Tommy just sat there, leaning on his elbow, hand covering his mouth, listening.
"It was nice at first, with Anthony I mean," Jen waited for the server to leave. "We didn't even get married for the first few years…."
"I didn't mean to raise bad memories. I was just curious why someone would let you go," Tommy said, finishing his wine and refilling the glasses.
"You did," she said, eyes brimming.
"I got sent to Iraq. I didn't have a choice. The Marine Corps is like that, you know, they don't give you options. I told you that the day I left. I said I'd be back. You didn't wait," he answered. "What about your daughter?" trying to change the subject.
Jennifer started to say something, let out a sigh, and then just sat looking at him.
"Jen, what's wrong? What is it?"
"I knew from the beginning Kelsey wasn't Anthony's child. I let him believe she was that's the kind of person I am. When I found out that’s when he left."
Tommy watched as Jen took a long sip of wine, looking into her glass, lost in the dark memories of the past. Let it go for now, Tommy, let it go.
The rest of the dinner taken up with small talk about the different paths of their lives. When they were through, they had invested two hours and three bottles of wine in their efforts.
As they walked to the car, a voice called out, "Jen?" causing them both to turn towards the sound. Jen lost her balance and reached out for Tommy's hand. He put his arm around her, steadying her.
"Jen? I thought it was you." A woman walked over to them, smiling at the pair.
"Hi, Karen, how are you?" Jennifer asked.
"Not as good as you,” giving Tommy the once over. “I see you’re having some fun tonight, good for you. And this is?"
Jennifer looked at Tommy, then back at her friend, "this is a friend of mine, Tom Meadows. He's my new partner in the property management company," turning to Tommy. "Tom, this is Karen Reynolds. She has an office in the same building."
Tommy reached out his hand, "Nice to meet you, Karen."
"Nice to meet you as well, Tom. Well, I will let you two carry on. Give me a call sometime, Jen," tilting her head and casting a side glance at Tommy. "You can give me all the details about this one. Nice to meet you, Tom," smiling as she turned and walked off.
Tommy watched the woman cross Atwells Avenue, getting into car parked across the street. "Is she going to be a problem?"
"Not if you want Anthony to know we were out together. I bet she's calling him now," Jennifer answered, smiling. "She had a thing for him. I think they had an affair after he left me, while she was still married."
"Well then, at least it will make our association more realistic and believable to him."
They both stood and watched as the car pulled into traffic. As the woman drove past, Jennifer reached over and kissed Tommy. Taking him in a long embrace, she whispered, "Now I am sure she'll call him."
Tommy smiled and kissed her back, the flood of memories filling his thoughts.
Chapter 29
The sunlight leaked through the curtains, waking Tommy from his sleep. As he tried to focus on the clock, he smelled coffee.
Jennifer walked into the bedroom, wearing nothing but Tommy's unbuttoned shirt, carrying two cups. "Cream and sugar, right?"
Tommy pushed himself up against the headboard, still groggy. "Uh, yeah, thanks, I ah…" smiling and trying to act nonchalant.
"Ah yes, those first uncomfortable moments," Jen chuckled. "You realize you started yesterday with your chastity intact and woke up the next day without it. Don't worry; I may have had something to do with it."
"What, no, no I mean I, we both..."
"Yes we did," leaning over and kissing him, "several times if I recall and I do believe we owe the backyard neighbor an apology." Handing him the coffee, she slid in next to him.
"Oh holy shit," was all he could say.
His cell rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he mouthed the words, "It's Josh."
"Well, best not use video calling to answer it. I'll be quiet," draping her arm across his chest, nuzzling against him, "unlike last night."
"Good, um, good morning, LT," Tommy answered, trying to sound innocent.
"Yes, Detective Moore, I bet it is. Why is it you are not at the briefing this morning?" Josh asked.
"Ah, I, ah, I thought I was to stay undercover," Tommy fumbled in response. "Isn't that what you said?"
