"We'll wait for more email. Since this place seems to offer the sender some level of comfort, maybe they'll send more from here, we can narrow it down."
They did not have to wait long.
Chris checked the header information and called her contact at the Internet service provider. The email came over Wi-Fi service at Starbucks on Waterman Street in Providence.
There were no cameras to help with this one.
Listen, Collucci has something about you and Hamlin. Something about a court case. I will try to get more. This is not right what is happening and there is other things going on. Collucci is a rotten S.O.B. Take care, watch who you talk to. A Friend.
“So now what?”
“Maybe there’ll be more.” Hamlin answered. “Any ideas of what they’re talking about?”
“Not a fucking clue.”
“Maybe we should call Hawk.”
“And tell him what? That we’re getting anonymous messages. This is just someone fucking with us. It’s probably Collucci, or one of the DC pricks.” Josh went into the back room and came out with two beers.
“Not from evidence I hope. Are they?”
“Nah, I bought these with the money you hide in your bottom desk drawer.” Smiling at the Lieutenant.
Hamlin shook her head, “Well that’s no problem. I took that money from your desk anyway. Right back at you, Ace.”
After finishing the beers, they decided to stop for the day. Heading to the lot, Hamlin leaned on the side of her car. “Go home, Josh. Go home and see if she is there. Fix this.”
A sad look embraced Josh. “It won’t matter, she’s gone. As soon as this is over, so am I.”
“What does that mean?” Hamlin tried to talk to him, but he got into his car and left.
Chapter 42: Return Visit
Lieutenant Hamlin sat at her desk cataloging the previous day's evidence seized by patrol arrests. As she made entries into the department computer system, her phone rang.
"SIU, Lieutenant Hamlin," she answered.
"Lieutenant, Marion at the front desk. There are two men to see you. They say they are from the Justice Department."
Great, Chris thought, now what?
"Be right out Marion," she answered and headed for the lobby.
Chris decided to take the long way, through the dispatch center. The one-way mirrored windows allowed her to look out to the lobby unseen.
As she walked through the center, Dispatcher Ginger Perez said, "Those boys might just as well tattoo federal agent across their foreheads. They look plain foolish standing there all jarhead like. I got a mind to go tell them a thing a two 'bout messin' with my boys."
Chris smiled. Ginger Perez had been a dispatcher for over 30 years. She took a personal interest in all of her ‘boys,’ which of course included the women of the department as well. She taught, by instilling fear of raising her ire, all new officers in the realities of the world.
How many times had Chris heard Ginger’s speech,
Listen, you are nothing but a wet behind the ears pup. I am not your secretary. I am not making excuses to your wife or girlfriend for you. I am not here as your personal maid. I will save your ass when, and if, you need it, but you will respect me and my fellow dispatchers, clear?
Some of the new patrol officers took years until they measured up to her standard. However, once you did, there was no more loyal person on your side than Ginger.
"You know, I have half a mind to let you at 'em. However, I think I have done enough damage with the Justice Department for a while. I'll just go play nice," walking out the side exit, through the records division, and into the lobby.
"Hi, I'm Lieutenant Hamlin, what can I do for you?" Extending her hand.
"Special Agent Tom Waters, Justice Department," came the reply, and he handed her a document, not bothering to acknowledge the overture of greeting.
"And this is?" Chris questioned, raising her eyebrows, and trying to stay composed.
"A subpoena," Waters replied. "I assume you understand what that entails, Lieutenant."
“Oh sure, I have ignored them before," Chris said, smiling, and turning away.
"Aren't you going to read what it requires, or do you need me to read it to you?" Waters asked, taking a step toward the door. "You are required to provide certain reports and documents to us."
"Well, Special Agent Waters and silent partner here, I will take this document, review it, and decide whether or not it is legitimate, since you produced no identification attesting to your authority to deliver said document.”
“Lieutenant, you are fully aware of who we are and the agency we represent. There’s no need for anything other than you complying with the court order.”
