Chapter 18
Hudson
“You’re late,” Chase stated as he opened his front door, clear amusement in his voice.
“I had an unexpected visitor in my chambers today.”
He lifted his eyebrows and ushered me in. “Do I want to know?”
“His sudden appearance should be telling as to his plans.”
“You’re shitting me. Jacob Jones?”
“In the flesh. He decided to make himself at home.”
“Did you contact security or the police?”
I trailed behind my buddy. We usually spent time in his man cave, which rivaled mine with a huge bar, entertainment center, and the half dozen pinball machines he’d collected over the years. Instead, he led me to a part of the house I’d never seen. “And spoil the fun? Why would I do that?”
“Because there are strict rules regarding judicial ethics for one thing.”
My snort brought a laugh. “I’m here with other members of our poker game to discuss going off the books in dealing with violent predators in a less than judicial manner. Are you fucking kidding me?”
Chase shook his head, still laughing as he led me into what I would describe as a military operations center.
There were a half dozen high-powered computers and high-dollar printers in one section.
In another were monitors much like I’d installed, highlighting every inch of his expansive property.
Still in another was a massive whiteboard with several leather chairs surrounding it.
Then there was other equipment including various communication systems from satellite to video conferencing.
What he’d set up inside his house was a war room for a military operation.
The only indication the oversized space was a home, which had to be at minimum thirty by thirty in dimension, was the bar in the corner.
I stood in the doorway, shifting a slow gaze from one corner of operations to another.
“I never fully appreciated the fact you enjoy playing with fire. Here I thought you were Mr. Goody-two-shoes.”
Kendrick laughed first. “Then you truly don’t know what he’s capable of, Chase. He’s like a volcano under that cool exterior.”
“I guess I don’t know you,” he confirmed. “However, I don’t think being a volcano is a bad attribute to have. Make yourself a drink. At this point, I think we all need one.”
He wasn’t wrong. While Jacob’s visit had been unexpected, it certainly had pushed me further into accepting what Raven Intel was prepared to do could save lives.
“Did you hear about the juror?” I asked.
“I heard the news on the way over.” Kendrick groaned. “Terrible thing, but exactly what we anticipated.”
“It certainly didn’t take the bastard long.” Chase rolled his eyes. “How long has he been out, days?”
“Doesn’t take them long to begin acting on their need for revenge,” I gritted out. “Did the press connect the dots?”
Kendrick shook his head. “Not yet, but with the notoriety Jones’ release has received, they will soon. Before you ask, Jones is being brought in for questioning. That much I heard from a buddy of mine on the police department.”
“Nothing will stick. There was no evidence found. There won’t be.” I allowed the information to sink in.
“If that goddamn list hadn’t been leaked, maybe the juror would still be alive,” Chase muttered, swearing under his breath.
“What the fuck?” Maverick huffed. “Are you kidding me?”
“No, the DA admitted that himself. There’s a mole in his operation that needs to be found.”
“Why don’t you let me see what I can find,” Gabriel suggested from across the room. “I can fly under the radar given my position as a judge.”
“Good,” I told him. At this point, I could use all the help I could get if I wanted to try to send Jones back to prison.
“Now, what happened today?” he continued.
“Our boy here had a visit from the Undertaker and decided to keep him on a short leash instead of contacting the police.” Chase headed to one of the computers while I moved toward the bar.
“What the fuck did he want?” Kendrick pushed.
“To warn me.” I glanced at Maverick, who was hiding a grin behind his glass of scotch.
“You mean threaten,” Gabriel corrected.
“He did so eloquently, at least for a cockroach.” I poured a double shot of whiskey as I mulled over what if anything of real substance Jones had said during his visit.
“I am curious. Why hone in on you? I would think the prosecuting attorney or the witness you’re so fond of would be tops on his agenda.” Kendrick asked, chiding me just as I turned away from the bar.
“I have a theory he was sent by James Worthington.” I glanced at Maverick, lifting my eyebrows.
“Well, shit,” Chase said. “Good thought.”
“Fascinating and I bet you’re right. Killing a judge would bring the level of heat down that could expose Worthington’s corruption.
Plus, given our escapade last night, all the evil parties involved likely wanted a confirmation you’ve crossed the line,” Maverick stated in a way that had both Gabriel and Kendrick confused.
