by Luke Murphy
“The guy I get it from knows I’m good for it.”
Dale smiled. “God bless Mike Armstrong.”
“Guys, be quiet. Alexandrov has a visitor.” Calvin put one plug in his ear, and handed Dale the other. They listened quietly as Jimmy drove the vehicle.
“Jimmy, pull over.” Dale looked at Calvin. “How far will this thing transmit?”
“About a mile, maybe farther, but I wouldn’t push it.”
“Jimmy, call the department. Have them send one of the tech interns to set up shop outside the prison and listen in on the bug. Then he can send a feed of everything back to us for analysis.” He looked at Calvin. “Is it recording now?”
“Of course.”
“Good, because we’re gonna need a Russian translator.”
“We might not have long.”
“Why not?”
“RF Bugs are one of the most well-known types of bugging devices available. They might be easy to detect, but almost impossible to trace back to the person who planted it. I’m guessing Alexandrov is one paranoid inmate, and could have someone checking for bugs all the time.”
“Then we better move fast.”
Chapter 6
“Is that translator here yet?” Dale sat in the sergeant’s office, telling his boss about the plan. The sarge had almost balked when Dale told him about Calvin planting a bug in Alexandrov’s cell, but after explaining the circumstances, his boss went along with it—as long as no one had witnessed it and it could never be traced back to his department.
The sarge removed a pack of cigarettes from his desk and shook one out, rolling it around in his fingers, even though smoking in the building was prohibited. Back when the Baxter ordeal was happening, the sergeant was up to almost a pack a day. These new series of events weren’t going to help.
“He should be here any time now,” the sergeant replied.
“Good, because evening visiting hours at the prison start at 4:30. The warden said Alexandrov always has multiple visitors during the second shift.”
The sarge lit up when Jimmy stuck his head through the doorway. “Translator’s here. Wait until you get a look at this piece of work.”
The sergeant, Dale and Jimmy all headed to the audio room where the techs had set up Calvin’s system. The taps were hooked up to giant speakers so everyone could hear, as well as be recorded at the same time.
The translator was pouring himself a coffee when Dale entered the room. The man was about six feet tall, and had a receding hairline with a long ponytail. The combination of multiple moles on his face and neck and wire-rimmed glasses paired with a rumpled beige suit made Dale blink a few times. Oh, yeah, a real piece of work.
Introductions were made and everyone sat down. They handed a large set of headphones to the translator so he could listen in complete silence, with no distractions. He had a pencil and pad and started scribbling notes immediately.
The room fell silent. The air was thick with tension.
“Christ, those Russians talk fast,” the sergeant noted.
Dale waved him off, signaling for him to be quiet.
“What difference does it make? Do you understand Russian?”
Dale shook his head. “I’m listening for names. Now shut up.”
The sergeant didn’t look happy but he didn’t retaliate. He and Dale had worked together for years, and there was a mutual respect and appreciation that allowed them to talk to each other in that manner.
Jimmy whispered into Dale’s ear. “Did I just hear Sanders’ name?”
Dale nodded.
When the conversation ended and it was certain that Alexandrov’s visitor had left, everyone in the room turned to the translator. He took his time taking off the headphones and setting them on the table, knowing that he was now the center of attention.
The translator chewed on the pencil, picked up his pad and flipped through the pages, rereading quietly to himself. Then he set it down, adjusted his glasses, and looked at the group as they sat and stared.
He took three quick breaths. “Alexandrov referred to his visitor as Davydov.”
Dale turned to one of the other detectives in the room. “Check that name with Alexandrov’s known associates.” The detective nodded and left.
The translator continued. “Easy to interpret the tension in Davydov’s voice, as if he was afraid to give Alexandrov the news. Davydov said that—” he picked up his notepad and read from it—“the plane went down just outside Bogota.”
Jimmy whistled. “Colombia.”
“Davydov said that authorities are still going through the wreckage, but there is one confirmed dead.”
