by R Weir
“He told me what I suspected. It has to do with my brother’s murder. They were here to kill all of us and burn the house down.”
“They have no ID on them. We will run their prints and see what we come up with. I doubt they work at QuickTrip as clerks. No plates on the SUV, though I’m certain it was stolen and will lead us nowhere.”
Standing outside, Helen and Jolene seemed be holding up well enough. They had Molly on a leash as she sat in the grass panting and taking in all the activity.
“Detective Frakes, this is Helen, Jolene, and the one lying on the ground with her tongue hanging out is Molly.”
“Good to meet you, ladies. I’m sorry for your loss and what happened here. It would appear you are in good hands, though. If you’d like to walk Molly, you may.”
“If they walk, either Rocky or I must go with them.”
Frakes looked over at Rocky, uncertain what to make of the imposing figure creating a large shadow from the rising sun.
“Sure, the four of you can leave while I talk with Jarvis,” stated Frakes. “Do you need a weapon?”
Rocky had firm grip on a baseball bat and smacked it a couple times in his open hand.
“No,” he said with a smile and they walked away.
“Quite a mess. You know since you came into town the homicide rate has sky rocketed.”
“I’m not sure they qualify as homicides, as we were defending ourselves. The homicides would have been if they had succeeded. Fortunately, we were able to thwart them.”
“I don’t expect any trouble for you here. We are going to be here a while. The place is pretty shot up and both front doors blown off. You won’t be able to occupy the home until we are done and the damage repaired. Do you have a place to stay?”
“Other than a hotel, no. You don’t happen to have a safe house we can borrow with police protection?”
“Hell no. This is West Des Moines and we don’t have the budget or need for such things. Check with your FBI buddy, Wilson. He is the one with the resources. I’m only a simple Midwest detective who mostly deals with domestic violence and rape.”
“Consider it good on-the-job training for if you want to move to big city crime.”
“I like it fine right here,” said Frakes. “Give me all the details of what took place this morning and don’t leave anything out.”
I covered my last forty-eight hours; my questioning and semi-seduction of Casey and Tina, the confrontation with the Wyche brothers, especially Gabriel. And the black SUV pulling up and the four men assaulting the house. I left out the part about finding the flash drive. I was still holding this in reserve. Frakes took it all in, making notes as I went along.
“Dogs are something else how they can sense danger,” stated Frakes. “If I were you, I’d keep her handy. I doubt this is the end of it.”
I agreed and, when the others returned, Frakes took them one at a time, learning what they knew. I stepped away and made a call to Wilson. It was Monday morning, so he should have been at his desk. He answered on the first ring.
“I’m hearing rumblings something may have happened at the Mann household,” he said.
“It did. Four men came and tried to kill all of us. We prevailed.”
“What caused them to come after you now?”
“My persistence in pestering them.”
“You mean being a pain in the ass! I’m well aware of this talent you have.”
“It’s a finely-honed skill.”
“Impressive, you besting four heavily armed men. Did any of them survive?”
“One did and we talked to him before the police arrived. Alexander Toro sent them. I’d say you should talk with him quickly. I doubt he’ll be alive long.”
“I’ll have my men intervene and take him away.”
“He’ll be heading for the hospital. I shot him several times in the legs. Frakes says they are taking him to Mercy Medical Center-West Lakes. I’d put a guard or two on him.”
“Done. Ballistics came back on the .22 and it’s not the gun which killed your brother.”
“Legally obtained?”
“Yes, it’s registered to Casey Gaines. All on the up and up.”
“No surprise there. It’s what I expected. We need a favor.”
“Oh boy, I can hardly wait.”
“The Mann house was shot up. We need somewhere to stay and I’d rather not put them in a hotel. Too confining if they try again. You have any safe houses in the area?”
There was a long pause before he spoke.
“Maybe, though I’m not certain of its availability.”
“Start making calls. We need somewhere and I can’t go out and rent a house in twelve hours.”
“I’m not sure I can find something that quick.”
“You are the FBI. You can do anything which needs to be done. Make it happen.”
He wasn’t happy with me bossing him, but I didn’t care. After hanging up, I called back to Denver, looking for some advice. It was still early there, but I knew he would be hard at work as always. He answered his cell phone on the second ring.
“Jarvis Mann, you are still alive,” said Brandon Sparks. “How are things going in corn country?”
“Well enough, though a quartet of men tried to kill us all.”
“It would appear they failed. I’m sure Rocky did an admirable job as always.”
“He did as I expected him to.”
“What are you needing now?”
“Information, since you are connected in ways I’m not.”
“Another favor, it would seem. They are piling up on my side. Are you certain you want to be indebted to me any further?”
He was right about this, but I had little choice.
“The person I’m interested in is Alexander Toro. It would seem our paths have crossed and he likely is the one who killed my brother.”
The line went completely silent.
“Are you still there?” I asked.
“This mess you are in is related to The Bull?”
“It is.”
“Don’t do anything else. I’m flying to Des Moines.”
With his statement, the phone went dead. It appeared as if we’d have company for dinner.
