Page 32 of Fatal Strike
“Well, we’re about to find out if Everson botched the interviews with the judge’s staff or not.” A text signaled her attention. A quick look showed the message was from Terri.
It’s time we talked.
Leah’s mind drifted to her best friend, an agent who worked the civil rights division in Houston. The last time she and Terri had talked, their friendship crumbled. Leah’s fault, and she’d done nothing to rebuild the wall.
“Do we have new information?” Jon stood outside the entrance hallway to Judge Mendez’s office.
“No.” Leah struggled with ignoring or responding. Strange she had the courage to go after bad guys and risk her life but floundered when it came to interpersonal messes. “Give me a moment to answer this text.”
“Go ahead. I’ll check for updates.”
She typed to Terri.I agree. I’m in Galveston with Jon Colbert.
Terri responded immediately.Working on the Venenos case?
Yes. Will call when I can.
Thanks. Miss us.
Me too.
Shoving aside her inner turmoil, she concentrated on the upcoming interview.
Jon opened the door. “The warrant came through for Judge Mendez’s office, and a team will conduct the search late this afternoon. And the security footage for both his home and office is being analyzed.”
Inside Judge Mendez’s office, the receptionist, a young woman with large expressive green eyes, led them into a conference room. Leah sized up the four people who were well-acquainted with the judge’s work habits, convictions, and cases. The receptionist had been friendly, but the iciness in the room had nothing to do with the air-conditioning’s setting. The paralegal was in her midthirties, attractive, and used her French-manicured nails to address matters on her phone. She looked up from her device and cordially acknowledged Leah and Jon.
The law clerks had their impassive facade down to a science. Must be a course in law school.
The receptionist offered Leah and Jon beverages. Once they’d been served, she brought legal pads and pens and sat near the other woman.
How would Leah feel if her SWAT commander or SAC were killed? She’d be hit with paralyzing numbness and a brisk attitude. Angry and scared.
Jon thanked them for their time and introduced Leah and himself. “The FBI is assisting Galveston police in the investigation of not only the murder of Judge Mendez, but also of the deaths of Ian Greer and Marcia Trevelle. All three are suspected of being killed by a lethal injection of venom to the heart. The gang known as the Venenos have claimed responsibility.”
One of the clerks, a distinguished-looking man with silverhair and a matching mustache, cleared his throat. “My name’s Ross Kempler. Judge Mendez and I worked closely together for over twenty-seven years on various levels. I can safely say I knew him better than anyone in this office. I called the judge a friend, and to say I’m angry is an understatement.”
“Thank you,” Jon said. “Agent Riesel and I appreciate any information you can provide. We will be interviewing each of you privately.”
The two women had nothing substantial to say. The paralegal expressed a great deal of nervousness and said she feared for her life. The receptionist promised to keep her eyes and ears open.
Ross Kempler was the third interview. Leah believed his long-term friendship with Judge Mendez might offer work and personal habits.
“Mr. Kempler, what can you tell us about the judge?” Jon said.
“Loyal friend. Man of faith. Loved his family. He was a private person. What I can say is the judge had not disclosed any threats to me. If you were around him very long, then you understood he held a high regard for enforcing law. When he ruled on a case, he never backed down.”
Kempler added that he knew Marcia Trevelle and had met Ian Greer a few times. “We all want those responsible to be arrested and tried in a court of law.”
The younger clerk concluded the interview process. He avoided any pleasantries. “I have a family to protect, and I have nothing to add to your investigation.”
“Have you been threatened?” Jon said.
He sat back in the plush leather chair. “I don’t have to give a reason to exercise my rights.”
As Jon and Leah walked to Jon’s truck, Leah questioned the unwillingness of the judge’s staff to offer much information. “Iknow they’re frightened, but I wanted more.”
“Maybe they’re protecting their families and are simply being cautious,” Jon said. “Or maybe they really don’t know anything.”
