Mary McDonald nodded her head in agreement to Pat’s suggestion. “I’m not big on jail-house witnesses, but in this case there should be court records to back up anything they allege. It could help us paint the picture. We still need to prove the motive for Butelli’s murder.”
“Okay, Angie, let’s get someone from the Real Time Crime Center to check records and build us a list of possible prospects. It could give us something. Make sure they know the confidential nature of this investigation. We’re not ready to read about any of this in the Times or the Daily News.”
“I understand, Chief.”
Bryan Flannery resumed the meeting.
“How are we coming with the computer and the camera, Mike?”
“We’re good, Captain. We’ve set up a duplicate computer doing the same thing and have removed the other computer for forensic examination. We hope to get more off the hard drive. The IP address of the person logged in is from this region, but the geeks say it’s probably being bounced around several times before it reaches its intended destination, which could be just about anywhere in the world.” Mike O’Neil explained.
“Is it safe to send a bait message through the phone? I know this is something that Chief O’Connor wants to do.” Bryan asked.
“Absolutely. I don’t see why not.”
“That’s good Mike. Do you have any thoughts, Chief?”
“I’ll call her today on the safe phone and let Margaret Butelli know we’re about to spread some disinformation. I’ll follow-up immediately with the call if she’s at home.”
“That sounds good, Chief. You’re way too good at being sneaky.”
Pat smiled. “There’s a distinction between being sneaky and being smart. I prefer smart.”
“Do you and Karla have anything new, Wilbur?” Bryan asked.
“No, but we have everything in place. We’re just waiting for a nibble. The Marshal asked us if we wanted to push to make Pellegrino a Top 15 Fugitive. I told him I would ask.”
The U. S. Marshal’s Service Top 15 Fugitive program was similar to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted. It would make arresting Pellegrino a top priority for every U. S. Marshal’s Office in the country. It was a big deal and could be productive.
Bryan Flannery pointed to Pat. “I’ll defer to you, Chief.”
“I appreciate the Marshal’s offer, Wilbur, but I feel it would be premature. I think publicity would drive Pellegrino even further into hiding. On the other hand, if we don’t make progress in a month or so, we might take the Marshal up on his generous offer. We still have to prove his connection to Butelli. We just don’t have enough to charge him yet other than the charges from the Rodriguez case, but we’re getting closer every day.”
“I’ll relay the message to the Marshal.”
“Thanks, Wilbur. You and Karla bring a lot to the table in a case like this.”
“Thanks, Chief. We know how important this case is.”
Bryan Flannery called on Sergeant George McBain for a review of the forensic progress. George opened a file folder, as he put his glasses on.
“We have confirmed the funeral home signature of Margaret Butelli is a forgery. It’s official now. We didn’t find anything on the receipt in Butelli’s files, fingerprint wise. Also, I’m sorry to say the possible DNA was not enough to work with.”
Pat spoke up. “Do you have any good news for us, George?”
“I’m still reviewing the evidence from the suicide, Chief, to see if there’s anything else we could possibly do.”
“Thanks, George. Let’s keep hitting the bushes and see if we can shake something out.”
Bryan Flannery added a comment. “If we shake the bushes hard enough we may get one of the Chief’s famous rabbits to come out.”
Everyone chuckled because Captain Flannery had often teased Pat about his ability to pull rabbits out of a hat by producing unexpected successful investigative leads. It sometimes irritated Pat O’Connor.
“I believe we’ve heard enough about that rabbit. If we don’t have anything else to discuss, we can adjourn and hit the street.”
Chapter 38
Monday, February 7 - Day 20
Chief of Detectives’ Office - One Police Plaza
Borough of Manhattan, New York
1630 Hours
Pat asked Mary McDonald and Bryan Flannery to join him in his office. He had decided it was time to call Margaret Butelli on the bugged phone. First, he had Mary McDonald call her on the safe phone to make sure she was home and so she would know what to expect. Margaret Butelli seemed excited to be helping on the case. Pat wondered how much Forrest had shared with her about his work on the NYPD, as well as the PI work. He recalled she had been his secretary and probably knew a lot about the PI work. She probably did enjoy this. Pat dialed from his desk phone.
“Hello.”
“Is this Margaret?”
“Yes, it is.”
“This is Patrick O’Connor, Chief of Detectives, NYPD. How are you this evening, Mrs. Butelli?”
“I’m fine, Chief. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thank you. I just wanted to personally call you and tell you we took a look at your husband’s case and we’ve found absolutely nothing that makes us think that it was anything but a suicide. I’m so sorry we couldn’t help you.”
“Well, in some ways I guess it’s a relief. It was also hard to imagine that Forrest had someone who wanted to kill him. He was a decent man and a good father.”
“Yes. I’m sure that he was. Just so you know, this case is officially closed. There’s just nothing we can do.”
“I appreciate the courtesy of your calling me, Chief. I know you must be a busy man.”
“I’m glad I got to talk to you, Mrs. Butelli.”
“I guess I’ll be leaving for Virginia soon. I’ll be moving closer to my daughters. They’ve found a nice place for me. I’m ready to move on with my life now.”
“I wish you the very best, and I also wish you peace and comfort.”
