The Deadliest Game: An Edward Mendez, P. I. Thriller

by Gerard Denza

  -He had at least two: Eileen Kobe and Ricardo Montenegro.

  -And, they're both dead...at least, Kobe is. I wish we could get a lead on this mysterious gray van.

  -Marlena thought that it might show up today.

  -Oh, did she? That woman knows too much for her own good.

  Sgt. Rayno walked in.

  -Lieutenant? Oh, hi, Eddie. The Chief of Police is upstairs. Oh, and Ginny Gray is pacing around upstairs, too.

  -Tell them we're on our way, Sergeant.

  In the third floor Interrogation Room, Edward was being briefed by the Chief of Police.

  -Mr. Mendez, your radiation gear is all set and ready for you to put on. We'll take you as far as West 67th St. and Central Park West. You'll have a Geiger counter just in case.

  -Won't that kind of weigh me down?

  -It will until the Geiger counter takes its reading and if it's safe, you can discard. Don't try to take the stone out of the briefcase.

  -That's after I've checked to see if the stone is there. That diamond cutter, Eisenstein, probably cut it into at least two pieces. But, I pretty much know the general size of the thing.

  -Good. Check it out, but don't take it out.

  Edward took out his pack of Lucky Strike.

  -Your men will be there, Chief?

  The Chief of Police sat back with a Cheshire smile on his ruddy but handsome face.

  -Oh, yes. The minute Miss Gray hung up with that killer, approximately one hundred men were dispatched: undercover surveillance, you might say. You won't see them, Mr. Mendez, but they'll be there and they're the best we've got..

  -But, will Octavio spot them?

  -That scum won't know what hit him. He'll see you in full operational gear so he should be focused on you.. You'll test for any radiation and, if it's too “hot,” you get the hell out of there – pronto! No heroics, Mr. Mendez.

  -And, if it tests okay?

  -Drop the Geiger counter and unsuit. You'll be the closest one to Octavio, so you'll stand the best chance of taking him down. It's a safe bet that he won't be handing over all the stuff. He can't. Why would he want to? Makes no sense. Holding out on us is his only way out.

  Ginny Gray broke into the conversation.

  -And, if he's holding out, Chief? Then, what? You bring him down here?

  -Miss Gray, we'll do a lot more than just talk to him. We've got our methods and don't ask for the details.

  Lt. Donovan shook his head.

  -Just supposing that Octavio doesn't show? Supposing that someone else does?

  Ginny Gray once again joined in.

  -That's just what I was thinking. Suppose it's all a set up?

  Sgt. Rayno spoke up.

  -Who else would show up?

  The Chief of Police answered Sgt. Rayno.

  -Don't know, Sergeant. But, why would Octavio stick his neck out like this? If he's handing over all the stuff, he'd have to bluff his way out. And, maybe, that's what he's counting on: our not taking any chances that there's more of that stuff out there ready to go off.

  The Chief of Police turned his attention back to Edward.

  -Anyway, Mr. Mendez, they'll be undercover cops all over the place. The park has been closed off to the public and every available patrol car will have the damned place surrounded tighter than a conga drum.

  Mrs. Mendez joined her three daughters for lunch.

  Dottie buttered her toast.

  -Mother, what are you thinking about?

  -Your sister, of course. And, your brother, Edward. Ladies? Has Edward asked you about her at all?

  Victoria put down her coffee cup.

  -He asked about her friends, mother. I only know of two: Linda and Rachel. Were there any others?

  The old lady nodded.

  -No. I don't think so. Catrina introduced me to Linda and Rachel when she first brought them over. I didn't think very much of them at the time.

  Dottie almost choked on her slice of buttered toast.

  -What? An indirect criticism of your darling daughter, Miss Catrina. Heavens! Why didn't you like them? Come on, mother, out with it.

  -I thought them rather silly and insincere.

  -Never met them. Not that I'm sorry for it.

  -Dottie, I met them – well, saw them. Catrina never actually introduced us.

  -Well that figures, Victoria. She wouldn't.

