by C. M. Sutter
“How about a couple sodas instead?” I stood and walked to the vending machine. Frank joined me and dropped a handful of quarters in the slot. He tipped his head toward the selections.
“Go ahead. Pick what you want.”
“Thanks.” I pressed A-2, and a cola dropped to the door at the bottom of the machine.
Frank chose the same, then we continued our conversation at the table.
“Jesse talked about the close calls he and Jim both had while working Narcotics. I guess that was true for their entire department.” Frank shook his head. “I still can’t believe it. Jesse was right all along, and now he’s missing and Jim is dead. Those criminals are off the charts and they don’t care who they kill.”
“But I don’t think this John is a user. He’s killing strategically and deliberately—like I said—for revenge. He’s cooking meth because he needs the money to pay his gambling debts. That alone is enough to piss him off. He caused his own problems, his partner was running the meth business until he got busted, and now John has to pick up the pieces.” I popped the tab on my soda can. “Are there any cases Jesse told you about that really stand out?”
“Not directly related to him. He did tell me about the shit Jim had to go through with Internal Affairs on one of their drug busts, though. The entire Chicago police force knew about it.”
My ears perked. “Why did that one stand out?”
“Five unis and patrol officers joined Jesse and Jim that day several years back. It was a meth lab takedown that had been in the works for months. Narcotics even had a few undercovers make street buys over time to establish intent to sell and distribute. The lab was doing well and pushing out some of the smaller competitors.”
“Terry Lewis could have been one of them, and the bad blood between them continued on until now.”
“Good point. Anyway, the guy who ran the business had a handful of punks working the streets and some others helping at the lab. He was the person calling the shots, though. Jesse said he was the main cooker, the one who kept everyone on a short leash and raked in the bucks. He stayed behind closed doors, and nobody on the street knew who he was. Only the guys in the lab knew his name. A few of the street sellers were hauled in after making those undercover sales and gave up the location of the lab. They were users themselves, and those types can’t be trusted. They’d give up their own mother to save their asses. That’s when the plan to bust the lab got underway.”
I pulled my notepad out of my purse and jotted down the information Frank was revealing. I didn’t know if it would help or not, but chances were it could be the missing piece to the puzzle. “Where was the lab located?”
Frank rubbed his temples. “Damn, it’s been a while. I’m thinking it was one of the northern suburbs. Long story short, they busted the lab and took down everyone inside. The officers rustled up the two-bit helpers, and Jim took the lead on the main guy. He ordered him to the floor at gunpoint and was about to handcuff him when the guy grabbed Jim by the leg, causing him to lose his balance. Jim fell backward, and the gun went off. The guy was shot in the face and died at the scene.”
“Oh my God, Jim was shot in the face too. That can’t be a coincidence, can it? I mean, if somebody intends to execute another person, wouldn’t they normally shoot that person in the back of the head? Henry and I saw Jim just minutes after he was shot. His body was still warm for crissakes and he had a bullet wound under his left eye, as if he’d turned to face his killer. Frank, do you know the name of the man that Jim shot?”
“I don’t remember, but it would be in the police files.”
“But we searched every file that Jesse had a hand in. He was there, you said, right?”
“Yeah, but the events that went down that day wouldn’t be filed with the regular police reports. Internal Affairs probably kept those records.”
I jumped off the bench I had been sitting on. “That’s why we couldn’t find anything here or at the courthouse. The main player was dead, not arrested and thrown in jail. Internal Affairs took all the records and conducted their own investigation. They probably have everything we need. I need to see those records.”
Frank smirked. “I applaud your enthusiasm, Kate, but it doesn’t work that way. You can’t just barge in there and demand to see somebody’s confidential interview with Internal Affairs. There has to be a good reason, and you’d have to go through the usual chain of command, meaning Lutz or Finley. They would have to make the request to see Jim’s file. Anyway, the office is closed now until the morning.”
“But Jesse’s life could depend on finding out that man’s name and the location of the meth lab.”
“That lab was demolished, and all that’s there now is a vacant lot. You won’t get any help from the location. That case could be connected or not, so don’t go off half-cocked. Give Lutz a heads-up before you leave, see what he says, and get his take on it. I’m sure if he agrees with you, he’ll contact IA first thing in the morning, but keep in mind they may not give him the report. It may have to go through Finley since he was Jim’s immediate commander. Either way, somebody will get the ball rolling if it’s warranted. Maybe by lunchtime tomorrow, we’ll know the name of the man Jim shot.”
“But why can’t I just ask Finley? He’d remember the man’s name, wouldn’t he?”
Frank raised his brows. “Kate, you’re a guest here. Don’t push people. If you go through the proper chain of command, I guarantee you’ll get better results. I’ve been here a long time, and everyone has to abide by the rules.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “You’re right but waiting is tough.”
“And so is Jesse. If he’s alive, he’ll make it through tomorrow. We’ll have better luck by letting Lutz and Finley take the reins.”
Chapter 42
John enjoyed the leisurely drive back to the house after he exited the interstate. Hugging the curves of the winding country roads was peaceful, and the brilliant red-tipped maple trees were beginning to show signs of early fall colors. Between the lab and his real job, John had put in a full day, and now the only relaxation he’d get was the solitude while in the car. He knew what would be waiting once he walked through the house doors—a wailing, pissed-off man crying for his fix after going hours without one.
