Chapter Twenty-One #4
That surprised a laugh out of Eve before she could be embarrassed.
“Take the next blocker—one will do now—before the media conference. Don’t chase the pain, and don’t mess with me on it. Another full wanding, icing where needed, in another four hours. When you remove the brace for that, move the arm and shoulder as I had you do. Understood?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“You’re not sure you mean the ‘thank you’ yet.”
“Yes, I do. Roarke handles it, but this gives him a break.”
With a nod, Mira removed the cold packs. “You can get dressed. Take the next forty minutes. Elevate your leg. You’ve stopped a monster.”
“I haven’t got Redman.”
“He’s not a monster. When you do have him, I’ll work with him, I’ll consult with the doctors in the facility where he’s taken. But no one’s above the law, not even him. Take the forty.”
She took the forty, getting an update from Reo in the last ten of it.
Tried the home detention, with monitor—rejected.
In the media center, Kyung took a long look. “Understand your face will be on every media report, on-screen, online.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Oh, it does, but in a way, I believe, that will make what you say all the more impactful. We’ll get started.”
It took as long as it took, which to Eve always hit just this side of forever. Considering the breadth and scope of the crimes, the people involved, both Tibble and Whitney answered questions after their statements.
“Lieutenant Dallas and Detective Peabody headed this investigation.” Whitney turned. “Lieutenant.”
Eve moved forward, ignored the questions already being thrown. She’d get to them.
“During the course of our investigation into the murders of Lawrence Chu, Ezra Dent, and Carlos Cruz, Detective Peabody and I uncovered a conspiracy, as well as corruption, fraud, bribery of public officials and lawmakers, kickbacks, blackmail.
We found evidence Banner-Wyst, with the full knowledge of both partners, was in the process of creating bioweapons.
“Mass murder wouldn’t be new for Calvin Banner, Jacob Wyst, John O’Brian, Lawrence Chu, Ezra Dent, Carlos Cruz, and the conspirator, deceased, Lucia Delgato.
Thirteen years ago they conspired to destroy, through explosion, a residential apartment building here in New York.
The purpose, to eliminate one man, one who’d discovered their corruption and intentions and would have exposed them. ”
She paused, looked ahead because she spoke to Steven Redman.
“It didn’t matter that this man lived in that building with his pregnant wife, his two-year-old son.
It didn’t matter that a couple hundred other people lived in that building.
They killed two hundred and eight human beings that night in July for one purpose.
Their own greed, their own hunger for power.
“John O’Brian attempted to flee the country. He will be extradited and will face justice for his crimes. Calvin Banner, who admitted to his part in this conspiracy, who stated he was too wealthy and important to be touched, is in custody and will face justice for his crimes.
“For the families and all left to grieve over the lives they took, cruelly, callously, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We have worked and will continue to work, within the law as justice must remain within the law, to exact payment, as prescribed by the law, to all responsible. No one, whether their motivation be pure or corrupt, can or will be above the law.”
When she stopped, Nadine shouted out the first question.
“Lieutenant Dallas, how were you injured?”
“Doing my job.”
She took the questions, tossed some to Peabody, and got through it.
When Kyung ended it—thank God—she moved out quickly.
“You’re off duty,” she told Peabody. “Go home and cook something.”
“What? No, I’m not.”
“I’m the boss, and I say you are. We’re not getting Redman today. If he watched, or whenever he does watch, he’ll think about it. And he may be in too deep to think the right way. It’s not impossible he’ll come in. And it’s not impossible he’ll just go into the wind.”
“If he does that, we may never find him. He knows how to hide.”
“Yes, he does, and we may never find him. But we stopped him. That might have to be enough. One way or the other, it’s enough for today. Go home. There’s a rumor about a big party tonight.”
“You’re still coming, right?”
“Yes, we’re coming. Jeez. Do you think I want the wrath of Mavis coming down on me? And I want pie.”
“I’ll make you a pie. I’ll make you one hell of a pie. Thanks. We did good. We did our best.”
“We did. Remember that, and go bake me a pie.”
“Best pie ever! Woo.”
She took off like a rocket. Eve moved more slowly to find Reo in her office.
“They’re in another attorney-client meeting, and Lomax is losing patience with said client. Additional data from EDD, which I’ve just discussed with my boss. There will be no on-planet option.”
“Music. I hear music.”
“Sit down.” Reo gave up the desk chair. “I’ll update you, then we’re going to wrap this up. We’ve got a party tonight.”
“I heard. I’m getting a pie.”
“What kind of pie?”
Eve sat. “Mine.”