10
Tennyson
After Ten got the kids fed and cleaned up, he walked them over to Jude and Cope’s house. Jude came back with him, anxious to get to work on the case. Ten felt like he was running on empty. He’d spent the night tossing and turning. Ronan didn’t look like he’d slept much better.
“I know you didn’t want her to get involved, but did Everly have anything to say about the letters and who might be next?” Jude asked.
Ronan nodded and filled Jude in on what his daughter had seen with her gift. He was finishing up what had happened with Everly, when Cisco called. “Morning, Cisco.”
“Hey, Ronan, how are you?” Cisco sounded as tired as Ten felt.
“I’m okay. Everly was able to pass along some valuable information.”
“I had a feeling she’d come through for us.” The smile in Cisco’s voice was obvious.
Ronan repeated everything Everly had told them.
“I think the guy you’re looking for is Michael Miller. He’s been with the public defender’s office since the Clinton Administration. He’s just sucking off the government tit. Hates his job, does the bare minimum to earn his paycheck, and to keep his benefits, and pension.”
“Everly said he won’t believe us when we go see him.
Do you want us to bring him in, and we can force him into protective custody?
” Ronan looked as if he hated the idea of doing something against this man’s will.
Ten knew it was either that or he’d end up on a mortuary slab like Roderick Crews and Paul Jones.
“No, don’t bring him in unless you can convince him he’s in real danger.” Cisco paused. “Use your time with him to get a client list from the last four years. We can compare that to the people the cold case team has arrested since the inception of the unit.”
“That’s a no go,” Ronan said. “Attorney/client privilege prevents that sort of information from being shared.”
“Shit, you’re right.” Cisco sighed. “I was thinking since trials are public record that we’d be able to get a list of the clients.”
“We could try to match the people we’ve arrested against court filings, but that could take a while.” Jude wore a frustrated look.
“I’ll put some detectives on that. You guys focus on Michael Miller. Ask him if there are any clients who threatened harm against him or others. Privilege doesn’t exist in cases of threats of extreme violence or death against the public defender or anyone else. He can give you those names.”
“Just an FYI, I spoke to Fitz last night. I have a feeling he’s coming home early.”
“Did he recognize Ten’s client from yesterday?” Cisco sounded hopeful.
“No, but Everly said Ten, Jude, and myself know him. She didn’t make any mention of Fitz or where we know this man from.”
“Keep me in the loop, Ronan. I want to know everything that’s happening today, got it?”
“Yeah, I hear you. I’ll be in touch.” Ronan was itching to get out the door and get to work.
“Above all, stay safe. The last thing I want to do is to spend the night at your bedside in the hospital and I’m sure as fuck not in the mood to write your eulogy.”
“Gee, thanks, boss. Good talk.” Ronan rolled his eyes and ended the call. “Let’s hit the road.” Grabbing his keys, Ronan left the house and let himself into Ten’s SUV. If something awful was going to happen, he didn’t want it to be in the Mustang.
“That’s a pretty morbid thought,” Ten said, getting into the passenger seat.
“Yeah, well, it’s a pretty morbid day.” Ronan sighed, as Jude got into the backseat.
“What’s our plan with Miller?”
Ronan started the car and pulled into the street. “I haven’t really given it a lot of thought. We need to find out if he’s heard about the other murders and if he’s gotten a letter. Everly said he’s not going to listen to what we have to say, so we need to find another way to save his life.”
“We can’t do another stakeout. The killer got the jump on us last night. Maybe if we stay with him in his house? Or a hotel?” Jude asked.
“Maybe,” Ronan muttered.
Ten had to admit Jude was right; another stakeout would be just as fruitless as it had been the night before.
Not to mention the thought of the public losing faith in the Salem Police.
If some dirtbag could kill two members of law enforcement right under the police department’s noses, how would the people of Salem ever feel safe again?
The rest of the ride across town passed in silence with Ronan appearing deep in thought.
When they reached the public defender’s offices, Ten watched as Ronan parked the SUV and stared out at the Friendship, which was moored across the street.
He could see carefree people touring the ship, enjoying the sunshine and their vacation. “Are you okay?” Ten asked.
Ronan snapped out of his head. “I’m fine.” He opened the door and got out.
“Hey, hold on,” Jude said, catching up with Ronan. “We’re partners, remember?”
“I know, Jude. I just want to get this over with so I can start to figure out how to protect myself and my family from what’s coming next.”