“Is it Sanders?” Dale asked.
“The pilot. Davydov used the name Gusev.”
Dale looked at another detective, who nodded and left.
“Alexandrov asked about Ace Sanders, but Davydov had no information whether Sanders was still alive or not. Then Alexandrov told Davydov that the local police and Calvin Watters questioned him today. He thinks that the cops and Watters will be going to look for Sanders in Colombia. Davydov was to set up a team to go as well.”
Just then the two detectives came storming into the room holding folders of papers.
“We didn’t get a hit on Davydov, but when we plugged the name Gusev into the database for possible KAs with Alexandrov, we got an immediate hit.”
The second detective threw a paper on the table in front of Dale. It was a short bio on Valery Gusev as well as an accompanying photo.
“Gusev is Alexandrov’s first cousin,” the detective said.
Dale scratched his scalp. “That means Alexandrov will be out for blood. If Sanders is still alive, he’ll be hunted down like an animal. We need to find him first.”
As a couple of cops packed up to leave, Jimmy pulled Dale aside and whispered, “We don’t have any jurisdiction in South America.”
Dale shook his head. “No, we don’t, but I know someone who does.” He turned to the translator. “Are you good here until 8:45 p.m., when visiting hours end?”
The translator slurped at his coffee and then nodded.
“We’ll need you on this for at least a few days to monitor Alexandrov’s chess matches as well.”
“No problem.”
“Good.” He turned to Jimmy. “We’ll stay here until Alexandrov’s last visitor disappears, see how much information we get tonight. Then we’re going to see Calvin. For now, order this translator whatever he wants for supper. Keep him happy.”
♣
Calvin sat back, taking it all in. He was at the kitchen table with Dale, Jimmy and Rachel, a South American map unfolded and laid flat on top. The overhead bulb gave off enough light to show the various locations from Mexico to Argentina.
He could see Rachel out of the corner of his eye, her face lined with worry. Calvin knew exactly what she was thinking, but so far, she hadn’t said a word. He’d known Rachel long enough; this was the calm before the storm.
“We listened in on Alexandrov for over four hours. He had three visitors during that time, and they all had updates about the plane crash.” Dale circled positions on the map. “Our last report indicates the plane went down here.” He traced a large circle in the heart of South America.
Calvin stood up and leaned over the map. “There’s nothing there. What is it?”
The plane went down around an area called Tefé, in north Brazil, but it’s bordering Colombia,” Jimmy said.
“As far as we can tell, Sanders’ body has yet to be recovered. It could have been thrown from the plane. He could have jumped with a parachute. He could be on the ground out-cold somewhere for all we know. Unfortunately, we don’t have any CAA findings yet on the crash because no one knew the plane even existed until now,” Dale added.
“So, you want me to go in there and get Sanders?” Calvin sat back down, his mind still registering the information.
Rachel stood up and rushed from the room.
Dale watched her leave and the
n turned to Calvin. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I don’t think she’s thrilled about the idea. It might take some work to get her on board.”
“Should you go get her?”
Calvin shook his head. “Give her some time to cool down.”
“We know it’s a lot to take in,” Dale said. “Alexandrov is sending a team to Brazil to find Sanders, and trust me, they don’t plan to bring him back. You know Russians as well as I do. They have a reputation for extreme violence. I saw pictures of what someone, allegedly Alexandrov, did to his wife and nephew. The man isn’t right in the head.”
“Why don’t we just let them find Sanders and kill him? The man is scum and deserves to be punished for what he did.”
Dale nodded. “Yes, Sanders is a murderous sleazeball, but I prefer he suffers on our terms, on our turf. We arrested Sanders. We took him down. I want to see him suffer at our hands.”
“But the Russians aren’t your only worry,” Jimmy warned. “Tefé is in the Amazon Rainforest, home to some of the deadliest creatures on earth.”
Calvin nodded. “Not to mention the language barrier. What about the FBI?”
