Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel (33 page)

"Sounds good to me," Tommy said. "Want me to walk you out?"

"No, that's okay," she said, glancing at Josh. "I can find my way. Call me if anything changes." Kristin opened the door and left the room.

"Well,” Tommy said. "That was painless."

"I heard that," came the voice from outside the closed door.

"Oops," Tommy cringed.

Donahue started to say something.

"Don't," Josh said, holding up his hand. "Just let it go."

Donahue turned to his computer. "I was just going to say how nice she looked. She seemed to be radiant didn't she?" A smile growing on his face, "I wonder why?” Bringing another burst of laughter.

Josh returned to his desk, buried his head in his hands; resigned to the inescapable fact that he had a problem. A self-inflicted problem.

Chapter 43

At 5:00, Brennan called the SIU office. "Were you planning on refreshments for tonight's entertainment?"

"Not sure what you mean, Chief. Refreshments?" Josh replied.

"Order some pizzas; have them brought to my conference room. I will take care of the rest. Didn't Hamlin teach you the fine art of command?"

"Apparently not," Josh said, hanging up.

"Tommy, Chief wants us to order pizza for the news cast. Can you take care of it?"

"How much can I spend?" Tommy asked.

"I don't know, get enough for everybody. Just take care of it for me," Josh said.

"Consider it done," Tommy replied, picking up the phone.

At 5:45 PM, the group gathered in the conference room.

The chief's aide, Donna, came into the room. "Where would you like me to have them put the pizzas?"

"How about on the shelf over there?" the Chief said.

"Not enough room," Donna replied, arms folded and a grin crossing her face.

"Not enough room?" Brennan said. "How many pizzas did you order, Josh?"

"Ah, I put Tommy in charge, Chief. You'll have to ask him."

At that moment, Tommy came into the office. "Hey there, boys. What's up?"

"How many pizzas did you order?" Brennan asked.

"The LT told me get enough for everyone," Tommy answered. "I figured one per person, so I ordered thirty to make sure."

"Thirty?" both the Chief and Josh said in remarkable unison.

"Yeah, all the uniforms working, the dispatchers, night detectives, plus everyone here. You did say get enough for everybody." Tommy said. "Oh and here's the bill. I put it on my credit card and tipped him well, so I'd appreciate a quick turnaround on the check to cover it."

"Unbelievable," Brennan said. "But then again, your heart was in the right spot. Give me the bill; I'll get it covered for you."

The parade of delivery drivers carried in the pizzas, scattering them on all the available surfaces. Tommy called over to the Officer-in-Charge and had him work out a rotation to bring the road cops in. Josh delivered several of the pizzas to dispatch and put twenty or so in the Patrol break room.

"Okay," Brennan said. "Now that Tommy has done his best to improve morale, lock the door. I have a special surprise, my own version of a morale booster."

"Oh goody," Tommy said. "I love surprises."

Brennan started to reply, then just groaned and shook his head. Waiting for Josh to lock the door, he removed a large cooler from behind the closet door.

"Here you go, Gentlemen, and of course you as well, Donna. Compliments of your favorite Chief of Police. He opened the cooler, revealing beer, wine, and a bottle of Single Malt scotch.

Tommy reached for the Scotch. Brennan snatched it away from him.

"You're not old enough to appreciate this," Brennan said. "Maybe someday, if you ever grow up. Which is unlikely."

Moore smiled and grabbed a beer. "I was going to pour it for you, Chief."

Brennan chuckled, "An answer for everything, don't you? An answer for everything," tipping his glass to the smiling detective.

"Jeez, Tommy, how many anchovy pizzas did you get?" Donahue asked.   

"Just five, because it ain't pizza without anchovies," grabbing two slices with the salty fish and finding a seat at the table.

"It's on," Josh said, turning up the volume.

Tonight, an I-Team exclusive. Last week our I-Team investigators revealed shocking allegations of wrongdoing in US Senator Robert Collucci. Tonight, our I-Team has uncovered new allegations and we have an exclusive interview with the Senator you will only see here. That report, when we return…

Josh muted the sound. "I'll bet this gets Collucci's attention."

"He's a resilient bastard," Brennan said. "I'll give him that. Remember the story Candace broke after your trial. Son-of-a-bitch survived it and managed to get elected. Don't count him out yet."

"It's back on," Tommy said, through a mouthful of food. Pointing his beer at the screen.

Brennan looked at the detective.

"Wha?" Tommy mumbled, chewing away.