Crumbling the paper in her hand, enjoying the agent’s reaction, Hamlin added, “Oh, I know what you represent. If, at such time, I am satisfied that the document is in order, I shall endeavor to comply fully and expeditiously."
Chris turned to the doorway. The door shot open and Ginger Perez came out, glaring.
The silent agent took a step back, startled by the appearance of the angry looking black woman. Perez was not big, but she was not tiny, and she frightened much better men than these.
"Ah, Ginger, say hi to my new friends Agent Waters and Agent Prefers to remain silent," gesturing to the agents.
"Lieutenant, we are aware of your escapades the other night. Perhaps if you have someone literate explain the gravity of the situation, you'll comprehend how serious this...."
Both Ginger and Chris took steps toward the agents, backing them up again.
At that moment, Chief Brennan came out the opposite side door. "Gentlemen, from this day forward, as a matter of professional courtesy, please direct all such matters to my attention. Lieutenant Hamlin has more important things to do then stand around here in the lobby." Looking over the agent's shoulder at Hamlin he added, "Don't you, Lieutenant?"
"Why I do believe I do, sir." Chris nodded, walked past Ginger, and into the records area.
"Ms. Perez shouldn't you be sending cars on calls, or answering 911 lines?"
"Well, Chief, I just wanted to make sure..."
"Ginger, I got it from here, thank you," waving his hand toward the dispatch center.
Perez turned back, muttering, "Empty suited phony errand boys..."
"Now Gentlemen, is there is anything else?" The Chief tried to suppress his grin.
"Chief, I don't know what kind of department you run here, but I..." Waters was angry, glaring at Brennan.
"Stop right there, son. You had it at, I don't know. You have served the subpoena, and we will comply with the letter of the law. It will take time to review and produce copies of the material. Why don't you run along and we'll call you."
Waters and the other agent headed toward the door.
Brennan watched them leave, shaking his head. This is going to get messy he thought, and headed back to his office.
When Brennan returned to his office, Chris was waiting inside.
"So, Chris, you want to explain what's so damn important in our report files that Collucci felt the need to send, not one, but two FBI agents to serve a goddamn subpoena."
"It's that stupid Sale of Alcohol to a Minor case out of Fernando's Liquors," Chris answered.
"Please enlighten me as to why the Feds would care about that?" Brennan continued.
"Because Josh used some, shall we say, creative testimony in the hearing." Chris sighed, and sat down.
"Oh, I can't wait to hear this story, let me get some tea. I've a feeling I am going to need something soothing."
After Chris related the story of the 'evidence' to Brennan, the Chief sat at his desk for a moment and then said, "Who knew?"
"Who knew what?" Chris asked, looking confused.
"Who knew the six-pack wasn't the original? Did the defense lawyer handle it, feel it was cold?"
"He did and he asked Josh about that," Chris answered, looking amused.
"And this wa
s funny why?" Brennan persisted.
"Because Josh said, and I quote 'Well, in the unlikely event we lost this case, and the court required the return of the evidence, I didn't want it spoiled. We stored it in the evidence refrigerator. I am a big fan of beer you know." Chris said, a bit apprehensively.
Brennan paused a moment, "Boy can think on his feet, can't he?"
"He can do that, boss. However, that still leaves the issue, who knew? Nobody knew about the purchase except Josh and...” Chris stopped dead in mid-sentence.
Brennan looked at her with his 'do I want to know this' expression.
"I may have an idea, and I am going to kill the son-of-a-bitch if I am right." Chris was incensed.
Brennan took a sip from his tea and offered, "how about we both pretend you didn't say that, so I couldn't have heard it?"
"Not to worry Chief, I've got this under control." Chris headed to the door.
"No words in the English language make me more nervous than when I hear 'Not to worry'. Not only do I worry, but also I get very anxious. You handle this Lieutenant, and try to do it within the law. In other words, don't get caught."
"No to, ah, relax Chief," Chris said, “I am merely going to ask some questions, inflict maximum pain, and leave no marks." Chris smiled and was gone.
