Vendetta

by C. M. Sutter

  Jack set the marker down and folded his arms over his chest. “You’re right. Go on.”

  Kate looked at me. “Jade said Craig, I mean Warren, was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. How about we turn the tables on him? He thinks I’m naïve, easy prey, and his guard will be down around me. What he doesn’t know is that I can play wolf with the best of them. I’m going to con the con man and be pretty damn convincing at it. That’s when you’ll all swoop in.”

  Chapter 46

  Billings and Clayton took their seats at the conference table.

  “I don’t know about this, Kate. It’s a ballsy and dangerous proposition,” Jack said.

  “Boss, if you recall, Jade came to bat for me when Robert Lynch tried to kill me. She saved my life and took that maniac down for good. I want to prove myself to the group and make you understand I’m one of the team. I’m not just a sideline psychic who helps out when you guys need my input.”

  Jack looked hurt. “If you’ve thought that, I’m truly sorry. I never intended to give you that impression.”

  Kate looked as if she wished she could take back her words. “Sorry for that remark, but I want to do my share beyond the dreams.”

  “I understand. Okay, how about us getting some intel on this creep that won’t get back to him? The more we know about Warren Ricks, the more likely I’ll be open to listening to your suggestion of taking him down. Clayton, call USP Atlanta and find out if Warren and Tony Lynch were in the same cellblock. If they were, it was Tony who orchestrated this hit.”

  I smirked. “And who do you think put the ball in motion? It had to be Lea and the gang. Somebody fronted Warren with a car, cash, and a gun.”

  “Let’s establish a connection between Warren Ricks and Tony Lynch first. Once that’s confirmed, and we hear something incriminating on the transcripts, we’ll send the Atlanta PD in to arrest the entire family for conspiracy to commit murder of a federal agent and a sheriff’s office detective. They’ll start throwing each other under the bus in no time. We need to protect our detectives but remain patient too.” Jack gave Kate a nod. “If we jump in too fast without irrefutable proof, Warren Ricks might walk due to lack of evidence. Right now”—Jack turned to Billings—“you can get on a second call to USP Atlanta and make sure they received the warrant for Tony’s phone transcripts. I want them in my in-box yesterday. Those conversations will tell us who he’s been making the arrangements with. You know damn well it’s mama herself.”

  I looked at Jack. “Kate and I need an assignment.”

  “Okay, Amber, you can call the real Craig Hartman. Upload that picture of Warren onto your phone, find out the real Craig’s phone number, and see if he recognizes Warren’s face. If he does, I want to know why. Kate, I need the phone number Warren gave you so we can start a trace on it.”

  “I’m sure it’s a burner, sir.”

  “Probably, but head down to the tech department with Amber and let Billy pull up his number.”

  Kate and I took the stairs to the lower level, where the tech department, ME’s office, and crime lab were located. We passed through the glass doors and found Billy seated at a bank of computers at the far end of the room. Kate approached him, and I took a seat at Todd’s desk.

  “Hey, bud, I need a still shot of Warren’s face sent to my phone. I want to call the real Craig Hartman and see if he knows this jerk, so the higher resolution you can send me, the better. I also need a phone number for the real Craig. Our Google search showed he lives in Baton Rouge.”

  Todd nodded. “My software will find him no matter where he lives. So is the plan to swoop in and make an arrest today?”

  “We need more information on Warren first. We have no idea where he’s hiding out or even what he’s driving.” I leaned in and whispered in Todd’s ear. “Kate wants to take him head-on with us as her backup. It’s a risky move, but she’s determined to prove she’s a capable detective.”

  “Humph, she has more balls than I gave her credit for.”

  I grinned. “Ya think?”

  Todd sent the picture to my phone. “Take a look. It’s the best I could do from a video still shot.”

  I woke my screen and checked the file. “It looks good. So I can just send it as a message while I’m on the phone with the real Mr. Hartman?”

  “Yep, that’s all you have to do. Give me one more minute to pull the phone number.”