  -Why was your brother asking about them, Victoria?

  -He just wanted to know if Catrina had any friends.

  Mrs. Mendez stirred the milk in her coffee.

  -Someone whom she might have confided in. Yes. I can understand your brother wanting to know that.

  Nella posed her question.

  -Just out of curiosity, what were their last names? Victoria, do you know?

  -I've no idea. Mother? How about you?

  -Let me think. It's such a long time ago.

  Nella pressed her mother for an answer.

  -It might be important. I think Eddie would like to know.

  -Must you call Edward by that ridiculous nickname?

  The three sisters waited.

  -Yes. I have it. Linda Silverman and Rachel Schwartz. I wonder what ever became of them.

  Dottie wiped the butter from her mouth.

  -Don't worry, mother, Eddie will find out.

  Fifteen

  IT WAS 3:30 P.M. and Edward was being police escorted to the west side of Central Park. There was a layer of gray clouds hovering over the city, but no threat of snow until later that evening.

  The driver, Lt. Donovan, Sgt. Rayno and Edward said little on the trip to the drop off point. The mechanics and sequence of events were gone over thoroughly several times at the precinct. The drive itself was the most trying and nerve wracking time. They took the cut-off point into the park at 72nd St.

  -Okay, Mendez, as soon as we get out of this car, you suit up. You'll be a little early but that should be okay with Octavio. And, if it's not...tough!

  Edward grinned.

  -Sort of puts his mind at ease. But, Lieutenant, how is Octavio going to arrive? Will the cops just let him walk in? Why not just grab him?

  -We thought of that; but, he might just panic and blow up half the city.

  -That answers my second question. What about the first one?

  -Don't know. Maybe that gray van will drop him off or place him right on the rendezvous point. Just get that briefcase from him. And, remember, we can't let him get away.

  Edward stood on the exposed bedrock. There was a stillness in the dusk that was unnerving...like the unnatural stillness before an earthquake or some terrible upheaval. He stood there suited up and with a Geiger counter in his right hand. His gun was in its shoulder holster and he had one extra gun tucked into the back of his trousers. He was ready. So where was Octavio?

  Wast it a set up as Ginny Gray had thought? And, was he, Edward Mendez, the patsy? He felt overheated in his radiation gear. The park was so damned quiet. He saw pigeons flying overhead but couldn't hear their cooing or fluttering. Even the “stop motion” movement of the squirrels wasn't making a sound.

  Then, Edward saw the gray van coming toward him. Even that was noiseless. Had he gone deaf? The van drew closer and ...yes! He heard the tires moving over the gravel. It came within twenty feet of where he stood and jerked to a stop. The two back doors opened up and a man holding a briefcase stepped out. The man came within three feet of Edward and stopped. It was Louis Octavio.

  -Mr, Mendez, do you have the money?

  -It's right here.

  The P. I. put down the heavy duffel bag and pushed it toward Octavio.

  -Take it. Take your blood money.

  Edward turned on the Geiger counter and there was only a slight reading...a crackling.

  -And, here is the weapon.

  Octavio handed Edward the briefcase. Edward noted Octavio's initials in gold.

  -Take it, Mr. Mendez, and check th
e contents.

  -I will.

  Edward opened the flap of the leather briefcase and took out the lead box. The Geiger counter was still on and its “crackling” increased, but it still registered in the “green.” And, now came the most dangerous of this most deadly game: opening the lead lined box. The P. I. flipped it open. Inside were two pieces and half of a third. The Geiger counter went haywire. He slammed the box shut and the Geiger counter reading went back into the safety zone. He stood up and took off his headgear.

  -Is there a piece missing? What gives, Octavio? You trying to pull a fast one?

  -A fragment of that piece has already been detonated, as you know.

  -So, where's the rest? Are there any more “fragments?” You holding out for more money?

  -They are.

  -Who are “they?”

  Edward took off the rest of his radiation gear. His hands were now free and he could move about a lot faster.

  -They are killers, Mr. Mendez. Anarchists who trade in blood. They are an international network of cut throats who will be with us until doomsday.

