Zach tipped his head back to look up at the tall building at 500 Pearl Street as though he was a tourist. This building also housed the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse. Its impressive ornate glass entry amidst its otherwise grey marble facade caught his eye when he entered. Inside, he waited to take the elevator to the fourth floor. He exited and walked up to the receptionist and asked for guidance to the conference room where they were meeting. The corridor was lined on both sides with glass walled rooms.
As he rounded the corner, he spotted Jake and Irene sitting at the conference table. Jake sat with his hands folded and resting on the table; Irene’s face was frozen in a frown.
He entered the room and was immediately greeted by a short man who looked to be about forty something.
“Mr. Gerard, I presume? Conrad Frasier,” he said, extending his hand to Zach. “Before we get started, I’d like to go over a few things. I’m glad you were able to make it this morning because I’m sure Jake appreciates having you here, but as I explained, we don’t normally do this sort of thing, so please remember you’re here as an observer. Okay?”
“Understood.” Zach said, walking past Jake and Irene. He touched Jake’s shoulder for reassurance, and then sat down next to him. Trepidation rushed through him, uneasy about being in a situation where he wasn’t in control. He reminded himself he was here for Jake, and this was no time for his petty insecurities. He winked at Jake and watched his face light up. He leaned over, “Morning, Deputy,” he said with another wink, and the two gave each other a fist bump.
“I didn’t know you were going to be here,” Jake said, trying to show his appreciation while still looking very apprehensive.
“Well normally I wouldn’t be, but I wanted to make sure you were okay with all of this. How are you holding up?”
“I’m really confused. They haven’t told us anything. I don’t know where we’re going.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in with everything that’s happened, but the one thing you don’t have to worry about is your safety. I did some checking up on these US Marshal guys and you don’t need to worry. You couldn’t be any safer than if you lived inside an armored truck. They are some awesome dudes.” Zach noticed Irene listening to their conversation and half pretending not to notice he was there. She was obviously still a little ticked at him. Although she’d agreed to enter the program, she wasn’t happy about not being able to tell her family.
“Morning, Miss Stone,” he said with a nod. Irene looked at him with a restrained scowl and gave him a nod.
“Okay,” Frasier said, “we have a lot to cover so let’s get started.”
Zach leaned over and told Jake they’d talk more later, moved away from the table and sat in one of the chairs around the perimeter of the room.
Frasier introduced the other men in the room. “I think the rest of us know each other, however briefly, so let’s get started. The purpose of this session is to review and formalize the agreement terms for Miss Stone and Jake Thomas to enter into the Witness Security Program, perhaps more commonly known as WITSEC.” Frasier directed a question to Irene.
“Miss Stone, I realize this set of circumstances is highly irregular since you’re not actually a blood relative, and that you have serious misgivings about the situation. As has been mentioned, this program is completely voluntary. We can’t force you to participate and take on the responsibility for Jake’s welfare, but frankly, we couldn’t see any other alternative that was fair to Jake. Do we have your concurrence to proceed?”
Irene lowered her head, took a deep breath. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t really have a choice. I think it’s absurd that a eleven-year old should be put in this kind of a position, but I know if I don’t go along, it’s going to be even worse for him and this little guy didn’t do anything to deserve this.”
Frasier extended appreciation for her cooperation and continued. The meeting, although interesting in nature, took three hours. Zach stifled a yawn and tried to remain alert. Frasier finally flipped his document to the last page.
“I don’t want you to think I’ve forgotten some of the legalities with you Miss Stone, but we don’t have the time right now to get that figured out before we make sure you’re safe. Do you understand?”
“I do understand the priorities here, but I want your word that if you ever decide that Jake is no longer in danger, that you allow us to get back to whatever is left of our old lives.”
“You have my word, Miss Stone.”
When lunch was delivered, Zach picked up a sandwich and some chips and headed back to sit next to Jake. “Well, that wasn’t so bad now, was it,” he joked.
Jake looked at him, “You’ve got to be kidding. After hearing about all the rules, I’m surprised I don’t need a hall pass to go to the bathroom.”
Zach laughed at his maturity, but remembering his conversation with Jake about never talking to anyone his age, it made sense. Unfortunately, that also meant Harold had by-passed Jake’s childhood and forced him into adulthood.
“Are you sure you’re eleven-years old?” Jake giggled. Zach continued. “I know you’ll do everything you can to adapt. Try to remember what’s at stake here. It’s worth a lot of inconvenience to make sure you’re safe.”
“I know, but my aunt’s life is ruined too. She has to worry about me full time now, not babysitting for a few hours at a time.”
“All the more reason to help her by listening to what she says and do what you can to help her in whatever way possible. Get me?”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Am I ever going to see you again?”
Zach felt an instant tightening in his throat. His eyes misted and he turned away so Jake wouldn’t see his reaction. He sucked it up, and turned back to look Jake straight in the eye. “I imagine that can be arranged. Didn’t you hear Deputy Frasier explain there are circumstances where visits with friends and family can be arranged? I believe that has to cover deputies and detectives too, wouldn’t you think?”