…
here's I-Team reporter Candace Ferguson with the report.

Candace this all started with the story you broke last week. What else have you uncovered?

Tom, as you know, we broke the story of Senator Collucci's involvement in the Darnell Grey case, a case of an innocent man dying in state custody. The Senator agreed to an interview with us just a few days ago.

The screen changed to the Senator's office. Several excerpts from the interview ran, highlighted by Collucci's angry exit from the interview after the questions about the Russians.

Sources in the Justice Department confirmed the links between Shashenka Dmitriev and known members of Russian organized crime. The I-Team has learned Dmitriev is the CEO of ZMI Media, which is in the midst of merging with this station's parent company.   

Sources also confirm that Senator Collucci put pressure on the Chairman of the FCC to slow the decision on the merger in an attempt to prevent our bringing you this story.

Our investigation has also uncovered large contributions funneled to the Senator's campaign fund through shell companies controlled by Dmitriev.

The screen changed to an image of Dmitriev.

Shashenka Dmitriev, shown here, refused our request for an interview. Sources close to the investigation tell us authorities recently took an individual into custody in possession of a high caliber composite weapon used by Russian Special Forces. This man had a list of home addresses and personal vehicles belonging to some of the local police officers involved in this investigation. Candace Ferguson, I-Team investigations.

Thank you, Candace, for that troubling report. Do you expect more to come of this?

We know a statewide grand jury is looking into this and Federal authorities are working with the state and local police as well.

The screen switched back to the news anchor desk. Josh muted the sound.

Holding up his glass of wine he said, "Here's to the demise of Robert M. Collucci. Couldn't happen to a better guy."

"So, do you think Sorin did the original hit on you? The one that almost got Keira?" Tommy asked.

"I am not sure we'll ever find out. I doubt he'd have the balls to do it on his own; someone either arranged it for him or put him up to it. Either way we're gonna indict the son-of-a-bitch tomorrow and then I get to lock his ass up."

"We get to lock his ass up," Tommy said. "I want a piece of that prick also."

"Zach, did you give her the info on the guy in the park?" Josh asked. "Because I didn't."

"Let's just say I told someone in Federal court the story knowing it would get out," Zach replied. "A little fuel to the fire." Raising his glass.

Chapter 44

Sorin jumped when the phone rang. "Yes?"

"I am not pleased with the news from Rhode Island," Dmitriev said. "I need to reevaluate our association with the Senator."

"This can be contained," Sorin argued, drawing Collucci's attention. "Once the initial reaction fades we can move ahead. Things are too far along for anything to prevent it from going forward."

"When is the vote on the committee?" Dmitriev asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon," Sorin replied.

"After the vote, come to my office,” Dmitriev ordered. "Bring the Senator and Ms. Reynolds; perhaps she can be of some use in finding dirt on this holier than thou Lieutenant Williams.” The call ended.

"What'd he want?" Collucci asked.

"He wants to see us after the vote tomorrow," Sorin explained. "I suggest we get on the phone and do damage control. Make sure the votes are still there."

"They'll be there," Collucci said. "I have enough on all those bastards to insure it."

"We should make the calls anyway," Sorin said. "If for no other reason than to remind them of that."

The two spent the next few hours talking to the other members of the Banking Committee, shoring up their support. They monitored CNN, Fox, and the other networks for any serious reaction.

So far, the story remained local, with only a mention on the national services. The other Senator of Rhode Island took to the floor of the Senate and called for Collucci to resign. He took up twenty minutes of a C-Span broadcast, speaking to an empty Senate floor.

* * *

The schedule called for the vote on the Chairmanship at 11:00 AM. Collucci convinced his colleagues to move the time up to 9:00 AM to avoid the media throng. As he arrived at the committee hearing room, the Senator from Texas, Wyatt Santangelo approached him.

"Senator," Santangelo said, "might I have a moment of your time?"

"Of course, my friend. Of course," Collucci replied, putting his arm around the Senator.

"I think it may be in the best interest of all concerned if you withdraw your name from consideration," Santangelo said.

Collucci could feel the rage welling up inside him. "Withdraw, are you serious? Based on a falsified news report with unnamed sources and statements from a disgraced judge? I have no intention of withdrawing."

"Bob listen to me," Santangelo said. "You no longer have the votes. I do not care what any of them told you, I know what's going to happen. One of them will abstain, someone will be absent, and the vote will fail to get the needed majority. If you withdraw, you will have an opportunity to come back. Make a statement you want to fight these allegations and are doing it for the sake of the committee's work. If you lose the vote, you'll never get another chance."

