Page 30 of Fatal Strike
Everson gazed out the window. A patrol car pulled in. “In theory, you make sense, and there are a couple cases with those parameters.”
“Have you investigated them?”
“No connections to Venenos. Dead ends. We interviewed Judge Mendez’s staff yesterday. I’ll send you our initial report.” He turned back. “Let me tell you what was going on leading up to the three murders. Last month, I started meeting with Ian, Marcia, and the judge. Ian believed the Venenos had moved into our area and were trafficking drugs, but he didn’t have proof. At the second meeting, I insisted we form a task force with the FBI. I didn’t want anyone killed. The others didn’t agree. We had words, and I was booted out. They continued to meet, and when Ian was killed, I contacted the FBI, but it was too late to save Marcia and the judge.To my knowledge, nothing was documented, and trust me, I’ve looked.”
Leah spoke up. “When was the last time you spoke to any of them?”
“Last Friday afternoon, Ian told me to have a great weekend. Monday, I phoned Marcia after Ian’s body was found and told her about my call to the FBI. She agreed. The Venenos took credit for the murder, and the FBI needed to be involved. Ithen contacted the judge, and he confirmed my decision. I was supposed to get back with him and Marcia after meeting with the FBI on Tuesday.”
Instead of getting help, though, the police chief had seen wheels of justice move too slowly to protect these prominent Galveston citizens.
Everson took a glimpse of his watch. “I understand you’re questioning Aaron Michaels here. Ready for me to show you where to conduct the interview?”
“Sure. Are you sitting in?”
“I’d rather watch. See if he changes his story. Appears lily-white.” He handed Jon a file. “I want the gang stopped. Whatever it takes. I will not give up until arrests are made.”
Revenge was not a police officer’s best trait. Everson could be a problem if he was out to handle this himself.
20
LEAH SUGGESTEDFLIPPING A QUARTERwith Jon to see who’d question Aaron Michaels, and she won the toss.
The young man entered a small interview area provided by Everson. After Leah went through introductions, she invited Aaron to sit at a small table. Trembling, he eased onto a chair. Leah attempted to relax him, a narrow-shouldered, round-faced man, who questioned why the FBI wanted to see him after he’d previously spoken to the police.
“We’re going over similar questions to see if you forgot to mention anything to Chief Everson.” Leah spoke kindness into her words. “First, let me thank you for meeting with us.”
“Okay.” He gripped his hands on the tabletop. “But I don’t think I left out anything.”
“Aaron, your grades at the University of Houston are exemplary. Congratulations. Is this your senior year?”
“Yes, ma’am. Looking forward to my student teaching.”
“A teacher? I thought about a career in education at one time. What’s your major?”
“History. I plan to teach high school and coach track.” He breathed in and out. “I’m ready to be a real adult. My parents will be glad to get me off their credit card debt.”
Leah met his smile. “I’m sure they will. Any brothers or sisters?”
“Sister in high school. She’ll be ready for college in two years.”
“Your parents will have a break before she enters college. Dylan Ortega’s mother, Silvia, gave us your name as one of her son’s longtime friends. Yesterday you told police you hadn’t seen Dylan for months. Was there a problem in the friendship?”
Aaron’s knuckles bleached white. “We went different ways. Me with school and Dylan with his life.”
“Had you attempted to contact him?” Leah said.
“A couple of times last Christmas and then once in February. He was busy.”
“Work? School?”
Aaron rubbed his hands together. “He has a girlfriend. Wanted to spend time with her. He said she was good for him. I quit trying.”
Leah looked to Jon for input.
“Sometimes we guys can’t compete with a girl,” Jon said. “Do you know her name?”
“I think Elena.” Aaron paused. “Can’t remember her last name. Saw her a couple of times. Hot. Dylan has good taste.”