“The Feds have no jurisdiction in South America. I know we’re asking a lot, Calvin. We don’t have jurisdiction either, so you’d be on your own.”
“I spent my whole life that way.” Calvin rubbed his face. “So, the plane went down somewhere in the Amazon Rainforest. How big is the Rainforest?”
Jimmy smiled. “About two million square miles.”
Calvin sighed. “Okay, give me everything you have.”
Dale’s forehead wrinkled in thought. “We have two options. We can fly you to the airport in either Iquitos or Manaus. Both will land you right in the middle of the Amazon Forest. From either of these cities, you will be responsible to get your own transportation, probably a boat, and get up or down the Amazon River.”
“What about equipment?”
“All of your expenses will be covered.”
“Really?” Calvin was surprised by this.
“Yeah, really?” Jimmy’s brow furrowed, looking as if he was just as surprised as Calvin.
Dale nodded and looked at Jimmy. “I hadn’t run this by you yet, but I had a thought as we drove over here.”
Calvin looked at Jimmy, and then they both looked at Dale. “I think you have our full attention.”
Dale smiled. “What about Shawn Grant?”
Calvin looked at Jimmy. “Has your partner been sniffing glue?”
“Just hear me out.”
Jimmy shrugged. “Do tell.”
“We suspect that Shawn Grant was the mastermind behind all of the murders last year, correct?”
“Correct.” Calvin still wasn’t sure where Dale was going with this.
“He previously agreed to work with you to try and catch Sanders, correct?”
“Correct.”
“We’re pretty sure that Grant hired Baxter and paid him the three million dollars, correct?”
“Get to the point, Dale.” Calvin was losing patience.
“So, if Grant wanted to help you nail Sanders before, why wouldn’t he do it again? Now, he has a double incentive. He’d want to show the world that he was doing all he could to help find his father’s killer.”
“Double incentive, what do you mean?”
“I mean, he can also help Baxter get to you.”
Jimmy jumped up. “Are you crazy? You want to use Calvin as bait, again? We almost got him killed last time.”
“I never said that, Jimmy. Relax. I remember well what happened last time and I’d never put Calvin in that same situation.”
“So, what are you thinking?” Calvin asked. He had to admit, Dale had his curiosity peaked.
“We ask for Shawn to cover Calvin’s expenses to find the man who killed his father. Do you really think he’d say no? Of course not. He’ll cover the costs. In exchange, we’ll give him updated information on Calvin’s progress. Only, we don’t give Grant accurate information. We set a trap for Baxter.”
“I don’t follow,” Jimmy said.
“I think I do. We tell Grant that I’m at a certain location, thinking Grant will then relay that information to Baxter. Only the location isn’t where I am, but instead where we’ll have a team waiting to take down Baxter when he shows up.”
“Bingo.” Dale smiled.
“Oh ya.” Jimmy rolled his eyes. “It’s much clearer now. Calvin should make the call to Grant.”
“Why me?”
“Because you were the one who approached Grant the first time looking for a truce and a partnership to get Sanders. So, he’ll buy it that you’re calling a second time. And also, I’m sure by now Grant knows that we’ve talked to his secretary, and he’s probably wondering what we’re up to. He definitely doesn’t trust us. But you…”
“Good thinking, Jimmy. I thought there was a reason I liked you.”
Jimmy smiled.
“Will you do it?” Dale asked.
Calvin nodded. “Yeah. When we agreed to work together and share information, Grant gave me his cell number. It’s already programmed into my phone.”
He pulled out his cell, scrolled through his contacts, and found Grant’s number.
“I’ll put it on speaker so you guys can hear Grant’s end.”
“Good idea. I’ll scribble answers you can give him.”
Calvin made the call.
“Hello?” Grant answered right away.
“Shawn, it’s Calvin Watters.”
“Calvin Watters? Wow, it’s been a while. How’s that gym going?”
