Sonoran Sun

by Sharon Canipe

  Stevens had emphasized that she was to make sure Ramirez knew she was satisfied that Doug Davison committed these two murders, that she was no longer planning to seek any further information about any of this, and indeed, she would be leaving Tucson on Wednesday. Apparently, Stevens felt confident that he would know whether or not she’d kept her end of the bargain. She jotted down a few things she thought would reinforce her comments, make them believable. How was Stevens going to get this information? Was Ramirez himself one of the contacts? Did someone else bug his office? He would probably record their conversation—was the contact someone who might transcribe his notes or prepare his report? There were lots of possibilities. Lin realized that knowing exactly how the information would reach the right contacts wouldn’t really help her in this situation, but she still felt a burning desire to know who in the sheriff’s office was answering to the drug ring. She had to simply put all this aside and try to help Neal and Chris—still, how could she be sure that even if she cooperated they’d be safe?

  She was still pondering her dilemma when she heard someone ring the doorbell and then Sgt. Montoya called out his presence. She hadn’t even noticed that the sun was beaming brightly through the windows. She went to the door and let the sergeant in; a young man in uniform who looked as if he might’ve still been in high school accompanied him.

  “Ms. Hanna, let me introduce you to DJ Montoya, my cousin. He’s not officially working today, it’s his day off, but he’s agreed to try to help us out here.”

  “Thanks so much, DJ,” Lin tried to force a smile. “I really appreciate your help. We apparently have a really bad situation on our hands here, and I’m not sure what to do.”

  Sgt. Montoya responded, “Right now, I think we could all use a cup of that fresh coffee I smell. Then we can make some decisions.” He looked at his watch. “We have some time. Maybe the three of us can grab a bite of breakfast before you go for your interview, but for right now, we just need to make a plan.”

  Lin poured coffee into three tall mugs and placed them on a tray with sugar and milk. She moved the laptop from the small dining table to make more room for the three of them.

  “I’ve been thinking about my interview already. Stevens said I have to tell Deputy Ramirez that I believe Doug Davison killed both Mark Garcia and Dave Jennings and that I am ready to quit asking questions and will be leaving town tomorrow. Actually, I will be leaving tomorrow—that’s the only accurate part of that statement. Supposedly Stevens will know whether or not I’ve done that. Then he’ll release Neal and Chris. He’s planning to get away from Tucson at that point. It’s clear to me that he is afraid of being killed himself. ” Lin noticed that DJ was busy taking notes on what she was saying.

  “Apparently, Stevens has had some connections to the drug business here, at least he has been a contact, perhaps sharing information. My guess is that the higher ups were using him to gather information, communicate threats, etc. but then they turned and tried to pin Mark Garcia’s murder on him—that didn’t work so they turned to Davison who was probably in the same position as Stevens—a disposable lackey to be used and gotten rid of when their usefulness was done…” Montoya summed up his view of the situation.

  DJ looked up from what he was writing and interrupted the sergeant. “ As it happens, I’ve had a very small role on our drug task force for the past few months.” He smiled shyly, “mostly I have a very secondary role, taking notes, record keeping for meetings, doing some background research but…” he took a deep breath. “It has become increasingly clear to members of the task force that there are insiders at the department who are leaking information to the cartel. In fact, internal affairs has been alerted and they are now beginning an investigation of their own—meanwhile…”

  Sgt. Montoya spoke up, “DJ, do you have any idea who these insiders are? They present a real danger to a lot of people here…”

  The young man looked down at his own notes thoughtfully, “I’d have a tough time proving anything, but it really isn’t too hard to determine who at least some of the involved people have to be—if you follow the information it leads in certain directions…”

  He didn’t say anything more and his older cousin didn’t press him. Lin thought about the position this young man was in and realized that his career, even his life, could be in serious jeopardy if he fell under suspicion. She didn’t want to endanger this young man. “What I really need is advice on how to handle my interview this morning? What should I say exactly and what should I avoid talking about? I want to help Neal and Chris but I don’t want to create any new problems.”