“I hope so.”
“Okay then. Once the dust settles and you get set up wherever you’re going, you let them know when you’d like to get together. It may take a little time, but be patient and we’ll see what we can do. Deal?”
“Deal. You won’t forget, will you?”
“I won’t. You can count on it … for sure.”
Zach sipped the last of his iced tea and felt the pinch of loss knowing he had to leave. “Look Bud, I need to head back uptown and get back to work, so I’m going to say bye for now. Remember what we talked about until I see you next time. Okay?”
Jake nodded and then stood up and hugged Zach around his waist. Zach almost broke down in front of everyone and fought back the tears trying to escape his eyes. “You be good now. Okay?”
“I promise.” One more hug and Zach headed for the door promising himself he wouldn’t look back for fear he’d do whatever he could to take Jake home with him. Of course that wasn’t realistic thinking, but he couldn’t help the attachment he’d formed with the boy. Frasier stood near the door as Zach made his way over.
“This kid has really gotten to you, hasn’t he?”
“Yeah, Frasier, he has. No kid should have to be this brave. Thanks for including me this morning. Please take good care of him.”
“We always do”, replied Frasier, waving to Zach as he walked back down the hallway to the elevator.
As Zach made his way back to the subway, he recapped the events of the day and what he’d witnessed. In his line of work, more often than not, Zach was rarely pleased with his entanglements with other law enforcement organizations, but he had to admit, if he ever had a kid in need of being kept safe, he’d run to those who worked the Witsec program in the blink of an eye. They were that good.
CHAPTER TEN
JESSIE SIGNED her name on the sheet and walked into the records room. Walking down the aisle, she removed the Cavanaugh box from the shelf and brought it to a vacant table centered in the middle of t
he room. Lifting the lid, she removed the written report when her cell phone rang.
“What are you doing, sunshine?” Zach asked.
“I’m checking some evidence. Why?”
“I thought we might get together later tonight for a naked party.”
“Did you now?” she laughed. “I’m probably going to be here for the next couple of hours, so tonight might not be a good idea. How’s tomorrow looking?”
“Hell, I don’t know. I needed to be with you, that’s all.” She liked the sounds of knowing he needed her. He checked his watch. “Aren’t you finished for the day?”
“Yes, but like I told you, I’m trying to help Abby. I’m retracing the two detectives’ legwork.”
“You told me about this Barney guy. Who’s the other detective?”
“Charles Jensen.”
“Whoa!” Zach screeched. “You didn’t tell me it was Detective Charles Jensen’s case. For chrissakes, Jess, he’s a decorated officer.” He snickered.
“Yes, sir.”
He laughed, “That’s really going to score you some points if you find something they didn’t,” rolled off his tongue sarcastically.
“Yeah, I know, but I can’t believe the kid vanished into thin air. There’s got to be something they missed.” She sighed. “And if not, then at least I’ve checked for Abby.”
“Does he know you’re going over his case?”
“I have no doubt Bud told him. But as you know, Bud already assured me I’d find that nothing had been missed. I’m not convinced of that. And if I don’t find anything, it will be reassuring to Abby to know that I’ve checked.”
“Are you investigating because you want to help this Abby girl, or because of your dislike for Bud?”
“It began with my wanting to help the girl, but after what Bud has put me through, knowing his deceased partner worked on the case, it boils down to both. Although, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t know it was his case until he saw me with the box.”
“Okay. I can understand you wanting to help the girl, but don’t get too invested in this girl because you’re going to lose your objectivity and that doesn’t help anyone. On a personal note, I’m a little resentful because you’re limiting our time together.”
“See, now there you go getting all possessive on me.”
“Point taken. I’ll see you around, sweetheart.”
Zach clicked off so quickly, she never got a chance to say goodbye. She shrugged and continued her search through the box. Zach was being immature and possessive right now. And that was part of the reason they weren’t living together. He needed to learn to accept the things he couldn’t change.
Picking up the photos of Justin’s room and seeing his adorable face, she could feel the anxiety Abby was experiencing. Justin was the epitome of adorable. He had a huge smile. Judging from the photo, he looked like a happy three-year old. His hair was combed into a stylish hairdo, most likely when Abby wasn’t fussing at her brother, she was using him as her guinea pig for new short hairstyles. He must have been a good sport to allow whoever did his hair to fix it that way. Reaching for another picture, Justin was hugging his dog, and another where his mother was holding him for a family photo. Jessie leaned back in her chair. Now years later, the depth of those happy smiles were gone—especially Abby’s.
Jessie entered the office early the next morning. On her way past Abby’s area, the girl saw her and reached out. “Did you have a chance to check the evidence?”
“I did. I looked through it last night and read the reports, but I didn’t find any viable suspects.” She held her finger up, “but that doesn’t mean there won’t be.”
“I know. I could have told you that,” she said frustrated. Jessie’s facial expression changed. “I’m sorry,” Abby said. “That wasn’t very nice of me.”