“I understand that.” Jude set his hands on Ronan’s arms, as if to hold him in place. “If you walk in there with this attitude, all you’re going to do is piss this guy off. We need Miller’s help to save his life and possibly yours.”
“Mine?” Fear filled Ronan’s eyes.
“Yeah, this guy could give us the piece of evidence that leads to the killer. The name of the game is getting to him before he can get to you. I need you to take your head out of your ass and be the driven partner you’ve been for the last nine years.
I promise I’m not going to let anything happen to you or the kids, but that’s not our top concern at the moment. ”
Ronan sighed. “You’re right. Lead the way. Miller’s yours. I’ll back you up. Same goes for Ten.” He turned to his husband, who was two steps behind. “If you get anything from your gift, don’t hold it back. This is literally a case of life or death.”
Ten nodded. He knew exactly what was at stake.
Walking into the building, Ronan used the directory to locate the public defender’s office. A receptionist smiled as they approached.
“Good morning. Can I help you?” The woman’s nameplate read Sarah.
“We’re here to see Michael Miller.” Ronan’s voice shook as he spoke.
“Mr. Miller has no appointments on his schedule this morning.”
Ronan held up his badge. Jude had his out as well. “Detectives O’Mara, Byrne, and Grimm.”
“The gambling finally caught up with him, huh?” Sarah shook her head. “We’ve all tried to help him, but, you know how it goes.”
“I do indeed. Where can we find him?”
Thankfully, Ronan had seen no need to tell Sarah their visit wasn’t about Miller’s gambling problem. The last thing Ten needed was for this woman to call or text Miller to tell him cops were on their way to see him.
Sarah pointed down the hall. “Fifth door on the left. He won’t be happy to see you.”
“We get that a lot,” Jude winked at the receptionist. “Has the mail come in yet?”
“About half an hour ago. I’m sorting it now. Why?”
“I know this is a big ask, but can you look for an envelope addressed to Michael Miller. It would look like a birthday card, with the address written in a fancy script. Try to only touch the edges.” Jude grinned at the woman, who was obviously taken with him.
“Sure.” Sarah started flipping through the letters on her desk. “Is this it?”
“Bingo.” Jude reached into his back pocket and pulled out gloves. “Do you mind if I take that to Mr. Miller?”
“All yours.”
Jude leaned over the desk and took the envelope. “Thank you.”
“Maybe that will help convince Miller what we tell him is real.” Ten held back and watched Jude lead the way.
His partner had been right when he said Ronan needed to get with the program.
His husband was bogged down with his own problems, when the man they were about to visit was going to die at midnight unless they could do something to stop the killer.
Jude rapped on the open office door. “Michael Miller?”
“Yeah, who’s asking?” Miller asked, his Boston accent in full effect.
Jude ushered Ronan and Ten into the office and shut the door behind him. “Salem Police. We need to speak to you about an ongoing case.”
Everly had been right on the money when she’d described Miller’s office.
Identical looking lawbooks lined the shelf behind the desk, which was piled with dozens of legal files.
From where Ten stood, he could see the Friendship out the window.
It was as if his daughter had been standing in this exact spot.
“I don’t have time to meet with you now.
I’ve got to be in court in a few hours.” Miller looked to be in his mid-fifties.
His head was nearly bald and was fifty pounds underweight.
He wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. Ten supposed those were the side effects of a chronic gambling problem and too many late hours in the office.
He could feel the anxiety pouring off of Miller.
“You’re going to need to take the time. It’s a matter of life and death. I’m Detective Jude Byrne and this is my partner Detective Ronan O’Mara and our consultant Tennyson Grimm.”
“Byrne and O’Mara? You’re cold case. What the hell could be a matter of life and death with you two?”
Ronan moved a pile of files off one of the chairs in front of Miller’s desk and took a seat. “The case we’re working on isn’t cold. Two lawmen have been murdered in the past two days.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of that. There’s something about getting a letter and dying at midnight or something. What’s it got to do with me?” Miller looked bored.
“You’re next.” Jude held out the letter.
Miller rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on with that bullshit. I don’t have time for this.”
“If the killer has his way, you’re not going to have time for anything.” Jude sighed. “You mind if I open this?”
“Be my guest.” Miller held out a letter opener.