  “And,” Sgt. Montoya added, “You want to see justice done in these cases. I think you can handle yourself quite well, and DJ here has a great suggestion as to how he can help the cause; maybe even help the work of the task force, but we should leave now if we’re going to have time to grab a bite before your interview. He can share his idea over breakfast.”

  Chapter 15

  Lin sat in the reception area at the county law enforcement center waiting for Deputy Ramirez’s summons. She mentally reviewed all the points she needed to make and tried to remain calm. They’d stopped at a nearby McDonalds for a quick breakfast but she’d only nibbled at her sandwich. Somehow her usual cool demeanor had abandoned her leaving butterflies in her stomach. Realizing that she’d probably lose it if she tried to talk to Marla Dawkins about what had happened, she’d left that task to Sgt. Montoya who’d actually handled it quite skillfully. He had managed to convey a sense of control that apparently calmed Marla, at least somewhat, although she was on her way down at present. Lin, herself, felt like a basket case, although Montoya said she looked cool and collected. Deep inside she was still fearful, afraid for Neal and Chris’s safety, and underneath it all, feeling that blame for their situation had to rest at her own feet. Why hadn’t she simply left this entire thing alone? She mentally kicked herself.

  Glancing across toward an open area filled with office cubicles, Lin took note of DJ sitting at his desk, seemingly sorting through some case files. He’d explained to the dispatcher on duty that, although he was officially off today, he needed to catch up on some paper work and had come in for about an hour to do so. He was going to keep an eye on the overall situation, as best he could, and try to determine who might be receiving information from Lin’s interview and how it might be passed along. It might not work, but he hoped that his observations might prove fruitful.

  Lin looked up to see Deputy Ramirez coming toward her. He extended his hand but didn’t smile. “Good morning, Ms. Hanna, I hope you’ve fully recovered from your ordeal yesterday. Please follow me and we can review your statement—see if you’ve recalled anything else. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes and then you can be on your way.”

  Lin rose to follow him into a conference room, “Thank you Deputy Ramirez, I have a lot to do today. We’re flying back to North Carolina tomorrow and I have a lot of packing to do. Hopefully, this will indeed be a brief meeting. Have you arrested the man responsible for the assault?”

  Ramirez smiled, “You’ll be happy to hear that the tribal police down on the reservation detained him late last night. I understand that they are currently transporting him back here to face these charges. If you can confirm his identify by his photo then it should be an open and shut case.” Lin noted that he made no reference to her having visited the reservation, nor did he ask why she thought the man was following her. She found this puzzling.

  “Here is the transcript developed from your statements yesterday,” he pushed a typewritten sheet across the table, “I’d appreciate it, if you could review it for accuracy and then sign it, if you agree it’s complete and accurate, of course.” Ramirez spoke in business-like tones and didn’t make eye contact with her.

  Lin was dying to ask him questions regarding the motive behind her being followed and subsequently attacked; however, the most important thing was to deliver the information Stevens had asked for. She pick
ed up the sheet and read through the statement. When she’d finished she asked for a pen and signed. “This seems to cover everything I recall,” she said. “I’m just glad to be getting away from here, away from all this. I can’t wait for that plane to leave tomorrow and I’m so glad that you were able to arrest Doug Davison and close these cases. I’ll admit that I did have questions about the murders early on, but I feel satisfied that you folks have uncovered the truth about all this. I do feel sorry for Susan Davison, her situation with insurance and all. I know it’s difficult for her but…maybe things will work out for the best,” Lin didn’t want to sound fake with her compliance. She felt she had to at least acknowledge Susan’s difficulties since she was, after all, pressing for an investigation.

  Apparently, Ramirez thought Lin sounded genuine, “ I am sympathetic toward her situation also,” the deputy nodded his head as he took the paper from her, “I’m afraid the investigation won’t help her but I can see her position—with the insurance and all. Actually, I expect her attorney will advise her to drop her request after he sees all of the information related to Doug’s incarceration here.”