  -So, why hand over most of the goods?

  -Their takeover time was not yet arrived.

  Edward moved a step closer.

  -Not on my watch, pal. Who gives these goons their orders?

  -I don't know.

  -I think you do know, Octavio.

  Silence.

  -So, where's the rest of it? That's the second time I've had to ask you that question...so, answer it!

  -Mr. Mendez, stay vigilant. They have encountered difficulty in this great country of America. You are a resilient and fierce people...stay that way.

  -We don't plan to change. Now, why give back this dynamite?

  -They know that your government won't use it.

  Edward picked up the briefcase.

  -I can't just let you walk off.

  -I'm a dead man, no matter what.

  -If you're looking for an argument, change the subject. And, we're wasting time. Once again...are there any more of these fragments?

  -In place.

  -What? Explain that, pal.

  Octavio looked over his shoulder at the gray van. A squirrel raced by followed by another squirrel. He backed away from Edward and, then, broke into a run.

  A dozen undercover cops came into view, emerging from their camouflaged hiding places...against trees, on tree branches and seemingly coming out from under the ground itself. Edward handed over the briefcase to the nearest cop and took off after Octavio who hadn't gotten very far. An undercover cop had him on his knees and was cuffing him.

  The gray van started forward, but it was sprayed with a few dozen bullets. The van's wheels were blown out and its front windshield shattered...killing the driver and the man sitting in the passenger seat.

  Edward and two other officers ran to the back of the van and pulled open the double doors. A man in a black suit lay dead on the floor. The man was shot in the head. He had taken his own life. The P. I. turned away from the dead man and walked over to the now handcuffed Octavio who looked eager to talk.

  -I must speak with you, Mr. Mendez.

  -Then, why did you run away just now?

  -Fear, Mr. Mendez. A trapped man has fear that can take on any irrational behavior.

  -We'll do our talking at the precinct house. Get up.

  -That will do. And, perhaps, a deal?

  -Forget it. No deals.

  The handcuffed man looked at the gray sky overhead.

  -Even a dying man such as myself wants to live for as long as he can.

  Lt. Donovan came running up to the three men.

  -Nice work, Mendez. You too, officer.

  The Lieutenant turned to face Octavio.

  -Okay, pal, I've got a few questions for you. You're not looking any too good. Let's go. We'll give you a couple of aspirin.

  -The pieces have been hauled off to Aberdeen. Any more than that, I can't tell you. Now, what's this about missing pieces?

  That was the Chief of Police speaking. He was about to question Octavio, but Edward spoke up.

  -Mr. Octavio here told me that other pieces were planted...”fragments”. Isn't that right? That is what you said?

  -Yes.

  The Chief of Police took over, again.

  -Where? Somewhere in the city? You can tell us.

  -Yes.

  -Where in the city? Talk.

  -I want to make a deal.

  -Forget it. We don't make deals with mass murderers.

  Miss Raymond came in and addressed the Chief.

  -You're wanted on the phone, sir.

  -Thank you. Excuse me, please.

  He left the Interrogation Room.

  Lt. Donovan spoke to Miss Raymond, but his gaze never left Octavio.

  -Miss Raymond? Get your stenotype machine and come right back.

  -You bet.

  Lt. Donovan addressed the group.

  -We'll wait for Miss Raymond to return. I want a transcript of this meeting. I want to immortalize you...you fucking murderer.

  They didn't have to wait long. Miss Raymond came back in with her stenotype machine.

  -I'm ready, Lieutenant.

  -Good. So you want to cut a deal, Mr. Octavio?

  -Yes.

  -What kind of deal? And, my listening to it doesn't mean I agree to it.

  -I will tell you where the remaining pieces have been planted. Just let me go with the sum of one million dollars.

  -I wouldn't give you money for a subway token.

  -You have no choice. And, I will tell you this: I didn't plant them. It was those assassins in black suits who did the job.

  -Buddies of yours, huh? And, they told you where they hid the bomb? I don't believe you. Why would they tell you when chances are you'd be caught?