  “Sure thing.” I watched as Todd clicked away on the keyboard and performed his technical magic. In less than a minute, he had two phone numbers, the occupation of Mr. Hartman, his age, and a photograph.

  “Is this the right guy?”

  “It’s the same man we pulled up on our search, except the phone numbers didn’t come up.”

  Todd grinned. “That’s because it’s above your pay grade.”

  I laughed. “Thanks, dude, I appreciate your help.”

  Kate walked toward me. “That was a bust. Warren has a burner phone, no surprise there, but it’s turned off. He probably uses it sparingly or just checks incoming texts once in a while. We can’t trace it at the moment.”

  “Okay, then let’s head upstairs and see what’s next on the to-do list.”

  We returned to the conference room, where I noticed the whiteboard was quickly filling with information. “What did we miss?” I asked as we took our seats again.

  “First, what did you get?” Jack asked.

  I passed my phone around the table. “This is the photo I’ll show the real Craig Hartman when I make the call. Hopefully, Warren’s photo is familiar to him. At least that way, we’ll know he’s been in that area as an adult. That information could be helpful.”

  Kate was next. Jack turned to her. “Anything on the phone?”

  “Zilch. It’s turned off.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Jack said. “Okay, Clayton, you’re up.”

  Clayton turned to his page of notes. “The prison file on Warren Ricks should land in Jack’s in-box soon, and yes, he served eight years in Atlanta for armed robbery.”

  I smirked. “What a coincidence.”

  Clayton gave me a wink and continued. “He was released on December eighteenth.”

  Jack added his comments. “That’s given him more than three weeks to learn whatever he could about the area, who his targets were, and to arrive here and settle in. Chances are, he’s been surveilling you, Kate, and Jade, for a good week or so. These hits are pure revenge. Robert is dead, and Tony is serving life because of Jade and Kate, nothing more. That makes Warren Ricks even more dangerous. He’s on a mission, there’s no emotional involvement, and he’s more than likely going to see a decent payout when the deeds are done.”

  Kate spoke up. “Boss, what did I actually do to piss them off? It was Robert who attacked me while I was minding my own business. And to top it off, that was a hell of a long time ago.”

  “Trickle-down effect. Robert ended up in prison but was released after a ten-year stint. He blamed you for living through his attack, which led to him being caught. After his release, he was on a mission to complete the job—he was even angrier after being locked up for ten years.” Jack tapped the marker on his palm and continued. “That’s where Jade came in and impersonated you in the alley and ended up killing Robert. You’re to blame in their eyes for starting the ball rolling, and Jade is to blame for Robert’s death. I would assume you’re both high-value targets.”

  Kate groaned. “Damn vendettas can go on forever.”

  “Exactly,” Jack said, “except Robert Lynch deserved to die.” Jack tipped his chin at Clayton. “Didn’t mean to get sidetracked there. What else did you learn?”

  “Even though Tony and Warren weren’t cellmates, the guard who was usually stationed in the cafeteria described them as bromates.”

  “Bromates? What the hell does that mean?” I asked.

  Jack addressed all of us. “Just like it sounds, I guess. Kind of like brothers, best friends, and lunch companions. They sat together every day and spent th
eir half hour whispering while they ate. I would imagine that’s where Tony’s plan formed.” Jack jotted additional notes on the whiteboard then turned to Billings. “Okay, what’s the status of the transcripts?”

  “You should see them within the hour.”

  “Good. As soon as they come in, we’ll focus on that for the time being. Having proof of a conspiracy is the fastest way to get the Lynch family off the streets. They won’t be able to communicate with Tony or Warren anymore, and the element of surprise is crucial when apprehending them. We can’t give them time to give anyone a heads-up.” Jack tipped his wrist and checked the time. “Okay, until we get the transcripts and Warren’s prison file, Amber, go ahead and give the real Mr. Hartman a jingle. Kate, keep your eye on your phone in case Warren contacts you for any reason. He’s going to want to complete this job sooner rather than later and get out of town. I need to call Jade and tell her our findings. Even though she’s in a fortified fortress, so to speak, she’s at home alone, and she needs to keep her head on a swivel.” Jack turned to me one final time before I made the call to Mr. Hartman. “Send that picture you have on your phone to Jade. She’s never seen his face up close and personal unless he looked her straight in the eye at the accident.”