“Thanks again, Chief. I appreciate the call.”
Pat hung up the phone and in seconds Mary’s phone rang. The caller ID showed that it was from Margaret Butelli’s safe phone. Mary McDonald answered the phone and then handed it to Pat.
“Hello, Margaret.”
“How’d I do?”
“You did great. I was convinced myself.”
“I hope so. Pardon my language, but I want to see this bastard rot in hell.”
“So do we! Keep your guard up and we’ll see if anything happens. I hope he has a false sense of security and makes a mistake. We’ll do our best to catch him.”
“I do believe that, Chief. I plan to tell my daughters about this when I visit them this weekend. I know they’ll be pleased knowing their father died as an honorable man, trying to do the right thing.”
“I believe he did. We don’t have the case made yet, but we’re well on the way. Just keep this strictly confidential, and make sure your daughters understand that talking about this to anyone else could hurt our chance of nailing this guy.”
“I understand that, and Detective McDonald has told me exactly what I could tell my daughters. Please call me if there is anything I can do, Chief.”
“I’ll do that. Enjoy your time with your daughters and hopefully we’ll have some results very soon.”
Chapter 39
Monday, February 7 - Day 20
Chief of Detectives’ Residence
Borough of Manhattan, New York
2200 Hours
After working late, Pat got home at 1930 hours. He fixed himself a sandwich and some chips and practiced his trumpet for an hour. He was flipping through the channels, trying to catch the 10 o’clock news when his cell phone rang.
“Pat O’Connor.”
“Good evening, Chief. It’s Bryan.”
“What’s up?”
“We received a call from a cop out in Brooklyn who was approached by a lady claiming to be Harry Pittsford’s girlfriend.
She wants to talk to someone about Harry. They’re bringing her to the 83rd Precinct out in Brooklyn. Mary McDonald and I are headed that way.”
“Sounds interesting, Bryan, and I’ll see you at the precinct.”
“Okay, Chief. She wouldn’t give any details to the uniformed cop.”
“Let’s pray we have better success.”
“I agree with that!”
“Do we know how they came in contact with her?”
“Not exactly, but it sounds like she just approached a cop in an RMP and wanted to talk to someone about Harry Pittsford. They called the RTCC and they linked his name up to the task force.”
“Great! Thank God for computers. It may have given us a break. I’ll see you in a few, Bryan.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then, Chief.”
Pat pulled on a black turtleneck and some khaki slacks. He quickly strapped on his ankle holster and his belt holster and holstered both .357 revolvers. It was cool, so he decided to wear his black leather, bomber jacket. He grabbed his portable radio, cell phone and briefcase and headed out to Brooklyn. His gut told him this could be an important development.
Chapter 40
Monday, February 7- Day 20
83rd Police Precinct - 480 Knickerbocker Avenue
Borough of Brooklyn, New York
2300 Hours
Pat parked in front of the 83rd Precinct. It was somewhat more modern than many of the other older NYPD Precincts. It was all brick, with odd-shaped staggered-brick walls. He got a kick out of a painted mural on one of the walls which said “Alumni, Brooklyn North School of Urban Warfare, 83rd Campus.” Pat knew that during the blistering hot summers, tensions could run high and this could be a violent station house.
Walking into the 83rd Precinct squad room, Pat met two uniformed officers leaving. He spoke to them briefly and thanked them for their help. When Pat walked into the detective bullpen, he was welcomed by the squad whip. “It’s good to have the Chief of D’s in the house, sir. It’s our honor.”
“Thanks, Lou. I hope this turns out well. It could be important.”
“Just let us know if you need anything, Chief. We’ll try to stay out of your way.”
Pat saw Bryan Flannery and Mary McDonald talking to someone he presumed was Harry Pittsford’s girlfriend. She appeared to be in her fifties, but had long, jet-black hair mid-way down her back. She was dressed in tight jeans, boots and a pull-over white sweater. She appeared to be self-confident and was doing most of the talking. When she saw Pat, she immediately responded. “Is this the man in charge?”
Bryan Flannery confirmed it was by nodding his head. Pat reached out with his hand.
“I’m Pat O’Connor, Chief of Detectives. It’s nice to meet you.”
She quickly quipped back. “It’s not nice to meet me. You’re just saying that shit because you want my information. If I didn’t have that, you wouldn’t give me the time of day.”
“I’m glad you’re a psychic and can read my mind, but in this case, you’re wrong. What can I do for you?”
“Well, you’re pretty direct. I’ll give you that. I’m Phyllis Duran. I was Harry Pittsford’s old lady until last week.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Phyllis. It’s not easy losing someone you care about.”
“Thanks, Chief. You may not be sincere, but you’re polite.”
“Tell me what we can do to help.”
Pat sat down beside her, and Mary and Bryan left the room. They knew Pat preferred one on one interviews. She slowly started to talk.
“Things were supposed to get better. Harry and I were hitting it off pretty good for the last couple years. We were planning to move to Florida, where it’s warm, but he had this one more thing to do before we could move.”
“And what was that?”
“I don’t know exactly, but it obviously got him killed.”
