Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel (28 page)

Candace, Kennedy, and Josh walked out of the office. Candace motioned for them to follow her into a small, backup studio. "Well we got his attention," she said. "How did you convince Tucker to give you the affidavit? It's gold for these kind of stories."

"I didn't," Josh said. "We brought Jennifer to see him and her daughter. We've have them in a safe location. Tucker just gave it to me."

"Can I ask you something, if it's not too much trouble?" Kennedy said, causing Candace and Josh to look at him.

"Ah, sure. What?" Candace said.

"Can I see it?" Kennedy smiled.

Josh looked at Candace then back at Kennedy, "See what?" Josh asked.

"She knows," Kennedy said. "Her husband and I discussed it."

Candace chuckled, "Okay, hang on.” Disappearing for a moment, she returned and said, "Follow me."

The trio walked out to the back lot. Josh spotted the two troopers assigned to the station security detail parked in the lot and waved at them.

Candace opened her car, reached behind the passenger seat, and put the weapon on the front seat, "Don't hurt yourself.” She stepped back as Kennedy sat in the car.

Josh watched while Kennedy examined the Saiga shotgun and the barrel magazine. "Oh man, I’ve got to get one of these," Kennedy said, admiring the weapon.

"Boys and their toys," Candace chuckled. "Would you like to handle it as well, Lieutenant?"

Josh laughed, backing away, hands up. "Nope, I'm good. Not a big gun nut like my friend here."

* * *

The group gathered in the Chief's conference room, awaiting the start of the 6 PM news. Josh, Tommy Moore, Jennifer Sorin, and Judge Tucker sat at the table. Tim Donahue, Joe Moreira, and Zach Kennedy stood behind them.

Just outside the office, Donna, the Chief's aide, entertained Kelsey Tucker. "You sure you don't mind doing this Donna?” Brennan asked.

"Not at all, working here I have a lot of experience babysitting."

"Good point," Brennan chuckled, leading the way to the conference room, accompanied by Chris, Maggie, Keira, and Loren Grey.   

Josh and Tommy got up to let the others have a seat. "Well, aren't you the gentleman?" Chris said, sitting in Tommy's seat.

"Didn't want you to faint from having to stand, old lady," Moore replied.

"Chief, do you have the pictures of my friend here trussed up in the ladies room handy by any chance?" Chris said.

"Okay, okay. Sorry," Moore said, moving to lean against the wall.

"If I'd have known that’s all it took to get you under control I'd have had Hamlin do that years ago," Brennan said.

The opening music for the news broadcast started. Josh hit the remote to turn up the sound….

Tonight, an I-Team exclusive. An investigation into a tragic injustice and corruption in some of the highest offices of government. That comes up following today's headlines….

Josh muted the sound. “Well, this should be interesting. Zach, anything new out of DC on Sorin or Collucci?"

Kennedy smiled, "The usual political doublespeak from Collucci. His office sent out a press release trying to get out in front of it, calling it a politically motivated attack. Sorin has been MIA since the story teasers started. He's gone missing off the grid."

"What do you think that means?" Josh asked.

"Either the Russians see him as a liability and moved to minimize the damage, or he is orchestrating some response. In any case, I'd say our friend Collucci has some big problems."

"It's back on," Chris said, grabbing the remote and turning it up.

…I-Team investigative journalist, Candace Ferguson, has the exclusive story. Candace, what have you uncovered?

The camera view changed to a live feed of Candace standing in front of the Superior Court building on South Main Street.

Thank you, Mark. The I-Team has learned of a terrible injustice leading to the death of an innocent man in state custody while awaiting trial….

The camera changed to a view of Darnell Grey in his Army Ranger uniform. Over the next 60 seconds, Candace detailed the botched investigation leading to Grey's arrest, his placement in the general population, and his murder in prison.

She did a remarkable job of winnowing down the investigation into a series of sound bites and images. Senator Collucci's involvement in the matter was the focal point of the story, the affidavit from Judge Tucker cementing Collucci's participation. The interview with Loren Grey and Alpha Babes Investigations played a prominent part in the story.

