced back at the table. “Was he in it?”
Clifford nodded. “He was already dead. Suicide.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Take Travis and go snoop around. See what kind of explosives were used.”
Drago scratched his chin. “You think it’s Warner?”
“I hope not. That son of a bitch is crazy.”
Drago glanced back at the table. “Kid’s had a lot dropped in her lap lately. You gonna tell her?”
Clifford followed his gaze to where Jenna was laughing with Jordan and Kamela. “Yeah, I get all the good jobs.”
~ ~ ~
Jenna thanked the limo driver again and dug through her new purse for her house key.
“Would you like me to go in and check to make sure everything is okay?”
Jenna glanced at the car parked across the street. Geno and Marko were already climbing out and heading her way. “No, thank you; Geno and Marko will do that.”
The limo driver tipped his hat and closed the door. “Enjoy your evening, Miss James.”
Jenna waved as he backed out of the driveway. Beaumont might have mob connections, but he also had the nicest employees she’d ever met. She handed the house key to Marko. “You really don’t have to do this every time I come home.”
“Just following orders, Miss James. If you’d stand back, please.”
Jenna moved back down the driveway a few feet as he opened the door and glanced inside. “We’ll be right back.”
She waited, tapping her foot as the two checked the house for intruders. They came out after a few minutes. “All clear, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” After going in, she closed the door behind herself and sagged against it. The emotions she’d been holding in since Clifford had told her about David overwhelmed her, and she dropped her purse, covering her face as she sobbed until she felt drained. Balling her hands into fists, she beat them against the wall. “Damn you, Dade. Damn your black soul to hell.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Marcus reached for the buzzing cell phone as he exited the federal courthouse. The jury had taken longer than he’d expected to come back with a not-guilty verdict. Then the judge had droned on about thanking them for doing their civic duty. He wanted a good cigar and cold drink, but that would have to wait until he stopped by the jail and saw the Elkinses. At least he could enjoy that.
Hitting the button to answer, he raised the phone to his ear. “I see you took care of things for me.”
Gregory’s deep laugh came through the cell. “Gave Redmond and Savior just enough time to verify it was suicide and then toppled the whole damn house. They got out in time. Barely.”
“You’re a good man, Gregory. How about our other problem? Did you find anything at the house?”
“Her friend’s got a daughter at Stanford. Figured I’d take a trip out there tonight, find out where the mother is.”
“Good. Keep me informed.” Marcus hit the End button and descended the steps. The news about David was mildly upsetting. He’d been useful over the years. It would take time to find a new recruit to take his place.
He entered the jail, smiled at the guard, and stated his p
urpose. “Marcus Dade. I’m here to see my clients, William and Michael Elkins.”
The guard buzzed him through. “Right this way, Mr. Dade.”
Marcus followed him down a long hallway, where the guard opened a door to an interrogation room. “I’ll bring them in. Would you like some coffee?”
Marcus shook his head. “I won’t be here that long. I assume this room is safe?”
The guard nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Marcus sat at the table and opened his briefcase. He glanced over the indictment Jenna had faxed his office earlier. You’re one smart cookie, Jenna James. He needed to find a way to eventually sway her to his side.
“Where the hell have you been?” William Elkins glared at him as he stomped into the room. “Michael needs medical care, and I’m not spending another damn minute locked up like a criminal.”
Marcus let his eyes travel over the pair and pointed to the chairs on the opposite side of the table. “Have a seat.”
He waited until the two were seated and began to read the indictment to them.
William Elkins slammed his fist on the table. “What the fuck are you doing?”
Marcus met his angry gaze. “My job, William. I have to inform you of the charges against you and your constitutional rights.”
“I know my damn rights. What I don’t know is why you’re fucking around with me. You get off your ass and go get us released.”
Marcus glanced at Michael, who had been quiet up to that point, and raised an eyebrow,
Michael turned to his father. “Shut up, Dad. You got us into this mess.”
The judge glared at his son before turning his heated gaze back to Marcus. “I go down, you son of a bitch, I’m taking all of you with me. You better get on the phone to Garcia and get me out of here.”
Marcus leaned back, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “David Garcia killed himself earlier today. Jenna James is the new DA. She’ll be prosecuting your case.” That fact seemed to knock the wind out of the two of them, and Marcus liked that.
Michael’s face paled even more, and the old man’s lips opened and closed, his jaw trembling.
“I’m sure that gives you some idea of what you’re up against. Here’s how it’s going to be. I’m going to finish reading the indictment and advise you of your rights. I’m then going to call Miss James and see if we can reach some kind of deal. If that fails, we’ll go to arraignment in the morning where I will, of course, plead you not guilty and attempt to get the charges thrown out. If that fails, I’ll arrange bail, and you’ll be home by lunch. Any questions?”
Neither of them spoke, so Marcus picked up the indictment and finished reading it. He then advised them of their rights as well as what they could expect if found guilty. “I assume you both want to plead not guilty?”
Judge Elkins found his voice again. “You’re damned right we’re pleading not guilty.”
Marcus closed his file and stood. “Good. Now, William, I’d like a few minutes alone with Michael if you don’t mind. There are some loose ends I need to tie up.”
Marcus walked to the door and called the guard. “I’d like a few minutes with the son, but the father is ready to go back to his cell.”
William glared at him but kept his mouth shut as he walked out in front of the guard. Marcus closed the door and returned to the table. He drummed his fingers on the table. “Michael, Michael, Michael, what are we going to do about your father?”
“Get me out of here, and I’ll take care of it.”