Guess that’s my own doing. I created the addict, now I have to deal with him.
John pulled into the garage and closed the overhead door at the rear of the car. His midnight-blue SUV was parked to his left. He entered a surprisingly silent house.
Uh-oh, something’s wrong.
He set the car keys on the breakfast bar and headed down the hallway that led to Jesse’s room. He called out his prisoner’s name as he looked toward the end of the hall. There was no response, and the door’s sliding panel was closed from the inside. If it was latched, John would have no way to see into the room unless he unlocked the door.
Damn him. What the hell is going on?
John retreated down the hallway—he had forgotten his mask and gun. Moments later and back at the door, he slipped the mask over his head and secured the gun in his waistband. John tried to push the sliding panel to the side, but it wouldn’t budge.
Son of a bitch, now I have to go into the room without any idea of what to expect on the other side. He’s either passed out, dead, or playing me for a fool.
The door rattled as John pounded on it. He yelled out Jesse’s name again but didn’t get an answer. He fished the keys out of his pocket, slid the one with a sticker on it into the doorknob, then turned it to the left. He grasped the knob tightly in case he had to pull it closed in a hurry, and with a deep breath, John pushed the door forward just enough to peek inside the room. Jesse lay face down on the floor next to the bed. John called out his name one more time as he cautiously inched closer and watched for the slightest twitch, which addicts were known to have.
He hasn’t moved a muscle—he must be dead.
John frowned with disappointment as he knelt over Jesse’s b
ody.
This isn’t the way I wanted things to go down. Watching him agonize over his need for a fix has been so satisfying.
John rolled Jesse over, and just as he realized the body was still warm and he had been duped, Jesse grabbed him by the neck and head butted him with every ounce of strength he could muster. John lost his balance and fell backward. Jesse sprang to his feet and bolted for the door, but John instantly pulled his legs out from under him causing Jesse to hit the floor with his elbows and forehead.
“You stupid son of a bitch, you’ll pay for that prank.” John leapt up, kicked Jesse in the ribs, and swung the gun. He caught Jesse just above the right ear with the pistol grip and watched as Jesse went limp. John kicked him again for good measure, this time in the groin. He wiped his forehead across the shoulder of his shirt, smearing the blood, then spat on Jesse’s face. “You think you had it bad before, just wait and see what I have in store for you. You’ll be begging me to put a bullet in your head just like I did to your old buddy Jim.”
John stepped over Jesse, ripped away the sliding panel so the hole remained open, then slammed the door at his back. He’d had enough of Jesse McCord. It was almost time to put an end to him once and for all. After Jesse was dead, John would make short work of that nosy bitch from Wisconsin. She had butted into his business one too many times. His evening plans had changed and John grabbed the keys off the breakfast bar and left through the garage. He had somewhere to be and a detective to watch.
Chapter 43
My mind raced as I drove to the Welcome Home Inn. I wanted answers now, not tomorrow. My thoughts weren’t on my driving skills, even though Chicago was a town where I needed to be alert. Horns blared when I found myself in the middle of an intersection after running a red light. I hit the brakes just in the nick of time, barely avoiding a collision with a car approaching from my right. My hands shook as I drove the final four blocks to the inn.
Safely inside my room, I needed a few minutes to calm my nerves. I had a lot to do and thoughts to organize that night. I leaned back on the sofa, closed my eyes, and focused on my breathing. I slowed each breath I took in and then exhaled just as slowly. I felt my heart rate go down, and I was beginning to relax. What I needed besides a clear mind was a glass of wine.
I remembered seeing a liquor store just around the corner. I could walk or drive, but memories of the last time I walked to a store overtook my mind. I’d drive.
In the bathroom, I dampened a washcloth and held it against my face. It would help revive and refresh me. I pictured myself with a glass of wine and my legal pad in hand. I’d figure out how best to proceed once I learned the name of the man Jim had shot. Somehow, that information would lead us to John. It had to. I thought about the conversation I had with Sergeant Lutz before leaving the precinct. He agreed with my idea of contacting IA and asking to review their investigation of Jim and the shooting two years back. It made sense, he said, especially because there weren’t any files in the police archives or at the courthouse of Jesse or Jim testifying at the trial of a drug dealer whose unusual name began with an M. Lutz promised to contact IA first thing in the morning and start the process.
After gathering my purse, phone, and keys, I locked my room and took the flight of stairs down to the main floor. I checked my surroundings as I stepped out to the porch. The neighborhood appeared peaceful and quiet. I wished the parking lot were better lit, but I had found a spot earlier only a few spaces in. I was sure I’d be fine. I shivered involuntarily in the crisp night air as I stepped down to the sidewalk and exited the gate. I rounded the corner and headed west.
A man wearing a ball cap and a waist-length jacket turned right out of the parking lot onto the sidewalk. He was to my left and heading my way—a guest of the Welcome Home Inn, I presumed. I nodded and said good evening.
“Good evening, Detective Pierce. Remember the warning I gave you the other night—watch your back.”