  Lin wondered just what sort of information Ramirez intended to present. Was there other documentation to explain the injuries? She couldn’t help but suspect that information might be manufactured, but she said nothing more on that subject.

  Ramirez rose from his seat, her signed statement in his hand. “If you could please wait here for a moment, Ms. Hanna. I need to go pull the file photos of your assailant. The tribal police faxed them to us earlier. If they are sufficient for you to make an identification then we can wrap all this up and you can be on your way.” He left the room at that point.

  Lin realized that this was likely when he would be able to pass along the information that she had made her statement, had accepted Davison as the guilty party in the murders, and was no longer concerned about the cases. Hopefully, DJ would be able to observe where he went and whom he talked to. Lin suppressed the urge to go to the door and try to observe firsthand. She forced herself to settle back in her chair and wait for Ramirez to return.

  It seemed to Lin that the deputy was taking a long time but actually he returned within a few minutes. He spread a series of photocopies out before her. Even though they were a bit fuzzy it was clear to her that this was Jose Lucas. There was no mistaking that grin. The missing front teeth confirmed his identity. “That’s the man,” Lin said. Before she could stop herself she turned and asked, “Why do you think he chose to follow me? What possible harm could I do him?” After she’d asked she mentally kicked herself. Why did she have to raise this question? What was wrong with her? She should just finish this interview and get out.

  Ramirez seemed to realize that she was pressing him for more information. He gave her a strong look that clearly communicated that he was tired of her questions. “I’m afraid I can’t answer that question before I’ve investigated the situation,” he almost spat out his words. “Perhaps it’s time for you to go on about YOUR business and leave mine to me. My guess is your…he seemed to struggle to find the word he wanted…er—persistence in these matters has ruffled some feathers in some dangerous places.” He moved around the desk as Lin rose to leave placing himself between her and the door. His dark eyes seemed to be burning with a message that she should leave and not pursue anything about this situation further. He placed his hand quite firmly on her elbow, opened the door and led her toward the hallway. “Thank you for coming in Ms. Hanna. Now it’s time for you to go and leave me to do my work.” He released her arm and Lin turned to head down the hallway back to the reception area. She wanted nothing more than to get away from here and never look back. There was something sinister about that man. She couldn’t identify anything specific, but the undertones in his remarks made her feel threatened. She left the building.

  It had been agreed that Lin would leave on her own and return directly to the casita where Sgt. Montoya had agreed to meet her. DJ would work a bit longer and then join them there. Hopefully, his observations would produce more information.

  Now Lin realized she had to wait. Wait for Sam Stevens to somehow get word that she’d fulfilled her part and for him to release Neal and Chris. Hopefully, they would call her soon. She checked the battery on Neal’s cell and realized that it would soon need to be charged. She’d have to plug it in as soon as she got back home. She just hoped that Chris’s phone was still working.

  Sgt. Montoya was waiting for her in the driveway when she returned. She let them both in then flopped down on the sofa. Her lack of sleep and the tension of her interview were taking their toll—she felt so tired—she knew she wasn’t thinking clearly—she plugged the cell phone in, placed it beside her on the end table, and turned to her companion. “I just wished they’d call. I’m still worried about what could happen to Neal and Chris; Stevens seemed so unstable to me, I don’t know…”

  The sergeant sat down opposite her, “Try to stay focused. I know you’re tired and it’s hard to think clearly but you’ve done your part. Now we just have to wait, but DJ should be here soon and he might have some information for us. I’ll stay with you. I called my office and they can spare me to today, so I’ll be with you until we get the guys back—safely.” His voice was reassuring but Lin still had a hard time quelling her concerns. “Why don’t you go lie down and try to rest? DJ won’t be here for a while yet. He didn’t want to leave too soon after you. That could arouse suspicions—but he will be here and I will stay right here to answer that phone should it ring.”