Marcus smiled. “Now, that’s what I wanted to hear. Here’s the plan. I’m going to call Jenna James and offer her a deal. I get the judge to confess, based on dismissal of all claims against you. You were overwrought with grief from the death of your mother. You clearly weren’t thinking right.”
“She won’t do it,” Michael said.
“What happened to your lip?” Marcus asked.
“That damned Indian hit me. I’ve got two loose teeth, and I’ve been having chest pains all day. I need my medicine.”
Marcus reached into his briefcase and pulled out a bottle of pills. “I picked these up earlier. Don’t get caught with them.” He handed the bottle to Michael. “Be glad Redmond hit you. Jenna’s quite fond of him, I believe. I can use that for leverage.”
Michael popped a pill under his tongue. “The old man will never confess.”
“I know that, and you know that, but Jenna doesn’t know that. By the time she figures it out, the judge will be gone, and the case will naturally be closed.” He placed the file back in his briefcase. “Have you got an unregistered gun, Michael?”
Michael shook his head. “Had to get rid of it after I shot Andrews.”
Marcus closed the briefcase and locked it. “Stop by my office after you’re released tomorrow. I’ll have something for you, and we’ll finalize our plans.”
Michael stood and extended his hand. “Thank you, Marcus. You won’t regret this.”
Marcus ignored the hand and moved around him. “Make sure I don’t.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Jenna let herself into her house, not waiting for Geno and Marko to do their normal walk-through. She was tired, and she was hurting. Sitting in David’s chair, answering his phone, and taking the oath of office she’d watched him take twice in the past eight years had worn her out emotionally. She’d barely slept the previous night, and she didn’t think that night was going to be much better. At least with Grant’s help, she’d managed to get the indictment prepared and faxed to Dade.
Her cell phone rang, and she picked up and dug through her purse to find it. “Hello.”
“Miss James?”
“What the hell do you want, Dade?”
“Well, first I’d like to offer my condolences on David’s death. He was a good man, and—”
Jenna hit the End button and tossed the phone across the room. She might have to listen to him in court the next day, but she’d be damned if she’d listen to him offer false condolences about David.
The phone rang again. She stared at it for a moment before walking over and picking it up. “What do you want, Dade?”
“A deal.”
“There’s not going to be any deals. Your clients are guilty.”
He laughed softly. “Of course they are, Jenna—of much worse things than what you’ve accused them of—but your evidence is circumstantial. And what if you lose?”
Jenna rubbed her right temple, gripping the phone more tightly in her left hand. She could lose. They could both walk, and if they did, there would be nothing she could do to protect Harry and Jake from their vengeance. Police officers died in the line of duty all the time. “All right. I’m listening.”
“Here’s what I propose. I met with Michael today, and we believe it’s possible we can convince the judge to plead guilty once they’re released on bail tomorrow. If the judge changes his plea to guilty, you drop the charges against Michael.”
“No deal. Michael Elkins is going to jail.”
There was silence on the phone, and for a moment, Jenna thought he’d hung up. His voice came back across the wire, soft and silky. “You’re thinking David sold out, aren’t you, Jenna? He didn’t. We simply helped each other. The charges you have against Michael Elkins will get him two years. Maybe five if you’re lucky. With no priors and friends in the system, he’ll be out on shock probation in less than six months. Wouldn’t you rather convict him of murder? I know I like tying up all loose ends. So did David, and I believe you do too. Michael admitted to me that he killed Ben Andrews. Of course, I’ll deny that if you bring it up. Agree to dismiss these charges if his father pleads guilty. I’ll find out what he did with the gun. You can then prosecute him for murder. Think it over and meet me in the law library at nine thirty. We’ll talk before the hearing in the morning.”
She hit the End button. She didn’t want to think about it, but she knew she would. The chance to prosecute Michael for Ben’s death was too good to pass up, even if
Dade was lying. The problem was she didn’t think Dade was lying. For reasons of his own, he wanted both the Elkinses out of the way. Neither of them would last a week in prison.
She headed for the kitchen to start dinner for Jake and Harry just as another thought hit her. Dade was throwing her a bone, showing her how easy it was to get the guys she wanted—with his help. He’d insinuated that’s what David had done. He’d pulled him in with bigger cases and better cases. She wanted Michael Elkins for murder. Once Dade had hooked her with this case, could she break free? And if she couldn’t, what would Dade demand in return?
Jenna realized she didn’t care. Avenging Ben’s death by putting Michael Elkins behind bars was all that mattered. Dade was right. Michael didn’t have a prior record, and she’d be lucky if he wasn’t released on probation. She turned and headed for her bedroom and a change of clothes. She’d call Harry and have them pick up something on the way home.
~ ~ ~
Jake closed the door to the cruiser, pulled his seat belt across, and hooked it. “I’m beat. Think JJ’s got dinner, or do we need to stop?”
Harry started the car. “She called earlier and asked if we could pick up something. Said she wanted to go over the paperwork just to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything.”
Jake turned and eyed his partner. “You sound kind of dubious. You think something else is going on?”
Harry backed out of the driveway. “Yeah, I think Garcia’s death pushed a button. We need to keep a close eye on her the next few days. Probably be a good idea for one of us to go to that arraignment.”
Jake leaned back in the seat and grinned. “You’re the early riser. Let’s hit a fish place and call it a night.”
Harry drove back toward town. His thoughts kept going back to the phone call. Jenna had seemed different. Colder. Not unusual after all she’d been through in the past week, but still, the reaction would have been more normal right after the rape—not right then. And she hadn’t been that way earlier when he talked to her. Had something happened at Beaumont’s? A large sign flashed ahead, and he pulled into the drive-thru and ordered four fish-and-chicken dinners. He was too tired to think about it.
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