"Well, be that as it may, please find your way down to Haines Park so we can discuss our next moves. Call Jennifer, tell her you have some project work to do."
Good, at least he doesn't know she's here. "Okay, will do LT-- Hey," Tommy shouted, reacting to Jennifer's intimate touch.
"Hey what, Tommy?" Josh said. "Stop screwing around and get down here."
If you only knew, LT, if you only knew.
"Okay, on my way. I'll let Jen know I'll be in later," hanging up the phone. "Duty calls, got to go meet Josh. This is official notice to inform you, I'll be in later," trying to slide out of the bed.
Jen smiled, pulling him back. "Well, since you said you'd be in later," moving on top of him, sliding out of his shirt, her erect nipples signaling her arousal. "Let's let you in now and you can be a little late to your briefing."
* * *
Moore flew down Veteran's Memorial Parkway hoping the time-to-make-the-donuts twins were not running radar. The two officers bore a remarkable resemblance to the baker in the Dunkin' Donuts commercials.
The father of one was mail carrier. His job offered many opportunities to distribute his genetic code to lonely women, raising suspicions of the source of their remarkable similarities.
As Moore drove over the hill near the first overlook, there they were. Fortunately, they had two cars stopped and were focused on writing summonses. Moore flashed by and beeped the horn, flipping them off as he passed them.
They did not look up.
Lazy bastards. If somebody flipped me off, I'd be on their ass in a heartbeat.
Moore continued onto Pawtucket Avenue, heading towards the Looff Carousel, the centerpiece of the former Crescent Park, a once thriving amusement park. The historic carousel, one of a handful still functioning in the country, restored to its former glory by community involvement. It stood at the intersection of Crescent View Avenue and Bullocks Point Avenue.
Tommy turned onto Crescent View Avenue. He drove past the housing development built on part of the former amusement park land. He wondered what idiot thought it was a good idea to combine elderly housing with the mentally challenged. People trying to live out their remaining years surrounded by people who believe they are from another planet is not a good mix.
The uniform guys called it Thorazine Manor, since half the residents took some form of anti-psychotic drug.
He turned onto Metropolitan Park Drive, following the road to the city line with Barrington, and pulled into Haines Park.
Josh, Zach Kennedy, and the two troopers were waiting.
"Nice of you to make it," Josh said.
"Hey, you told me to stay in undercover mode. I did. I slept in."
"Anything else?" Josh asked.
Moore looked up, the iron taste of the adrenaline rushing through his body flooded his senses. "Nope. I am here, ready for the briefing."
Josh shook his head. Moore smiled at the two troopers. "See, none of that saluting nonsense you guys go through. Us real cops just get to work."
"A little discipline might do you some good," Donahue countered.
"Jahwohl, Mein Kapitan," saluting Donahue with his middle finger and goose-stepping around the car.
"Don't waste your time, Tim. He's not even housebroken," Josh said, motioning with his index finger for Moore to come over to the front of the car.
"Okay, here's the latest..."
After detailing Sorin's calls and conversations, Josh said, “So, in a nutshell this is the story. He is trying to find out more about you. He doesn't quite trust her, doesn't trust this unexpected addition to the staf
f, and suspects I created the issue with the property."
"Do you think the profile the Feds created for him will hold up?" Donahue asked, looking at Kennedy.
"As long as they just use standard law enforcement sources, DMV, driver licenses, educational background checks, it should. We assume they have somebody, a cop or someone working in a PD, they can use."
"And if they dig deeper?" Moore asked.
"You are screwed,” Kennedy said. "The FBI usually take months to set up a phony background for their undercovers, here we did it in a week."
"If we push hard enough we just may be able to force Sorin's hand before they find out you aren’t what you appear," Josh added.
"You mean he's not a moron?" Donahue laughed.
"Bet it took all day and night for you to come up with that one, didn't it?" Moore said.
"Nope, first five minutes in the station and I figured you out."