Collucci glared at Santangelo, "You listen to me, Senator. If you think I'll just go away after all I have done to put myself in this position, you are mistaken. If they go against me, they do it at their own peril. I am a man of my word, you tell them. What I said I will do, I will do."

Santangelo weighed his words. "Bob, I am a man of my word as well. I do not take to threats well, either. I don't know what you have over anyone else, but you have nothing on me. I supported you in the past, I supported you for this position, but in light of what has come out, I cannot vote for you. I'm sorry it's come to this, but I will not support you for the chairmanship.” Santangelo turned and walked away.

"Problem?" Sorin asked.

"We'll see," Collucci said. "We'll see what happens when he's forced to really choose."

The vote tied at 4 to 4. Three of the Senators Collucci counted on for support did not show up. Collucci argued to defer the vote, but his request failed.

Sitting in his Senate office, Collucci fumed. "I cannot believe that local yokel Williams fucked up three years of work. If it's the last thing I do, I will pay that son-of-a-bitch back."

Sorin made a pretense of listening to the Senator, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Best-case scenario, Dmitriev pulls the plug on the Rhode Island operation and regroups. Worst case, well, I do not want to think about it.

Sorin's cell rang. Looking at the caller ID he said, "It's Shashenka."

"Hello, Shasha."

"Anthony, I have arranged a meeting with some of my partners in the venture. We believe we can still salvage the most important aspects. We need to speak with you and the Senator; it will get him out of the limelight for a bit. Meet me at the private airfield, tomorrow morning. We will fly together to the meeting and I can fill you in. Make sure no one knows who you are meeting."

"Of course, Shasha. We will be there. What about Karen, do I bring her?"

"Yes, she has a part to play in this as well."

Sorin hung up.

Collucci, hands clasped together, leaning toward Sorin, said, "Well?"

"He's arranged a meeting with the others," Sorin said. "We fly with him tomorrow to a meeting."

"Where?" Collucci asked.

"Atlanta I would assume, but I'm uncertain. Shasha said they have a way to salvage the project."

"You see," Collucci said, wagging a finger at Sorin. "I told you they recognize my value to the project. This will all work out, you watch. I understand these things better than you."

“Let's hope you are right about that, Senator.”

* * *

Early the next morning, the driver picked up Sorin and Karen then drove to the Senator's brownstone building. Located in Georgetown, the building was one of the original residences built as DC grew in prominence. The unremarkable facade concealing the ornate opulence of the interior.   

Collucci rarely had guests over, but if he wanted to impress someone this was the perfect setting.

"So how long do you think we'll be there?" Karen asked.

"As long as is necessary," Sorin said, glancing up from his cell phone then resuming looking at email.

The car arrived at the Senator's home and the driver went to the door. As the Senator came out, he pointed inside for the driver to get his bags.

Collucci got in the car, surprised by Karen sitting there.

"What's she doing here?" he asked, ignoring her for the moment.

"Shasha says she has a part to play in this," Sorin replied. "I suggest you go along with it."

Collucci smiled. "My apologies, Karen. I meant no offense," Collucci said. "Just didn't expect anyone else."

"No problem, Senator. I was surprised myself when I Anthony invited me," she answered.

An hour later, they arrived at the private airfield. Dmitriev was already aboard the Gulfstream G-5. As the three got out of the car, Collucci said, "Once this is all done, I am going to get myself one of these."

Sorin, ignoring the Senator, climbed the stairs to the jet. As he entered the passenger compartment, the pilot came out.

"Bill?" Sorin said, surprised to see William Marshall standing in the cockpit door. "What are you doing here?"

"Shasha asked me to fly you to the meeting," Marshall answered. "He wants me to work with you guys on some new ideas to move things along."

"Great, we ready to go?" Sorin asked.

"Just waiting on the ground crew to finish the pre-flight. Go make yourself comfortable. Where’s the Senator?”

Sorin motioned with his thumb, “Outside, probably waiting to be formally welcomed aboard.”

Marshall laughed, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Karen looked at the Senator. Collucci motioned for her to go first and the two followed Sorin into the plane.

Marshall greeted them, directed them to the passenger compartment, and then closed the door behind them. He walked down the stairs to check on the pre-flight process. As they entered the compartment, they saw Dmitriev facing forward with Sorin seated next to him.

"Senator, Ms. Reynolds, welcome aboard. Please," motioning to the two seats across from him, "sit down and we can be on our way."