The scene switched back to Candace, the Superior court in the background.

Keira Williams, the Attorney representing Loren Grey, told us she intends to file a motion in court to dismiss the charges against Darnell Grey. She acknowledges this is a merely symbolic gesture. Ms. Williams also said they are exploring the possibility of a civil law suit as a result of Grey's death while in state custody."

Thank you, Candace for that story. Has Senator Collucci responded to this at all?

We have reached out to Senator Collucci for his response to these allegations. So far, there has been nothing from his office other than a short press release. We have been unable to speak to the Senator.

Thank you again, Candace. Now, time for today's forecast…

Josh flicked the TV off. "What do you think?"

"I think we made our point, did some damage to Collucci. Now, seeing how he reacts will be most interesting," Brennan said. "When will the next story break?"

"Candace said they're going to try to interview Collucci," Josh said. "She thinks his ego won't let him hide for long. She's hoping to lure him into a studio interview, and then ambush him with the new allegations."

"Let's hope the national media notices this and runs with it," Kennedy added.

Tommy picked up his coffee and headed to the door. "I did notice one big thing the national media couldn't miss," he said, drawing everyone's attention. Satisfied he had a captive audience, he smiled. "They say the camera adds ten pounds. I can tell you that's not the case." Pointing at Chris, “Seeing that view of her fat ass added at least 20 or more."

The room broke into laughter.

Chris started around the table after him; Josh tried to slow her down.

Brennan said, "Let her go, Josh. Boy is a glutton for punishment, sooner or later he'll learn."   

A few moments later, talking over the yelling and screaming coming from the hallway, Brennan said, "Sounds like he's learning another lesson as we speak," bringing the room to a new level of laughter.

Chapter 37

Sorin sat in the Senator's office fielding phone calls from other Senators, trying to control the damage. Collucci came in, looking exhausted. "Where have you been?" he said, glaring at Sorin.

Sorin held up his hand for Collucci to wait, "I'll have to call you back, Senator. Yes, yes, I know. This is all politics. Nothing has changed. The Senator appreciates your support. Thank you," ending the call.

"So what the hell just happened, Robert?" Sorin asked.

"Those pieces of shit Williams and Tucker did this. I wish that fucking nigger did have a gun back then and killed Williams before Williams killed him. He'd be a forgotten dead cop, instead of a pain in my ass."

All five lines in the Senator's office were ringing, "Go out there and tell the damn secretary to put the phones on night service. I am not talking to anybody right now," Collucci said.

Sorin left the office and returned a moment later, the lights on the phone lines continued flashing, but the ringing had stopped.

"What are you going to do, Senator? You have any ideas?" Sorin asked.

"Nothing, we do nothing. We let it blow over as it always does. This is all sound and fury; there is no truth here. Nothing linking me. We'll do a longer press release tomorrow. Let's get out of here and go find somewhere they don't know me. Get a drink and forget about this for a while, “Collucci said.

The two left the Senator's office. Looking out the front door, they saw the media horde lying in wait.

"Where's yours parked?" Collucci asked.

"Inside parking garage."

"Great, we'll take yours."

A few moments later, Sorin drove out of the lot heading away from the crowd.

"We still have problems, you know. The second part of the story, remember? We don't have a clue what is in it. If it mentions our friends, we have a bigger problem. One which a press conference won't solve," Sorin said.

"There is no way they have anything about it. How could they?" Collucci asked.

Sorin shook his head. "Because one of our property managers has an undercover cop working in her office, perhaps? Why else would he be there?"

Collucci laughed aloud. "Anthony, you’re not from Rhode Island so you wouldn't understand. It is small, unsophisticated, and simple minded. This mindset infects those who make up the police departments. The East Providence Police do not have the intelligence to figure out what we have done. They thought they could catch me boo-hooing the poor dead innocent black guy I sent to the can. Dumb-asses."

"What about the Feds?" Sorin asked. "If they get involved, that's a whole different animal."

"I have my resources within the FBI. There's nothing going on. If they had an open case, I would know. Now find me a quiet bar to have a drink. I need to think for a bit," Collucci said.