Josh laughed, "Okay, now that you've practiced your comedy routine, we need to make sure we keep Tommy covered; no lapses in the surveillance. We know what they are capable of and don't want them to get an opportunity; if they find out he's a cop."
Donahue nodded, "Let's get the new tracking device the Feds were telling us about. Have him carry it.” Blowing a kiss at Moore, “I wouldn't want to lose you, sweetheart."
Moore smiled, "I didn't know you cared, you big handsome bitch. Okay, sounds good. I had better head to the office. When you get the equipment, call me and we'll arrange a meeting," Moore said. Quite certain the tracking device was not such a good idea.
Chapter 30
"Mr. Chairman, Senator Collucci is on line one for you," the administrative aide said over the intercom.
"Thank you Denise," Clevon Castillo, acting Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission replied. Unexpected calls from Senators are never a good thing.
Castillo reached over, picked up the phone, and pushed the button for line one.
"Good morning, Senator. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"Good morning, Clevon. I hope you are settling into your new office," Collucci replied.
"Well, I am not so sure I should unpack yet," Castillo said. "The confirmation hearing isn't until next week, lots of things can happen."
Collucci let the words hang in the air for a moment, "Well from what I gather, your friends on the Hill have done a good job of gathering support. I have no doubt it will be the right outcome."
Castillo wondered about the Senator’s phrasing, not a rousing show of support. "It may be presumptuous of me, but I hope I can count on your vote, Senator."
"Of course Clevon, I see no major obstacles to your appointment. You have my full support," Collucci answered.
"If I may, Senator, you said no major obstacles. Are you aware of any obstacles or issues? If you have some questions, I'd be happy to address them."
"No, no. Nothing specific except, well, there is some concern the FCC is moving too fast on the ZMI merger with ANM. Those opposed to your appointment may raise this as an example of politics entering into the process. The merger of two of the largest media companies in the world could be of concern to some."
Castillo could feel his anger rising, fighting to lash out. This pompous, self-important….
"Your previous job as legal counsel for ZMI became a point of contention in your nomination hearing," Collucci explained. "Perhaps a delay of the process, more a deferral until after the confirmation, is appropriate."
Clevon Castillo was an ambitious, yet cautious man. A two-term Congressman from Massachusetts, he was an early supporter of the President. He resigned his seat to manage the Presidential campaign fundraising organization. Surviving the firestorms of the President's first term in office as an envoy to the Middle East, he garnered much praise and admiration for his diplomatic skills. He'd learned the art of persuasion, threats coupled with concessions, from the best.
When the President was re-elected, Castillo approached him for a new position. The President offered him the position of Secretary of State. He declined. He preferred one with influence, yet offering some measure of security and anonymity. He set his sights on the FCC, hoping to hide there for a few years and turn it into a nice, private sector offer when his term ended. Gaining allies and support for his own run for the Presidency was his long-term goal.
"Senator, both the House and Senate committees vetted the ZMI merger. They dealt with any issues or concerns," Castillo argued. "If I canceled a hearing scheduled for tomorrow, wouldn't that appear as political maneuvering?"
"I suppose, but I am concerned about discussions I have had with a number of other Senators. Those that, I should point out, have indicated their support for your confirmation. Hang on a moment," Collucci said. "Ah, would you excuse me, Clevon? Someone just walked into my office and I need to deal with an issue. I'll call you right back." Collucci hung up, not waiting for the response.
Sorin sat in a chair facing the Senator, "You seemed to get the point across, no?"
"I'll let him think about it for an hour or so. By the time I call back, I have no doubt he will already have delayed the approval hearing," Collucci said. "Once I confirm he has, we'll have a chat with our friends at ANM and persuade them to kill the story."
"This had better work, Senator. Our friends will not let all their work go for naught," Sorin said, adjusting his cuffs, concern in his eyes.
The look was contagious. "It will work," Collucci said, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Castillo is ambitious, but smart. He'll see it as beneficial to keep us happy."
Two hours later, Collucci called the FCC acting Chairman back.