  Lin didn’t think she’d be able to rest but she didn’t know what else to do so she complied. She kicked off her sandals and stretched out on the still unmade bed. She could smell lingering traces of Neal’s aftershave on his pillow. Once again she felt a surge of guilt for putting them in this situation. What if he and Chris were hurt? Where could Stevens have taken them? Her troubled thoughts fought against her need to rest and relax. She suddenly realized that she was crying. She simply couldn’t stop. She buried her head in Neal’s pillow and let her tensions flow freely with her tears, not caring if Sgt. Montoya could hear her sobbing in the next room.

  When she finally stopped crying, Lin realized that she’d needed that emotional release. She still couldn’t sleep, but at least, she felt more in control. Her head was clearer and she began to reflect upon her experience at the sheriff’s department as she lay there. She was now quite convinced that Deputy Ramirez was hostile toward her. She wasn’t imagining things. His voice, his demeanor, the way he held her arm as he directed her to leave…everything supported her conclusions. This man wanted her out of his department and out of his business.

  Just then she heard a phone ring. She jumped up and practically ran to the door only to see that Sgt. Montoya was speaking on his own phone. Neal’s still rested quietly on the side table.

  “OK,” she heard Montoya say, “We’ll meet you there shortly. Maybe we’ll hear from the guys soon.” He turned to her as he ended the call. “That was DJ. He’s leaving now but he has to go back later. Someone asked him if he could come back in and cover for a man who called in sick. He made an excuse that he had to run some errands first so he could meet us at a shopping plaza near the station. I think he has some information to share.”

  Lin hastily checked the cell phone. Fortunately the charge was up past 90 % and should be fine. Why hadn’t they called? It’d been almost an hour since she’d left the sheriff’s office.

  Sgt. Montoya drove and they soon joined DJ at the Starbucks nearest the law enforcement center. In spite of the growing warmth of the day, he had chosen to sit outside—fortunately the side of the building was shady. “This is a better place to talk,” he explained. “Less chance of being overheard here—although I really don’t have very much to report. I’m afraid I’m disappointed. Deputy Ramirez did come through my area when he left the conference, but I didn’t see him talk to anyone. He disappeared into the copy room and then returned with some print outs�
�photos perhaps but that was it. He might’ve spoken to someone out of my sight, but he didn’t stop where I could observe him. I guess he made his contacts later, I continued to work for a while and to watch but I never saw him again. I’m sorry but I guess I didn’t learn much…”

  Suddenly things began to make sense to Lin, “I think you may have learned a great deal—when we add your observations to mine.” She proceeded to explain how Ramirez had behaved in her presence, what he’d said and how he’d said it. “Maybe he didn’t need to talk to anyone else. Maybe he was the contact himself—he was the person who was going to call Stevens…”

  “I think you may be right,” Montoya replied, “Although, I expect there may be others involved as well. Unfortunately, your feelings about how he treated you don’t give us any hard evidence. It’s too bad DJ wasn’t able to observe anything more concrete but these things take time,” He patted his cousin on the arm, “Keep your eyes and ears open and you’ll eventually learn what you need to know to help the internal investigation. Those involved will slip up and show their hand eventually—I’m certain of it.”

  The young deputy went to get a refill of his iced tea and then said goodbye. “I’d better get back there now. So much for my day off,” he grinned, “That’s what I get for going back in.”

  “I’m sorry,” Lin was sincere, “I’m sorry you have to work overtime on this hot day, but I do appreciate your help.”

  “Glad to do it,” the young man smiled, “Please let me know when you hear from your fiancé and his friend. I hope that’s soon.” He turned and headed back toward his car.

  Lin eyed Neal’s cell phone sitting on the table, willing it to ring but it did not. Finally, she spoke, “I don’t think that I can handle this wait much longer. Stevens should know by now that I did my part he…”