Jude opened the letter and read the contents. “Ding! Dong! You’re dead! Your time on this earth is near its end. Make amends, pray for forgiveness, for you die when the midnight bell tolls.”
Miller burst out laughing. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re here because of this ridiculous letter?”
“The last two men who’ve gotten them are dead.” Ten felt his heartrate kick up. How the hell could Miller look so calm and collected.
“Look, fellas, you want to help me? Arrest the loan sharks I owe a hundred grand to. Crack down on the illegal off-track betting rings around the state. There’s real crime happening here in Salem and you’re here because of a crank letter? Give me a break.”
Jude shrugged. “Okay, you don’t want to take the letter seriously, that’s fine.
Our hypothesis is that the killer is somehow linked to the two dead men, you and potentially Detective O’Mara as well.
We have a photo of the possible killer. Look at it and tell us if you know who he is and we’ll be out of your hair.
” Jude set his phone in front of Miller.
Miller looked at the photo. He zoomed it out and sighed. “I know who this is. He was a former client. You know I can’t give you any details about him or the crime he was alleged to have committed.”
“We don’t need details, just the man’s name. If his case has been adjudicated then his name is in the public record. You revealing his name does not break attorney/client privilege.” This was the biggest break they’d had in this case so far.
“Look, guys, I’d like to help, but-”
Tennyson slammed his hands down on Miller’s desk, sending papers fluttering away.
“If you don’t want to take this threat to your life seriously, Mr. Miller, know this, my husband is next on the killer’s list. If Ronan is murdered because you had information that could have saved him, and didn’t, I swear to-”
Ronan grabbed Ten and pulled him away from Miller’s desk. “How is he going to die, Ten?”
Ten could see it clear as day. “On his front doorstep. Miller will still think this is a prank when the doorbell rings at midnight. He’ll open the door with his right hand and in his left is a weapon.
Before he can even raise the gun, the killer will stab him with the hypodermic.
As he dies, his last thought won’t be about family, friends, or regrets, it will be that the loan sharks will never get any of the money he owes them. ”
“You’re the famous psychic,” Miller said. “You’ve been on Dateline and in the newspapers.”
“I am,” Ten agreed, anger roiling in his gut.
“Ronan and I have two kids; an eight year old daughter and a three year old son, who are about to lose a parent because there’s a killer on the loose.
After you, Ronan is next and only God knows how many others are on the hit list after him.
Tell us who this man is so we can find him, arrest him, and throw away the fucking key! ”
“You really saw my death?” Miller didn’t sound quite as cocky as he had minutes ago.
“Yeah, you’ll be wearing your old grey sweatpants, cut off at the knee, along with your favorite Celtics championship tee.
Your last meal was from the diner next door.
A lukewarm cheeseburger and oily fries. Not very good as far as last suppers go.
” Ten paused and took a deep breath. “Tell us the name, Eminem. Let Ronan and Jude put you in protective custody for the night so we can catch this guy.”
“Eminem? No one’s called me that since law school.
” Miller sighed. “His name is Damien Rhodes. I represented him on a manslaughter charge ten years ago. We plea-bargained the case and he was sent to Walpole State Prison. As the bailiffs were walking him out of the courtroom, he started screaming that he’d get me for this.
Rhodes was released from prison several months ago.
He’d gotten fifteen to life, and thanks to good behavior, he only served nine and a half. ”
“I don’t know that name. Do you know who he is, Ronan?” Jude asked.
“No, I have no clue.” Ronan shook his head, looking scared. “This man is somehow tied to Roderick Crews, Paul Jones, Miller, and me. It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out how and go from there.”
Ten had no idea who the man was either.
“Thank you, Mr. Miller.” Jude stuck his hand out to the stunned-looking public defender.
Miller reached out to shake Jude’s hand.
“You might want to spend the rest of the day writing your will and getting your estate in order. Maybe start a GoFundMe page to pay for your funeral expenses, otherwise you’re going to end up with a numbered marker in a potters field.
” Ronan paused, watching Miller closely.
It was obvious Miller was terrified. “Our offer of protective custody stands.” Ronan set one of his business cards on the desk.
“Call us before midnight. Good luck.” He turned and walked out of the office without a look back. Ten was right behind him.
Who the fuck was Damien Rhodes? It was obvious that the man had a grudge against law enforcement officers, but what had Ronan done to incur his wrath? Ten needed to find out before the next letter delivered was the one with his husband’s name on it.