Gabriel huffed. “Worthington has been lording his authority over everyone the last few years. Time to dump his ass in a vat of acid. However, do one of the three of you want to fill Kendrick and me in on what the fuck are you two cooking up over there? You’re not sharing everything.”
“Are you going to tell them, or should I?” Chase was having way too much fun with this.
“Valentina Sciascia, aka Jane Smith, the lone witness paid me a visit. She was terrified because she’d had several incidents where she felt threatened.”
“By Jones,” Kendrick hissed.
“Likely.” I headed toward the bank of computers where Chase was standing. He’d pulled up the crime scene of the juror who’d been murdered. It was an absolute blood bath. “The threats were subtle and with no way to connect him as the person responsible.”
“This mole could be working for Worthington,” Chase offered.
I half laughed. “Likely.”
“Let me guess. You played a hero, offering to protect this damsel in distress.” Kendrick’s smile slowly subsided after studying my face. “Wow, I’m right. Now, why do I have the feeling she means more to you than just a witness on a case?”
I swirled my drink. The question had been swimming around in my mind for two hours since I’d known the others would pepper me with questions.
“She’s a woman who doesn’t deserve to live her life in complete fear of a monster.
She’s a single mother with an addict as the child’s father.
Jones sent four of his goons to one of two places she works.
I was there to keep her safe in case they chose to go through with their plans of kidnapping and killing her. ”
“This shit just gets better and better,” Kendrick said, exhaling.
Gabriel half laughed. “What in God’s name did you do to these goons?”
“Maverick and I simply provided the four of them with a lesson in how to handle a woman.” I laughed seeing their faces. Another moment of being underestimated. They should know me better than anyone.
“Don’t look so shocked,” Chase suggested. “He did what he needed to do. If it had been me, I might have made an entirely different decision. One more permanent. Then we’d have Delgado on our doorsteps.”
“You left them alive,” Kendrick piped in.
“Trust me,” Maverick answered for us both. “They won’t be on the street anytime with the number of broken bones they received.”
“Amazing,” Gabriel muttered. “Did they know the illustrious identities of their assailants?”
I slowly shook my head as I tipped my head toward Maverick. I could tell by his expression he wasn’t concerned in the least about our task the night before.
“Evidently they suspected and by Jones’ visit today he knows,” Kendrick suggested. “Keep in mind he might also suspect that you’re protecting the witness.”
“Not necessarily,” Chase mentioned, pointing toward the photograph of the murder scene.
“In talking with the detective in charge of the case involving the juror’s murder, the police had been contacted regarding threats.
They are almost identical to the ones Ms. Sciascia received.
Jones could be going down a list one by one, deciding to do nothing more than to remind the good judge he was a man of the law. ”
“Were the other jurors, attorneys, and assistants threatened?” Maverick asked.
“None up to this point.” Chase locked eyes with mine.
“Maybe they issue a warning just before a kill,” I suggested.
“The killing of the juror was likely based on retaliation and a warning. Now, the others should have adequate understanding their lives could be in jeopardy.” Kendrick had a point. “A single kill goes a long way. You know that.”
True enough.
“Or it’s possible Jacob and his goons have yet to deliver the various warnings.” Gabriel walked closer, staring at the series of photographs. “Jesus Christ. And at this point with no evidence Jones and his crew are involved, he certainly can’t be implicated.”
“No,” I corroborated. “That’s what they are counting on.
Plus, with James Worthington on the take, he would ensure an arrest warrant isn’t issued.
The single person who could still put Jones behind bars is Valentina Sciascia.
The problem is that I’ve yet to be provided with paperwork on the supposed issue with the case itself. ”
“What if there is none?” Gabriel asked.
“My guess is you’re right.”
“Then you need to keep her alive until the DA gets a goddamn backbone,” Maverick snapped.
I shook my head. “He won’t. He also warned me not to try anything.”
“Which is the reason we’re all here, gentlemen,” Chase reminded us. “All of you know Delgado and his reputation. He doesn’t care who his enemies are. Assuming he’s as pissed off as Jacob Jones, there will be more dead bodies washing up on the shore or people simply disappearing.”
“But,” I said thoughtfully, “if what Chase mentioned about the shipment coming into port in the near future is true, he’ll need to be careful not to draw unnecessary attention.”
“Agreed,” Kendrick said, nodding.