  “She didn’t mention it, so I think it’s safe to say she only saw his hands.”

  Jack smacked the table. “Good enough. Let’s get busy, people. Clayton and Billings, call every hotel and motel in the county to see if a man who fits Warren’s description has rented a room in the last ten days and is still there. As soon as the emails come in, we’ll reconvene in here.”

  Clayton and Billings stood and headed to their desks in the bull pen. Kate and I followed at their backs. Jack retreated to his office, probably to call Jade, and closed the door behind him.

  Chapter 47

  She lifted her ringing phone and checked the incoming caller’s name on the screen. “And to what do I owe the pleasure?” Jade asked.

  “Hey, partner, it’s Jack.”

  “Um, yeah, I can see that. What’s up?”

  “We have some new information on the case that I thought you should be aware of.”

  Jade took a sip of her tea and placed the mug on the breakfast bar. “Was I reinstated at the sheriff’s office but lost all memory of it?” She chuckled. “You don’t want me involved in your cases anymore, remember? I work for the FBI now, and we don’t usually share stuff.”

  “Very funny. We’re pretty sure we have Marvin’s killer in our sights. You’re lucky you survived that attack, Jade, and it boils down to a hired hit aimed at you and Kate. Tony Lynch was likely the person behind it, but we don’t have definitive proof yet.”

  “Wow.” Jade remained silent for a few seconds.

  “Did I lose you?”

  “No, just processing that information. Sounds like Kate told you what’s been going on.”

  “She did, and thanks to that bar video, Todd was able to get a hit in the nationwide felon database. Apparently Craig Hartman is actually a recently released inmate named Warren Ricks from USP Atlanta. Even though they weren’t cellmates, it’s been said that Warren and Tony were as thick as thieves.”

  Jade smirked. “Literally. So Tony stirred the pot, and the family served up the meal.”

  “That’s where the trail is leading us. The transcripts from the prison calls Tony made will tell us more. They’re on their way as well as Warren’s prison information.”

  “What was he popped for?”

  “Armed robbery and served eight years. He’s out there somewhere, partner, and I want you to stay inside and keep those alarms armed. You don’t have a vehicle at your disposal at the moment.”

  “Yeah, and I’m getting sick of that. The insurance guy was at the crime lab and declared my Mustang a total loss. Guess that means you’ll have to go car shopping with me after you catch this nut job.”

  “Count on it. Have you being keeping J.T. and Spelling up to date?”

  “Yep. I’m due back at work on Monday, though. That only gives you the rest of today and the weekend to catch this creep.”

  Jack sighed. “Did Kate tell you her intentions?”

  “Not in any detail, but I know she wants to prove herself and pay it forward. She kind of made that clear.”

  “What’s your gut telling you? Is she ready to take on a challenge like that and lead him into our trap?”

  “Do you have eyes on him or know where he’s holed up?”

  “Nope, we have nothing.”

  “Then Kate might be the bait you need to snag that rat. She’s already established a connection with him. The great part of that is he thinks he’s going to set a trap for her, but she’ll be five steps ahead of him.”

  “Yeah, with the entire team hidden in plain sight.”

  “Don’t pat yourself on the back yet, cowboy. You do remember our plan didn’t unfold quite like we had hoped in that alley a few years back.”

  Jack let out a long sigh. “Don’t remind me. That’s why this second round has to go flawlessly.”

  “Have you discussed a plan of action yet?” Jade popped her cup of tea in the microwave for thirty seconds.

  “We have to listen to those transcripts first. We aren’t about to let this jerk slip through our fingers because of a technicality. Just be safe, stay indoors, and keep your eyes peeled. Keep your pistol nearby too.”

  “Always. Thanks, Jack. I’ll be okay. Keep my girls safe.”