Chapter 46
Agent Wilson, after some fussing, got us set up at a home in the western part of the city. It was new and modern, on a decent chunk of land, with four bedrooms, big garage, and some privacy provided by fencing and huge trees. We packed up as many items as we needed, when the police allowed us, and moved in. The ladies needed to do some grocery shopping, so we hit a nearby Hy-Vee and spent $350 dollars to stock the place. Once settled, we were all tired, and relaxed as best we could from the stressful day. Molly was loving the new home, inside and out, smelling all her nose could handle until she finally crashed. As dinnertime approached, my cell phone rang and it was Brandon.
“Let’s meet somewhere and talk,” he said.
“Didn’t take you long to get here.”
“Having a private jet speeds things up.”
No surprise he had one in his stockpile of possessions.
“How about Roni’s Italian Bistro? I know the owner and she says it’s fabulous.”
“I’ll find it and meet you there in an hour.”
As I drove over, I wasn’t certain why I picked Roni’s restaurant. I did want to see the place, try the food, and enjoy a quiet meal after the hard day. Inside, something was nagging at me to see her again. The distance from home and the craziness of the last twenty-four hours all contributed. With Brandon there, I was sure I’d be safe from any temptation, since this was a business meeting.
When I arrived the place was pretty busy, but had room for two, so I didn’t need to name drop. Brandon showed up a few minutes after, dressed in his normal upscale casual, expensive black jeans, boots and collared, long sleeve shirt. He shook my hand firmly, sitting across from me. When the waitress arrived, he ordered his Jack Daniels with no ice, a bottle of expensive wine
, and some breadsticks. I settled for a foreign beer on the waiter’s suggestion.
“So you know the owner,” stated Brandon. “Looks like a nice place, and doing quite well, it would appear. Is she here?”
“I’m pretty certain. She rarely isn’t here. Works in the kitchen supervising.”
“How do you know her?”
“Old girlfriend from high school.”
“One who got away,” said Brandon, drinking his JD moments after the waiter set it before him.
“I ended it with her. She wanted commitment and I didn’t.”
“Yes, the Jarvis Mann foible. Always interesting seeing changes in people after fifteen to twenty years. Some become more handsome or beautiful with time, others not so much. Where does she fall?”
“Still beautiful, possibly more so. Time has been kind to her.”
“I sense temptation.”
I shrugged, as if to say maybe.
“I won’t tell, if so. I may get a sense of the attraction for myself, as a lovely lady is heading our way right now.”
Roni arrived, dressed for restaurant business, one-piece cyan dress, with gold belt and white heels. I stood, as did Brandon, and she gave me a hug and shook Brandon’s hand after an introduction, which he held for what appeared to be an eternity, cupping hers in both of his.
“So good to meet you,” Roni said. “Are you and Jarvis old friends?”
Brandon smiled and sat down, leaving me to answer.
“We are acquaintances,” I replied. “He is here to provide me support.”
“Is this related to the Flynn and Helen problem?”
I nodded.
“I heard something on the news and tried to call Helen. Is everything okay?”
“For now, she and Jolene are safe.”
“And you?”
“I’m good and will be even better after a good meal. What do you recommend?”
“Well, I know you are partial to spaghetti and meatballs, if the past is any clue. Our steaks are also out of this world.”
“Spaghetti rarely disappoints me. What about you, Brandon?”
“Chicken Parmesan sounds good,” he said. “Will you be cooking it for us?”
“No, but I will supervise and make sure it’s perfect. Anything else?”
“I’m always looking for solid investments. If the food is good, maybe we can have lunch someday to discuss if you have need for a silent partner.”
“I’m always open to possibilities,” she answered with a glorious smile.
She called over the waiter and gave him our order, and then walked away. Brandon watched her the whole time, and I felt a small pang of jealousy, though I was uncertain why.
“Lovely woman,” said Brandon. “I did not notice a ring.”
“Divorced. Her business is her love.”
“I know the feeling. Doesn’t mean there isn’t a fire down below which needs attention.”
I couldn’t argue the point and wanted to change the topic.
“The biggest item which needs attention right now is this business with Alexander Toro. When I mentioned his name, you didn’t hesitate to jump on your jet and fly out here. I assume you know him.”
Brandon ate a breadstick and finished his JD.
“I know of him, but have never met him. He is maybe the most powerful man in the criminal world of the Midwest. He is also extremely ruthless and territorial.”
“More so than you?”
Brandon smiled.
“I am a pussy cat compared to him.”
“So, this tells me quite a bit. The question is what can I do?”
“I’ve arranged to meet with him. You, Rocky and I are going to fly to Illinois tomorrow and see if we can come to an understanding.”
“I can’t leave Helen and Jolene unprotected.”
“They will be safe. He gave me his word he would try nothing further until after we meet.”
“His word is good?”
“Through the channels I went through, yes. You can trust his word.”
“Still, I’d feel better if they weren’t alone.”
“I brought my two men who provide protection for me when I travel. They will stay with them until we return. I’m certain you and Rocky are adequate protection for the trip.”