Chapter 43: Are You Kidding Me?
"I can't believe you are sleeping with Harris." Josh laughed, shaking his head.
"Was, was, not anymore," Chris replied.
"Yeah but jeez...." Josh went quiet, "I can't believe I accused my wife of sleeping with him. I am such an asshole."
"What do you mean accused her?" Chris looked at him and slapped his shoulder.
"Remember the night I rolled her Mercedes on the Parkway, and Angel took care of me?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what got me fired up was thinking about what Beansie said, so I went looking for Harris. I found Keira's car at his office."
Chris just shook her head.
"I went in, found them in the back, and grabbed Harris by the throat. I wanted to kill him. Keira pulled me off him, tried to calm me down. I was screaming something to the effect you want to fuck him, go ahead. I don't care," Josh looked out the window of the car, "I left that night, wrecked the car, and haven't been back since."
"You are an asshole, you know that," Chris lectured.
"Why the fuck didn't you tell me this before?" Josh asked.
"I tried to tell you she wasn't having an affair. You wouldn't listen."
"Well I would have if you told me the truth about you and him."
"Look, what I do on my own time is nobody's business. It is why I never date cops. They are like a bunch of old women, cannot wait to spread shit. Harris and I made an arrangement. It worked, well it did. Now I am going to turn him into a gelding, the little fucking worm."
Chris stared out the window, "Listen Josh, maybe I should have told you, but it doesn't matter now. Go home, crawl on your knees, and apologize."
"I can't, why would she even listen to me." Josh sighed, "Forget it. I blew it. She probably has the divorce petition ready to go."
"You could try, Josh." Chris said.
"I don't even know where she is," Josh replied, "she sent me a text saying she was leaving, and I have no idea where to look."
"Listen, first we take care of Harris, then we're going to find Keira, and you can think of a way to apologize."
A few moments later, Josh pulled up in front of Harris' office, and started out of the car.
Chris grabbed his arm, "Oh, no. This time is all mine. You stay here and practice your 'I am such an asshole speech'. You are going to need it. Now stay, boy, stay!"
Chapter 44: Thanks for Nothing
"Mr. Harris, there's a Lieutenant Hamlin here to see you," Kelsey Campbell announced. "She doesn't have an appointment, and the waiting room is full."
"Let her in Kels, it's okay." Harris went to the door and opened it, "Hi, Lieutenant, what can I do for you?"
Pushing him back into the office, slamming the door, Chris barked, "You have ten seconds to give me a good reason not to cut your balls off and shove them down your throat."
Harris blanched. "What? What is this about; oh wait...okay, okay. You found out about Emily, listen, I was going to explain."
"Emily, Emily, who the fuck is Emily?"
Harris thought, oh shit bad tactic.
"Oh, you mean the princess you're engaged to. I am a cop you moron, did you think I wouldn't find out?" She chided. "No Stevie boy, we have a bigger issue. It involves document subpoenas from the Federal Court about rinky-dink local misdemeanor cases.” Chris moved toward Harris, causing him to back into the wall. She sat at his desk, put her feet up, and grinned.
"Now, there I was, being served with a subpoena by the FBI for records about a sale of alcohol to a minor. What would interest them in this case? No terrorists here. Then it occurred to me. The little twist about that case that I shared with you and, here's the kicker my former friend, no one else."
"Chris, listen. He was going to indict me on bullshit. I could not afford that; I didn't want to help the S.O.B. I had no choice."
"So you gave me up? Thanks Ace, nice to know I mattered to you." Chris stood and started for the door.
"Wait, I am sorry. It is not you he wants. It's Josh." Harris looked at the floor, "I am sorry Chris, I couldn’t think of anything else to do..." his voice trailing off.
"Oh there was a choice Steve, but you took the easy way out. You did the same thing to Josh Collucci was trying to do to you. You could have stood up to him. He would not indict you. He is too busy running for Congress. Well, it was fun while it lasted, right up until I found out what kind of guy you are." Chris walked out the door and never looked back.