  -I...

  -Go ahead, talk. Talk!

  -I can surmise where at least one is. There may be more. I'll be honest. I don't know.

  Lt. Donovan laughed and so did Edward. Sgt. Rayno and Ginny Gray kept a poker face.

  -You don't know?

  -I know where at least one may be hidden.

  -Where?

  -Deal?

  -No.

  Edward spoke up.

  -Can you “guess” where this other one might be planted?

  Ginny Gray spoke for the first time.

  -He's bluffing. I don't think he knows anything. Do you, Octavio? You're a tool that's been used and tossed into the trash heap. You're finished. Kaput!

  Octavio chose his words carefully.

  -I don't know; but, someone who I've never met might have that knowledge.

  Edward waved an admonishing finger at Octavio

  -Like Ginny just said, he's bluffing. If you knew, pal, you'd cough it up.

  Ginny lit a cigarette and noticed that the Lieutenant was staring directly at her.

  Edward kept prodding Octavio.

  -Who? Come on, Octavio, I'm running out of cigarettes. I'm gonna' have to bum one off of Miss Gray here.

  Lt. Donovan broke in.

  -Where's the first one and when is it set to go off? You tell us that and you might –might – get a deal.

  Octavio realized that Lt. Donovan was a hard man to bargain with.

  -You win. They had me in an office in midtown from last night until the rendezvous time.

  Lt. Donovan pointed his cigarette at him.

  -Where, damn it! Before I use your hand as an ashtray. Talk and stop stalling!

  Ginny patted the Lieutenant on the shoulder.

  -Easy, Lieutenant. He's starting to melt.

  -At the 500 5th Ave. skyscraper on the 50th floor. That's where they held me. I swear that's the truth.

  -When is it set to go off?

  -Sometime before midnight. I can't be sure. I was once a confidante of theirs but no longer. Send your men there at once in radiation suits. There's no time to lose...a
nd be careful bringing it down.

  Lt. Donovan ordered Sgt. Rayno to give the order...pronto! The Sergeant practically ran out of the room.

  -Okay, Octavio, where's that other piece? And, if you don't know, who does?

  -What about our deal?

  Lt. Donovan stood up and tossed his cigarette in Octavio's face.

  -We've got no deal! But, let me put it on the line to you. You've killed at least five hundred people, not counting Eileen Kobe and Catrina Mendez. Now, you've got a chance to save some lives. You gonna' take it? You've taken a first step, now take that second one, pal.

  -It will be a suicide mission. The carrier may not even know she has it.

  The Lieutenant was now standing over Octavio.

  -”She?” Who is it?

  -I- I ruined their plans...my greed ruined their plans. I was punished for that.

  Octavio collapsed to the floor. Miss Raymond got up and went to the door.

  -I'll get the medics.

  Ginny Gray shouted over.

  -And, a Geiger counter. Who knows how “hot” this guy is.

  Miss Raymond nodded and left the room.

  Edward went over to the fallen man and knelt down.

  -He's out like a light.

  Lt. Donovan didn't move from his chair.

  -I'd say he's about ready for the morgue.

  Edward took out a cigarette, lit up and got to his feet.

  -We'd better keep clear of him.

  Ginny tried laughing, but couldn't quite manage it.

  -I've got a better idea, boys. Let's get the hell out of here! This bum's beyond our help.

  Lt. Donovan agreed with the ace reporter.

  -Like I said, he's about ready for the file cabinet.

  Edward got the door opened.

  -The guy's heart was practically pounding out of his chest.

  The two men and Ginny Gray left the Interrogation Room with Louis Octavio close to death.

  Sixteen

  THE FOUR squad cars converged on 500 5th Ave. Sixteen cops got out and went phalanx style into the main lobby of the building. The information clerk and the guard on duty were told by Sgt. Rayno in a tone of voice that was not to be questioned:

  -Clear the lobby. Now!

  The guard started clearing the people from the lobby – those by the concession stand and those waiting for elevators to arrive.