"Clevon, I apologize for the delay. Senator Harrison, you recall him I am sure, one of your critical supporters. He needed me to co-sponsor some last minute legislation. I apologize again."
"That's fine, Senator. I understand you have many things pressing on your time," Castillo answered.
"Now, where were we? Ah yes, discussing the delay in the ZMI media merger. Have you had time to consider our concerns?" Collucci asked.
"I have, Senator. I spoke to my legal counsel and he agreed a short deferral may well be in the best interests of all parties," Castillo said. "My press secretary is preparing a briefing and I have spoken to the heads of both media companies explaining the delay. I told them I had concerns over political appearances in the midst of the nomination hearing. I assured them the process was not derailed, just delayed."
"Excellent," Collucci said. "Your sensitivity to these matters reinforces in my mind your qualifications for this position. I am sure this will go far to insure adequate support for your nomination. Thank you Clevon, or should I say, Mr. Chairman? Take care and we will speak soon."
Collucci ended the call, and then pushed the intercom button. "Would you find Anthony for me and tell him I need him in my office as soon as possible, thank you."
Sorin arrived moments later, "Well?"
"Done, he delayed the hearing. Arrange a meeting with our friends at ZMI, I want to make sure they know what I am capable of with just a phone call," Collucci said.
Sorin's eyes narrowed, "Be cautious in dealing with Dmitriev. He may appreciate your influence, but he will value it as he sees fit, not as you would like. You and I are important to this. Nevertheless, should it suit their needs, they will replace us. Be cautious, Senator. It is best to keep them as supporters, not adversaries."
"Of course," Collucci said. "I just want them to see me as a valuable partner. One they should protect."
Sorin watched the Senator pack up his briefcase. "Don't you have another aspect to deal with?" he said.
"Yes I do as a matter of fact," Collucci said. "I have one more call to make.” Pushing the intercom button he said, "Would you please get Maurio Bartoletti from ANM Media on the phone for me, thank you."
"How are you going to handle him?" Sorin asked.
"It's simple. Bartoletti wants this merger to go through. It is his ticket to the good life, cashing in
on his work at ANM. I will show him the risk running the story poses to the merger. Getting him to pull it will be the best solution. He will do it. Mark my words," Collucci said, a smile crossing his lips.
The voice over the intercom interrupted, "Mr. Bartoletti on line one for you, Senator."
Collucci grabbed the line, putting the call on speaker. "Maurio, how are you my friend?"
"Not happy at the moment, Senator. It would seem the FCC has put a hold on our petition for merger with ZMI. Do you know anything about it?" Bartoletti asked.
"Well, I must say it is a surprise to me. I was under the impression it was moving along well. I spoke to the acting Chairman earlier today. He never mentioned it," Collucci said.
Son of a bitch, goddamn son of a bitch. “What can I do for you, Senator?" his voice coarse and curt.
"Maurio, do you recall the story we discussed? The one you spoke with me about, this nonsense over an old criminal case in which I had little involvement?"
"I do, Senator. One of our affiliate stations was running something. Why do you ask?"
"Well, Maurio, one of the concerns of the Senate is too much consolidation within the media," Collucci said.
"Go on, Senator. I am listening," Bartoletti said.
"Given these sensitivities, don't you see the risk a controversial story, such as the one by your affiliate station, poses? I have no issue with their right to run the story, but there needs to be fair and balanced reporting. Some of my colleagues may see this story as illustrative of a lack of diversification among the media as a real problem. Do you see where this is leading?" Collucci said.
"I do indeed," Bartoletti replied, his response angry, but controlled. “What would assuage these fears, Senator?"
“An opportunity to present a different side, my side, and show these allegations to be frivolous. Given adequate time, I can get your reporters access to information they may find illuminating.” Collucci paused a moment, letting the seed take root. "But as I said, Maurio, it will take some time to arrange."
There was no immediate response. Collucci could make out muffled, angry voices in the background.
Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel Page 21