Chapter 45: Two Versions, Same Story
On Monday, the first day of trial, US Attorney Robert Collucci stood on the courthouse stairs addressing the horde of media.
Hawk and Josh came around the corner, started up the stairs. The reporters deserted Collucci for a shot at the defendant. Collucci looked incensed at the abandonment. The reporters were jostling to get a question in. Hawk and Josh continued through the crowd.
Hawk paused, as a reporter asked, "Aren't you worried about the government's overwhelming case, Mr. Bennett?"
Turning to the reporter, he came back down a few steps, laughing. "Wow, did my worthy brother pass out a printed listing of his manufactured evidence for you, along with his campaign speech?"
Facing all the reporters, he continued, "As much fun as it would be to debate Mr. Collucci in public on this matter, I prefer to do my job in the courtroom. Mr. Collucci would be wise to emulate this. It is easy to make a speech about evidence, another thing to produce it in court.”
Hawk was in his element now. He loved quests and touting at windmills. Inflicting some damage on Collucci would be fun.
“Sergeant Williams and I have every confidence the jury will recognize this witch-hunt and return a not guilty verdict on all counts. Glad to see the media is taking such an interest. I hope, at the end of the trial, you'll expose this for what it is, a travesty of justice in pursuit of political gain." Hawk headed back up into the courthouse.
"Morning, Sergeant Williams," nodded Deputy US Marshall Steve Murray. Murray, a retired Providence Police Officer, worked with Williams on a number of cases. "I have to send you through the metal detector like the common folk this morning," he apologized.
"No problem, Steve, I won't be carrying a weapon in here for a while."
"A short while," Hawk added.
Making their way to Courtroom 3, they found the spectator's gallery full. There was a mix of East Providence officers, Chief Brennan included, a significant number of media, and a few lucky civilians who managed to get seats.
Josh looked around to see if Keira was there.
Recognizing the look, Hawk touched his shoulder. "Listen my boy; you need to focus on the trial. Their case is not very good, but it is a jury we are
dealing with. Trust me, you will have time to find her and apologize later. Alternatively, you can follow my philosophy. Replace her." Shrugging his shoulders, he began pulling files from his brief case.
US Attorney Robert Collucci and Assistant US Attorney Margaret Fleming came in with Special Agents Slattery and Waters. As Fleming and the agents began laying out files and notepads, Collucci came over, extending his hand, "Mr. Bennett, good morning."
Hawk reached out, took the hand in a powerful grip, enjoying the apprehension in Collucci's eyes. "Good morning to you, sir."
Collucci tried to pull away. Hawk pulled him closer, whispering, "That’s the last pleasantry you'll get from me until this is over, sir." Increasing the pressure of his grip, enjoying the look of fear in the eyes, and then releasing it.
Collucci rejoined Fleming at the government table and took some notes.
The Deputy US Marshall entered the courtroom and announced, "All rise, the United States District Court, District of Rhode Island, is in session. The Honorable Ulysses Steven Rodericks presiding."
Hawk leaned over to Josh, "Useless Rodericks. This is going to be fun."
"Be seated."
Judge Rodericks took a moment to organize his bench. "Gentlemen, and ladies, I know you were originally expecting Judge Shore to preside. Judge Shore had a family emergency so, as the Chief Judge, I have assumed trial responsibility. I trust that is not an issue."
Not waiting for a response, Rodericks continued. "We will begin jury selection this morning. I expect to impanel the jury before the end of the day. Trial will begin first thing tomorrow. Before we bring in the jury pool are there any preliminary motions, Mr. Collucci?"
"No honor," not quite rising.
"Mr. Collucci, I realize it may have been some time since you've been in a courtroom, but in this courtroom, you will stand before addressing the court, is that clear?"
"Yes your..." as he started to rise, "Yes your Honor."
"Mr. Bennett does the defense wish to be heard on any preliminary matters."
Collision Course (A Josh Williams Novel) Page 16
