Page 28 of Fatal Strike
“I won’t take but a minute of your time. Honestly, I’m checking on you. You were right when we talked—I’m ignorant of how you feel. But I did cause my mother some heartache, and I regret my past actions. My fear is something will happen to Dylan before we find him. If you have any way to contact him, please let him know that Agent Colbert and I will do all we can to learn the truth. You have my number now. Let me be your friend and help you with your son.”
Silvia’s spirit crushed. She hadn’t expected kindness from an agent who wanted Dylan in custody. “How can I trust you?”
“I give you my word.”
19
JON STEERED HIS TRUCK TOWARDthe Galveston County Justice Center. Leah sat beside him, navigating her phone. The county courthouse, post office, law enforcement facility, and an assortment of BBBs—bail bond businesses—covered Fifty-Fourth through Fifty-Ninth Streets, reminding him of a mall. It seemed like he and Leah were conducting busywork, and while necessary, Jon wanted to latch on to something.
Leah contacted Aaron Michaels and arranged an interview after their meeting with Chief Everson. She pulled Rachel’s list from her purse and began typing the names into her phone. “Idon’t recognize the names Mrs. Mendez gave us. Shame on me.”
“Maybe they appeared in his court before you arrived in H-town. What were the charges?”
“Drug dealers, assault and robbery, murder for hire ... the typical. All swore to get even. Two are women.” She touched her finger to her lips as though something had just occurred to her. “I’ve been thinking about the gang using women to carry messages. The girlfriends and wives of those who share thereconquistamantra could pass info at the grocery, Laundromat, nail salon, church. Anywhere.”
Jon was impressed. He was the one who normally turned over every rock in an investigation. “We’d need specific women to tail. Our leads will keep us busy for a few days. I see tangible things for us to nail down first.”
“Such as?” she said.
“A rattlesnake farm. The gang has to get their supply of venom somewhere.”
“You mentioned wranglers before.”
He swung a look her way, but Leah stared out the passenger side window. “You put me off before about this. Do I detect a problem with snakes?”
She kept her attention outside the truck. “I’d rather have adog.”
Was she admitting to a phobia or a dislike? “How bad?”
She turned his way. “I’m fine, and I agree it’s a significant aspect of the case. I’ll send a request for snake wrangler info.”
Jon pulled into a parking area designated for the police department. Snakes sort of appealed to his wild nature, but Leah’s fear could be a hindrance to working the case.
They exited his truck and walked to the law enforcement facility.
“Do you know Zachary Everson?” Leah said. “Because I don’t.”
“No. What are you thinking?”
“When we talked to Rachel Mendez, her body language hinted at a dislike for him. Maybe some history there, or Imisread her. So I’ll let you lead.”
“All right. The judge openly criticized gang activities, and he could have tried a case involving a Veneno and not known the person was gang-related. And if Ian Greer made the arrest and Marcia Trevelle was prosecuting, then we have a solid link. I’ve requested the FIG to get us the data.”
Chief of Police Zachary Everson, a wiry man with a military haircut, escorted Jon and Leah to his square office. A window faced the parking lot, allowing him to see those coming and going from the rear of the building.
Everson closed the door and sat behind his desk. Dark circles pitted beneath reddened eyes. “If we could drink, I’d pour us a double.” He uttered an expletive.
“Not usually a drinking man myself,” Jon said. “But I might change my mind when we’ve tossed the Venenos into jail.”
“A Fed I like. First time for everything. When the time comes, I’ll buy the bottle.” He paused. “I did request your assistance for these murders, and together we can bring justice to grieving family and friends. What’s new on your end?”
“Agent Riesel and I have conducted interviews since yesterday morning.”
Leah gave her take on Silvia Ortega and Rachel Mendez. Then he relayed the pertinent info regarding Father Gabriel.
“We’re on the same page,” Everson said. “Father Gabriel is either a candidate for the next pope or looking for martyrdom. He’s risking his life trying to reach gang members. Just hope his boldness for the faith doesn’t get him killed.”
“We’ve requested surveillance—for more than one reason.” Jon wasn’t ready to debate Father Gabriel further. “Whoevertold the media we had a person of interest tossed a wrench into things.”