“It’s okay. I understand how frustrated you feel. I don’t want to get your hopes up, but I understand your need to continue the search. I’m not giving up, so don’t you.” Abby gave a reluctant nod. Jessie continued. “From what I’m seeing so far, it doesn’t appear that Jensen and Barney missed anything. Bud and I will be working on one of our cases this morning, but when I return, I’ll call Detective Jensen to see if there’s anything he might not have included in his report.” Abby lowered her head and nodded. “Hang in there and I’ll see you later.”
When Jessie turned the corner, Bud was already at his desk. “Detective Jensen wants to see you, Kensington,” he said wryly.
“Great! Is he at his desk now?”
“How should I know? He called.”
Jessie bit back the urge to launch a barrage of adjectives and instead counted to ten. “Do you have a number where I can reach him?”
“You’ll have to look it up. But you do that on your own time. We have work to do on the Reiner case. So get your stuff together—we’re leaving.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“WHAT DID YOU find out about Harold Thomas, McGee?” Zach asked.
“Everything seems to check out with Mr. Thomas. Nothing unusual stands out. Nothing with his checking account. Or his savings for that matter. He paid his bills on time. No collectors were looking for him. He had a thousand dollars in his checking account that the kid should get, and forty thousand in his savings. Other than that, there doesn’t seem to be much to find out about him.”
“What about his social security number? Did you run it?”
“Not yet. That’s next. But I did check his mobile phone and house phone records?” McGee shrugged. “Not much there either. It appears Harold Thomas was a law-abiding citizen. Hell, this guy doesn’t even have a traffic ticket.”
“That’s a good thing. I guess Jake wasn’t fabricating anything.”
“I know it’s hard to believe, but that’s the way it’s looking. I’ll keep at it though.”
“I am surprised he was so secretive though,” Zach said, and tipped his coffee mug toward his mouth when he realized it was empty. He walked to the coffee pot and poured himself another.
“Hey, want to fill one of those for me too?” McGee called out, dipping his head to the side away from an investigator standing in his view.
Zach filled another cup and walked back to his desk. “It seems kind of squirrely that his son wasn’t allowed to have friends over, though, don’t you think?” His brows rose in consternation. “I guess it worked for them,” he shrugged.
Jessie dialed Detective Jensen’s number. “Detective Jensen,” she said. “This is Detective Kensington returning your call.”
“Yeah, Kensington, I hear you’re investigating a cold case I worked some years ago. What exactly are you doing?”
“I offered to check into Abby’s brother’s case. Why? Is there a problem with me doing so?”
“No. I don’t know what I could have done differently. I don’t know what it is you’re looking for?”
“I’ve looked through the file and didn’t see anything, but it never hurts to have a fresh set of eyes look over what we’ve done. Don’t you agree?”
“Look away, Detective. Is there anything you wanted to specifically ask me?”
“There is. I’ve read your report and it appears you stopped looking six months after the child was abducted.”
“Yeah, that’s when the information ran out. We don’t have a set time to stop, but when you’ve checked out the relatives, friends and everyone else, you stop wasting the city’s money and move on.”
“What about the surveillance tape?”
“What about it?”
“Who viewed the tape?”
“The parents. Who the hell else would I have shown it to? Should I have rented out a theatre and sold tickets?” Jensen snapped.
Jessie could feel her pulse quicken from his sarcasm. She forced herself to be a realist and tried to imagine how she’d feel if the situation were in the reverse. “Look, Detective Jensen, I know this feels like I’m checking up on you—the new person on the job trying to make a name for herself.
Let me assure you, my motivation is solely predicated on being friends with the sister who feels responsible for his disappearance. She was the one watching him. So, please, work with me here, will you?” She heard him release a breath of air and hoped that meant he was trying to be accommodating. “I know you’re a decorated officer and I congratulate you on that achievement. I’m not trying to discredit the dedication you bring to the job. I was hoping a fresh pair of eyes might shed some light on something simple that might have inadvertently been overlooked.”
“You’re right.” There was a brief pause. Jessie sensed it was because he was contemplating being nice. “Okay, Detective Kensington. What do you need from me?” he asked.
“Did you ever show the surveillance tape to the sister?”
“Hmm, to my knowledge, I don’t believe we ever did,” he said, his voice trailing off. “Oh, wait. Something tells me . . . yeah, something to do with the father. I don’t think he wanted her to see the tape. He said she was too young and too upset. It was against my better judgment, but I complied. She was underage. But check my notes. It’s should be in there.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I jumped down your throat before. I’d be thrilled if you found something to return that boy home. I’m sure the parents would be on Cloud Nine to have him back.”
Jessie frowned. It was apparent he didn’t know what happened to the parents. “Detective, I guess you don’t know that the father walked out on the mother and the daughter when he couldn’t take it anymore. The mother drank herself silly and ultimately committed suicide?”
Elusive Justice (Kensington-Gerard Detective series Book 2) Page 8