I smiled at his humor.
“So, what time will we leave?”
“Sharply at 7 a.m. We are to meet at around nine or so.”
“What is there to discuss? If he killed or had my brother killed, he must pay the price.”
“I don’t know what understanding you can come to. But you must go with an open mind. For if this is to continue, you will all die, and it will likely not be pleasant.”
“Like what they did to Flynn?”
“I’ve heard worse. The stories going around say that Alexander the Bull has no qualms about inflicting as much pain on his victims as possible. He generally is a witness to the torture, and often even partakes in it. My sources say he took a hacksaw and severed a man’s leg, forcing him to watch, a tourniquet in place above where he cut it off so he didn’t bleed to death. It seems he was being kind to your brother by only cutting off his fingers and beating him up before killing him.”
Kind was hardly the word I would use. Maybe Alexander had a soft spot for his step-daughter and went easy on Flynn, or at least easier than normal.
“So why are you doing this?” I asked, fearing the answer.
“Isn’t it clear I like you, Jarvis?” he said. “The world is more enjoyable with you in it. I would miss having you around.”
I wasn’t sure if I should take it as a compliment or be worried I’d become his PI boy-toy.
“Well, business hasn’t been boring since you came into my life.”
The food arrived and all tasted good. Brandon enjoyed his wine and meal, while I filled myself with pasta and meatballs. About ten minutes in, Roni came over to check on us.
“So, how is everything?” she asked.
“Excellent,” I said, after wiping sauce from my face.
“Outstanding,” added Brandon. “I do believe we should talk of options.”
She smiled widely and handed him her card.
“Call me anytime and we can discuss,” she said while putting out her hand.
Brandon stood up, took the card in one hand and took her hand with the other, pulled it up and kissed it gently. There was some heat between them. I imagined more than a business meeting in the offing. The pang of jealously returned and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it but order another beer.
Chapter 47
We were up and in the air bright and early the next morning, flying in Brandon’s Learjet, headed east. My nerves on the smaller plane weren’t any better than on the big ones. I was always happiest when fully in the air or on the ground. Take offs and landings were always nerve-racking for me.
The flight was quiet and quick, maybe ninety minutes flying time. Rocky was busy reading his Kindle and I wondered what exciting books he read. If it was a saucy romance, it would ruin my ideal of him. Brandon talked on the phone nearly the entire flight and I wondered how he could hold a cell connection going several hundred miles an hour in the air, when mine dropped when standing completely still. Maybe he paid for priority service.
When we landed at a small airport west of Chicago, a limo waited for us with food and drink in the back. I settled for water, while Brandon had his JD and Rocky chose a beer. Food was basic: some cheese, chips, crackers and dip. I wasn’t real hungry. Nerves from the flight and the impending meeting ran roughshod in my stomach. Expectations were uncertain, other than that we would meet and discuss. If there was a way out, I was open to options, but anything short of putting my brother’s killer in jail would be hard to accept.
After forty-five minutes of drive time, we arrived at an old manufacturing plant, parking in a cracked and weed infested parking lot. We were the first to show up, sitting and waiting in the air conditioned back. The day was warm
and humid so I was glad I’d put on the extra layer of deodorant.
“When they arrive, we’ll step outside and wait,” stated Brandon. “Let me do the talking at first. And don’t do anything silly to provoke his anger. Simply a meet and greet. This is not the time for you to spring to action. Give me your word you will keep your gun holstered.”
“So long as they do,” I answered.
“They will. If they don’t, I doubt it will matter much. He will likely have more firepower than we do.”
I turned to look at Rocky and he smiled.
“It would have to be an army,” he said.
The buildings of the plant looked as if they hadn’t been used in years. Doors were broken and open, windows missing or cracked. A weathered sign hinted of it once being a meat processing facility. There was farm land all around, with this year’s crops beginning to sprout. A set of rusted train tracks ran to the main line miles down the road. I had no cell service when I checked my phone. There was not another soul nearby, so if it all went south we would likely die here, which wasn’t comforting. I couldn’t imagine Brandon coming here if he thought there was danger, so I took him at his word all would be safe so long as I didn’t start something.
In a cloud of dust, four large Chevy SUVs came down the road. Two pulled up facing us, a third parked behind, the fourth pulling sideways behind the third. Several men got out of the front two, guns at their sides, waving for us to step out. Brandon got out first, followed by Rocky, and then myself. We walked side by side, the sun and humidity baking us, about fifty feet before they waved us to stop. I felt exposed, with thoughts of the O.K. Corral coming to mind and I wondered which of the Earp brothers I was.
From the middle SUV stepped out two men, one heavy-set and older, the other younger, lean and a bit taller. The heavy-set gentleman took the lead and waved for the armed men to spread out. He took short steps, his feet in expensive, black dress shoes, and a well-tailored white suit holding in his girth. His bald head glistened in the sun, sweat starting to form. He looked to be pushing sixty and labored from the building heat. He stopped about twenty feet in front of us, the younger lean man a step behind and to the right of him.
“Alexander, it is good to meet you,” said Brandon.