The two FBI agents in the surveillance van smiled.   

"I can't wait to play the 'dumb local cop' line for Josh and Tommy. I cannot wait," one of the agents chuckled.

* * *

Sorin's cell phone rang, "Yes?"

"I am with the Senator, can't this wait? Okay, I understand, of course."

Sorin hung up and turned the car around, “Change of plan, Dmitriev wants to meet. Where do you want me to drop you off?"

"Doesn't the almighty one want to meet with both of us?" Collucci asked, the veins in his neck throbbing.

"No," Sorin snapped. "Now where do you want to go, or do I just drop you back at the lot to talk to the media? Your call."

"Take me home; drop me off on the back street. I can get in without anyone knowing I'm there," Collucci said, resigned to his status. "I'll stay there for a while."

As they pulled onto the street behind Collucci's home, Sorin cautioned him. "Do not do anything until you hear from me."

Collucci ignored him, opening the door. Sorin grabbed his arm. Collucci glared. "I am serious, Robert. You heard Dmitriev. Do nothing without me."

Collucci snarled at him, "Don't push this too hard, Anthony. I am not afraid of you or him," slamming the door as he walked away.

After dropping Collucci off, Sorin drove to the downtown area, parked the car and hailed a cab. He directed the driver to an address on Embassy Row.

He hailed a second cab, taking this to a small, unremarkable building behind the United State Supreme Court. As the cab drove off, a black limo arrived. Sorin got in.

"Anthony, how are you?" Dmitriev said. "Would you care for some Vodka?"

"Definitely Shasha," he said, a tentative look on his face, “I am still extended this privilege, no?"

"Of course, my friend, no worries as these Americans say," handing Sorin a glass. "But with the Senator, my patience grows thin. Are you sure he is worth this effort?"

"As chairman of the Banking Committee, his assistance will be most beneficial. Assuming he survives this controversy," Sorin said, sipping the drink.

"And if not?" Dmitriev asked.

"Then we would have to reevaluate his usefulness," Sorin answered. "It has taken a considerable effort to get to this point. I believe this will pass. American politics are fickle. Today it's Collucci, tomorrow someone else."

Sorin smiled, "Speaking of which, don't we have some images we can leak of some other Congressmen? If I know you, Shasha, you've got a treasure trove of useful information.” Raising his glass in toast.

"That is one possibility, my friend. But under the circumstances I do not think it would be sufficient," offering to refill Sorin's glass. Sorin accepted the vodka and settled back into the seat, studying Dmitriev.

"In light of this, Anton Antonevich," he used the Russian term of endearment, “I have decided to do some traditional Russian intervention. We cannot afford to lose Mr. Collucci at this point. It may change in the future, but for now we must move to protect him as one of our valuable assets."

Dmitriev reached into his jacket pocket, took out a notepad, wrote something, and then handed it to Sorin.

"I understand you will be returning to Rhode Island soon. Call that number," pointing at the note, “arrange to meet with our friends. They will need some guidance in locating the targets and determining their vulnerabilities."

"Targets? What targets?" Sorin asked.

Dmitriev looked at Sorin, his eyes looking for any doubt or resistance. "The police officers and the Judge responsible for this news story. I want them eliminated."

"But Shasha, if we--"

Dmitriev cut him off. "This is not open to further discussion. Once they understand the risks they incur, they will think twice before interfering with our goals."   

"What about the last time?" Sorin asked. "It seemed to steel their resolve, not lessen it."

"Last time was an amateurish attempt," Dmitriev said. "My men are not amateurs." As these words came out, his eyes burned with an anger unfamiliar to Sorin. "Do as I ask and we will move on."

Sorin nodded, folded the paper, and put it in his pocket.

Dmitriev saw the concern on Sorin's face. "Not to worry, Anthony. They will make it look like a hit by some street gang members or a botched robbery. One of those commonplace occurrences that plague this country. There will be nothing to link it to us."

Sorin nodded. "I will see to it, Shasha."

"I know you will, Anton Antonevich, of that I am certain."