“Great. I can’t thank you enough for your contribution.”
“Happy that I could help out. It’s the least I could do to pay you back for helping the police department nail Sanders. The bumbling fools would probably still be looking for the killer if it hadn’t been for you.”
Calvin smiled, as he noticed Dale’s face grow redder and redder with anger. “Yeah, those cops aren’t very smart. How have you been?”
Grant’s voice grew somber. “It’s been a struggle. Just trying to get by without my dad.”
Calvin looked at Dale, who rolled his eyes.
“Listen, Calvin, I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to talk to you after the trial. I wanted to thank you. That son of a bitch Sanders ruined my whole life.”
Dale scribbled on a pad.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about Sanders’ escape?” Calvin said into the phone.
“I heard.” Disgust coated Shawn’s voice. “I hope they hunt him down like the animal he is.”
Dale set a paper in front of Calvin. Calvin picked it up and read from it.
“Not sure if you know, but after the whole investigation, I opened my own PI business here in town.”
“I did hear that. I hope things are going well.”
“Yes, they are, thanks. But the reason I’m calling is because the LVMPD has requested my assistance again in catching Sanders.”
Shawn’s voice changed. “That’s great. They couldn’t have picked a better man. Those fools can use all the help they can get.”
Again, Calvin held in a laugh. “The only problem is the costs are quite significant for this kind of search, so much so that the police can’t help me because of budget restraints. Since I know the devastation Sanders brought to you and your family, I was thinking that maybe you might be able to cover some of my expenses, to help catch the man who killed your father?”
“Nothing would make me happier than to help you get Sanders. Whatever you need, it’s yours. I’ll forward ten thousand dollars to your account right away. If you need more than that, just call and let me know. But if I’m in, then I’m in all the way.”
“What do you mean?” Calvin could see Dale smile and nod.
“I want to know every move you make. I want to feel like I’m there with you when you bring that bastard down, again. When do you leave and where will you be going?”
Dale handed him
another paper.
“I’m not sure yet, but I should know more by morning. The cops are still trying to figure that much out.”
“That might take a while. They’re so narrow-minded they could look through a keyhole with both eyes at the same time.”
This time Calvin snorted out loud.
“Give me your email address so I can transfer the money. Then call me when you have some details.”
Calvin gave Grant his information and hung up. He turned to the detectives and smiled. “Looks like he’s on board. He seems to really hold you guys in high regard.”
“Fuck him, he’s going down,” Dale said. “Let’s go over a few more details tonight. You’ll be leaving tomorrow.”
♣
Two hours later, after going over the plan in minute detail, Calvin said goodnight to the detectives and walked Dale and Jimmy to the door.
“What are you going to say to Rachel?” Jimmy asked.
“I’m still not sure.”
“Make sure you send that list to Mike tonight so he has time to get all of that stuff for you.” Dale turned to Jimmy. “Meanwhile, you and I are going to contact that Marine Colonel, what was that asshole’s name?”
Jimmy saluted mockingly. “Sir, Marine Colonel John Hughes, sir.”
“Right, that guy. I’m sure he’ll have some intel and input on how we can trap Baxter and bring him in.”
Calvin stuck out his hand. “Guys, I still have a lot of work ahead of me tonight.”
They shook hands.
“Call us in the morning,” Dale said.
The detectives left and Calvin shut the door. He walked through the apartment. “Rachel?” he called out.
He found her in their bedroom, seated cross-legged on the bed, the laptop open beside her. She’d thrown an old, woolen sweater over her petite frame, as if she’d had a sudden chill. Her eyes were red and moist, and a stack of computer printout papers were on the comforter beside her.
“What are you doing?” He moved in and sat behind her. Calvin lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck.
She shook him off and stood up, holding up the papers. “This is what I’ve been doing for the last two hours. You’re going, aren’t you?”
Calvin knew it wasn’t exactly a question, more of a test. He wasn’t going to lie.