"Thank you, Mr. Dmitriev. I am looking forward to our discussions on this," Collucci said.

"Senator, I must apologize for my angry outburst the other day," Dmitriev said. "Please, Shasha will do."

The Senator smiled and nodded, glancing at Sorin.

Marshall came back into the passenger compartment. “Ready Mr. Dmitriev,” he said, then left for the cockpit.

Dmitriev nodded, turning the others, he said, “One of the privileges of owning the plane is I can ride up front in the cockpit. I love the view from there. Once we are airborne, I’ll come back and we can discuss things.

“Meanwhile, enjoy your drinks and the flight.” Dmitriev walked to the front, closing the passenger compartment door behind him.

Marshall was waiting.   

“Follow your last flight plan to the airstrip on the island. I’ll have someone there to care for our guests.”

Dmitriev walked down the stairs as his assistant security chief came aboard. Dmitriev took the man by the arm, “See that he follows the flight plan.”

Dmitriev got into the limo, heading in one direction as the plane taxied in another.

* * *

Josh, Tommy, and the other members of the investigative team sat in the SIU office. Kennedy was on the phone with Washington. Tim Donahue was talking to the Superintendent of the State Police, updating her on the latest developments.

The door opened and Chief Brennan rushed in. "Turn on CNN, there's something you might find interesting.”

Flipping on the TV, they all shifted around so they could watch.

…Continuing our exclusive coverage of this breaking story. CNN has a crew on the way to the scene of a plane crash outside of Arlington, Virginia. The plane took off from a corporate airfield outside of Arlington and crashed moments later.

CNN confirmed that Senator Robert Collucci and his Chief of Staff, Anthony Sorin, were among the passengers aboard the aircraft.

Senator Collucci and Sorin are at the center of a huge corruption scandal arising from an investigation into money laundering, corruption, and fraud in Rhode Island. Law Enforcement sources tell CNN the plane is registered to Harriet Lane Enterprises, one of the businesses named in the corruption report. Sources close to the investigation tell CNN the business is a front organization for Russian organized crime.

The Senator had denied any involvement, blaming the problems on his political enemies.

Also reported on board the aircraft was Shashenka Dmitriev, Chairman and CEO of ZMI Media. ZMI and ANM Media were in the midst of a merger pending FCC approval. The merger would create the largest cable news company in the world.

Preliminary reports are there are no survivors. Witnesses reported the plane on fire before the crash.

FAA sources tell us the pilot did not file a flight plan and had taken aboard a full load of fuel. This type of aircraft has an operating range of 5000 nautical miles.   

A CNN aviation consultant tells us this type of aircraft normally has a crew of two pilots, but can be flown by one. The control tower at the private airfield declined our request to hear the departure recordings due to the pending investigation.

CNN will continue with live coverage of this breaking story…

"Well, I guess we put that down as a win, right?" Tommy Moore said, breaking the silence.

The room broke into laughter. "I suppose you can say that, son," Chief Brennan said. "It'll be interesting to see if anyone else on the plane was involved in this. Any ideas?"

"My guess is someone decided Dmitriev became too big a liability," Kennedy said. "I bet Collucci, Sorin, and Dmitriev were onboard thinking they were on the way to do damage control. Whoever set up the meeting sabotaged the plane. These guys don't take kindly to having things taken from them."

"Who do you think did this?" Josh asked.

"Someone with good intelligence," Kennedy speculated. "I'd say whoever is behind this decided none of those onboard were worth protecting. Dmitriev was the face of ZMI, not all the power behind it. It makes sense; they had to have some inside information. If whoever did this wanted to take them all out, they would have to get to the aircraft. Take out Dmitriev's security and ground crew and you own them.   

"According to the FAA, the name of the co-pilot listed on the manifest is a corporate pilot for another company. FBI located him in Belize. He's been there a week. They're trying to determine how the impostor got past security at the airport FBO. He must have been the one to sabotage the engine."

"FBO? What's that?" Tommy asked.

"Fixed Base Operations," Josh said. "It's where private planes operate from at most airports. You'd know this if you hadn't joined the Marines and slept in the mud."

Tommy laughed. "That's true."

"But why would Marshall fly without the co-pilot?" Josh asked.

Kennedy shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows? It normally has a crew of two, but it's not required. Probably assumed it wasn't necessary. I bet the guy who placed the device, the fake pilot, just disappeared so they thought he was a no show and left without him. Who knows?" shrugging his shoulders.