His voice, all too familiar, hit me like a ton of bricks. I fumbled for the gun I wasn’t expecting to need and spun on my heels, but he had disappeared into the night. I held my weapon and prayed that I’d see him just one more time.
“Give me a reason,” I whispered as I peered down every sidewalk around me. “Show yourself, you coward.”
I ran back into the inn and called Henry once I’d reached my room. He answered on the first ring.
“Kate, what’s up?”
“That son of a bitch was waiting outside the inn. He passed me on the sidewalk, said good evening, and then told me to watch my back. By the time I pulled my gun out of my holster and turned, he was gone. Damn it, Henry, he took me by surprise. I didn’t even get a good look at him.”
“Do you want me to come over?”
“Would you? That piece of shit has me unnerved.”
“That’s what he’s trying to do, Kate, and you need a patrol unit stationed outside the building.”
“No! Look what happened to Jeff Lennard. I won’t put anyone else’s life at risk. We need to figure out how to stay one step ahead of him. It’s the only way to catch him.”
“It seems like he has the market cornered on that one. I’m going to give Lutz a call and tell him what just happened. Are you going to be okay until I get there?”
“Yes, I’ve locked the door, and I won’t answer it unless it’s you. Can you bring a bottle of wine along? I really need something to calm my nerves.”
“Not a problem. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes.”
“Okay but be careful. He could still be in the area.”
Fifteen minutes later, my vibrating phone caused me to jump. It was Henry texting to say that I needed to come to the outer door and let him in. I remembered now that the main entrance had a security door that locked on its own as it closed. I grabbed my room key and walked out.
I texted Henry that I was going to call him as soon as I reached the main entrance. If he was on the other side of the door, I’d hear the ring. I called his number, and once I heard the phone, I opened the door and allowed him through. He held two bottles of wine.
I gave him a relieved smile. “I don’t intend to get plastered tonight. There’s too much work to do.”
“Not my intentions. One bottle was for drinking, and the other was meant for clubbing any suspicious-looking character over the head.”
I laughed and appreciated Henry’s attempt to calm my nerves.
“Nah, seriously, I figured you might need a bottle tomorrow night too. I had plenty at home.”
“Thanks.” We took the stairs to my second-floor room, and I unlocked the door. “Have a seat, and I’ll pour the wine.” The small studio room held a mini-kitchen with the necessities for microwave eating, including dishes, utensils, a corkscrew, and several glasses. “I’ve been trying to recall everything I could about the man from out on the sidewalk. I looked over the description I gave Lutz Tuesday night of the man who attacked me as I walked back to Jesse’s house from the drugstore. Height and build seemed the same, and so did the voice. I’m sure that was John tonight, but how did he know where I was staying?”
“He’s been one step ahead of us all along, Kate.”
“If only he didn’t have on that damn ball cap and it wasn’t nighttime, I’d be able to describe his face, but I imagine that was a deliberate act.”
“I have to admit, you’re taking this better than I expected. Even Lutz was pretty shaken when I told him what happened. He still thinks you should have gone home after the first night. He said he’s sending a police escort in the morning to make sure you get to the precinct okay.”
“That’s reassuring.” I handed Henry a glass and sat next to him. “You know I have to see this through to the end, right?”
Henry nodded. “Of course. You have to save face in front of Mills.”
“Smart-ass. But seriously, I promise my dream memories will help us find the connection we need. My dreams don’t always make sense right out of the gate, but after a few days, everything comes t
ogether.”
We began going over all the notes we had compiled. I sipped my wine as Henry reviewed what we knew so far.
“Even though the guys didn’t like hearing what you said the other day, I think you have a point.”
“Which time?” I grinned. “I don’t think anybody liked hearing anything I had to say, but I actually had a breakthrough with Mills. I don’t think he wants to bite my head off anymore.”
“That’s a step in the right direction. What I was getting at was how John always knows what we’re about to do, when we’re going to do it, and where we’re at when it gets done.”
“I’m telling you, he’s somehow getting inside information.”
Henry sighed. “I agree, and it’s dangerous for everyone as long as he’s out there. So if IA gives Lutz or Finley the go-ahead tomorrow, and we find the man with the weird name, it’ll prove your dreams have merit.”
“I hope so, and once we find out who he is, I intend to contact everyone he’s related to, including anyone he knew as a casual friend, a partner in crime, or a competitor. Through those connections, we’ll find John, and through John, we’ll find Jesse.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Henry checked the time on his watch. “I think we’re going to have a busy day tomorrow, so I should go. Will you be all right?”
“I’ll be fine. Just pull the outer door closed and give it a jiggle. Make sure it locks behind you.”
“Not a problem. Get some sleep, Kate.”
“I’ll try, and thanks for the wine. It tasted good and helped calm my nerves.”
Henry tipped his head toward the door. “Lock that after I leave.”
“Done deal and I’ll see you in the morning.”
It was nearing midnight when I finally turned off my brain. I needed sleep and wanted to be at my best in the morning. After a hot shower, I plumped my pillow and climbed into bed. I felt myself drifting off into my dream world and hoped I’d wake with new information we could use.