Her voice started to crack, and she had tears rolling down her cheeks. Pat offered her his handkerchief.
“Thank you.” She said wiping her eyes.
“Would you like some coffee or a soft drink?”
“Coffee would be great. Black, please.”
Pat stepped out of the room and came back with a big mug of coffee. He sat down beside her and removed his leather jacket. “Why don’t we start at the beginning, Phyllis?”
“I hardly know where to start. Please don’t think I’m a bad person. I had no idea what Harry was doing until a few weeks ago.”
“I can tell you’re a caring person.”
“I’ve always tried to put my kids first. They’re on their own now and doing pretty well. Their father left me when they were young. I raised them by myself. We’ve been divorced for years. I worked as a waitress at the Continental Diner across the street from the Kings County Courthouse. Harry used to come in there for lunch when he was working. He looked so sharp in his uniform. We would talk and tease, but nothing ever happened, because he was married.”
“Is Harry still married?”
“Oh no, they divorced years ago.”
“Anyway, a couple of years ago, I ran into him at another restaurant, and we started seeing each other. He was a nice man and was very kind to me. He bought me nice things and paid me nice compliments, which means a lot to a woman my age.”
“So how did you find out he was doing something wrong?”
“Harry always had a wad of money in his pocket, Chief. His pension was pretty good, but he had like thousands of dollars on him all the time. He bought me a diamond necklace once and paid cash for it. A few weeks ago, I read an email he’d received, and it mentioned his having money wired to him in amounts less than $10,000, in order to stay under the radar. I also found an ID card with Harry’s picture on it and a different name. We’d talked a lot about moving to Florida. I have arthritis, and the warm temperatures would sure make my old bones feel better.”
Pat knew that amounts over $10,000 triggered a Suspicious Activity Report from the bank, which notifies the IRS and the police.
“Did you confront him, Phyllis?”
“I sure did, and he tried to blow it off and denied doing anything wrong. I told him that I wasn’t stupid and accused him of lying to me. He just broke down and started crying and told me the whole story.”
“What did he say?”
“As you know, Harry worked in the courtroom in Kings County. He was in some big drug trial, and every day they loaded these duffle bags full of cash into the courtroom as evidence. There were stacks and stacks of hundred-dollar bills. Harry got stacks of one-dollar bills and switched it and put a hundred-dollar bill on the outside of each and stole some of the money. He figured it was drug money and he deserved it as much as anyone. This was a long time ago. Anyway, he got caught by a lawyer, Danny Pellegrino. Pellegrino held it over his head and blackmailed him in order to make him do certain things.”
“Such as?”
“Danny told Harry he had told a judge about catching him and the judge was going to turn him in if Danny didn’t come up with some bread. Harry told him that he didn’t have that kind of money. He had spent the money he had stolen from the courthouse repaying some gambling debts. Anyway, I think something happened to keep that judge quiet. I know he did something involving a private detective. The detective had found out about Pellegrino’s deals in the courthouse, and he wanted Harry to get rid of him and an attorney who he believed hired the detective.”
“Do you know their names?”
“I don’t know the judge or detective’s name, but the lawyer was named Moses. I’m not sure if it was his last name or his first name.”
“How did Harry handle them?”
“He said he took care of them.”
“Did he kill them?”
“He didn’t exactly say that, but I assumed so. I know you think I’m terrible for staying with him, but he could be so sweet and thoughtful. I know I’m in trouble, ain’t I?”
“I’m not worried about you right now. Do you know where Pellegrino
is?”
“No, but Harry always said he thought he was out of the country.”
“Harry was going to do one more job for him, and then we were going to move to Florida. He wouldn’t tell me what it was, but I took him to rent a car.”
“What kind of car was it?”
“A black Dodge Charger.”
“Had you and Harry been living together?”
“Yes, for about six weeks.”
“Were you there when the FBI searched his place?”
“When did that happen?”
“Last Tuesday.”
“The FBI has not searched our apartment!”
“Where do you live?”
“The Mockingbird Apartments, here in Brooklyn.”
“How long has it been since Harry lived in his house?”
“About six weeks. It was a rental. The lease is paid up until the end of the month.”
“Is his stuff still there?”
“Yep, I can’t bring myself to touch it because we moved in together with this hope of going to Florida.”
Phyllis Duran started to cry again. Pat knew her information would be difficult to get into court, but it was invaluable to the investigation. He also realized they may have uncovered another murder in the death of a lawyer named Moses. He handed her a box of tissues and asked her if she would like to use the restroom or wanted some food. She agreed that she was hungry. Pat showed her the restroom and asked Mary and Bryan to get her a burger from the all-night restaurant nearby.
Pat took a break in questioning and asked Bryan Flannery to have the task force get started at 0700 tomorrow. They were going to try to search Phyllis Duran’s apartment. He was very interested in what leads they might uncover which could help lead them to Daniel Pellegrino.
Phyllis enjoyed the burger and repeatedly thanked Pat for his kindness. They chatted in a friendly manner, and then Pat resumed his questioning. “Okay, Phyllis, we’d like to search your apartment to see if we can find anything that will help us find Daniel Pellegrino. Is that okay with you?”
FORGOTTEN Page 12