  “Will do.”

  Chapter 48

  Jack opened his office door and stepped out then took a seat in Clayton’s guest chair. “Any news?”

  I flipped to the page where I had jotted down notes from the conversation with the real Craig Hartman. “I spoke with Mr. Hartman and showed him the picture of Warren Ricks.” I had Jack’s full attention now.

  “Did he know him?”

  “He sure did. He said Warren Ricks was a native of Baton Rouge and was disliked by everyone other than his own unsavory acquaintances. Warren was a thug and a thief. He intimidated the decent folks of Baton Rouge and had a police file a couple of inches thick. According to the real Mr. Hartman, the rumor in town was that Warren’s side jobs included murder for hire. People coincidentally went missing, but nothing was ever linked to Warren. Mr. Hartman said he and everyone else in town kept their distance and were relieved when Warren’s ass got carted away to prison.”

  “How were they connected?” Jack watched as Billings got up and started a fresh pot of coffee, then returned his attention to me.

  “The electronics store that Mr. Hartman was a regional salesman for was robbed at gunpoint by none other than Warren Ricks. Mr. Hartman testified in court at Warren’s trial. He saw the robbery go down from the stockroom, but Warren was caught on tape, anyway.” I paused and thanked Billings for the cup of coffee he placed on my desk. He handed cups to all of us. “I guess being the same age and growing up in the same town, Warren and Craig crossed paths often, but they were never friends.”

  “Okay, at least we’re establishing a criminal past for him. Clayton, call the Baton Rouge PD and have them overnight his police file to us.”

  Clayton looked up the number on his cell phone and made the call.

  “Any messages from Warren, Kate?”

  “Not yet, boss. As soon as we have a plan, I’ll contact him.”

  “Yeah, we’ll work on that later.” Jack returned to his office.

  I watched as he refreshed his emails every few minutes. We needed those transcripts to come through and soon. The faster we had proof that Tony spoke with a family member about arranging the hit through Warren, the faster we could apprehend him. A thought bubbled up in my mind as I read through my notes. I called Jade’s number, and she picked up seconds later.

  “Hey, little sister, what’s going on? Is the entire department going to check up on me today?”

  “No, but I have a question for you.”

  “Yeah? Shoot.”

  “Remember when w
e brainstormed about finding out what Tony looked like?”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  “There are cameras at the prisoners’ release area at USP Atlanta, right? That’s how you knew what vehicle Tony picked up Robert in and what Tony looked like.”

  “You’re correct, and it was your suggestion to look into that, if you recall.”

  “I do, but I was just double-checking. So by contacting the video control room at the prison, they can tell us from the date and time Warren was released who picked him up and what kind of vehicle they were in?”

  “Man, you’re thinking like a detective, Amber. Now get off the phone with me and go talk to Jack.”

  “Okay, love you.” I hung up and crossed the bull pen to Jack’s office door. I gave it a knuckle rap and waited for him to welcome me in.

  “Come in, Amber.”

  “Do you have a minute?”

  Jack rubbed his already furrowed forehead. “Yeah, have a seat. What’s up?”

  “No transcripts yet?”

  “Still waiting.” Jack sighed.

  “Remember when you and Jade worked on the Robert Lynch case and you needed to know what Tony looked like?”

  “Yep, sure do.” Jack leaned back in his chair, exhaustion written across his face.

  “How about doing that again? We already know the prison can check the camera feed that leads out to the inmate release area. They can see who was there to pick up Warren. It should only take a minute since the inmate has to sign out by date and time.”

  Jack launched forward and jiggled the computer’s mouse. “Damn it, why didn’t I think of that myself?” He typed USP Atlanta into the search bar.

  “You have a lot on your plate, sir. It’s our job to come up with ideas too.”

  Jack whistled and pointed at Clayton through the wall of glass. He waved him in.

  “What’s up, boss?”

  “Go downstairs and have Todd and Billy pull up every vehicle and license plate number that belongs to a Lynch family member and James Ross. Tell them to put a rush on it.”