Page 34 of Fatal Strike
“Oh, I can’t believe the judge is gone. I’ve worked for St. Peter’s for twenty-five years, and nothing this horrible has happened.”
“How many of those years were for Father Gabriel?”
“All of them. He’s been there close to thirty-two.”
“Did you know any of the other victims?”
“Officer Ian Greer and his family used to live down the streetfrom us. We were acquaintances. Marcia Trevelle was in the news because of being a prosecuting attorney. I never met her. Judge Mendez and his wife played an active role at St. Peter’s.”
Leah moved ahead. “Is Chief of Police Everson a member of St. Peter’s?”
“Yes.”
Father Gabriel claimed he didn’t know Marcia Trevelle, but she and Everson were to be married in October. “What can you tell me about Father Gabriel?”
“Outstanding man. Cares about people to a fault.” Lucinda hesitated before continuing. “I’ve been on vacation, but my husband is reluctant for me to return to work. He wants me to retire. He knows Father Gabriel will continue his crusade to rehabilitate lawbreakers.”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you aware his nephew was in a gang and subsequently killed?”
“Yes. What’s your take?”
“Father Gabriel thinks he has to bring every criminal into the church.”
“Are you saying there are criminals at St. Peter’s?”
“No! Of course not.”
“What do you know about Dylan Ortega?”
Lucinda sighed. “I saw his name in the news, but I don’t believe in his guilt. He’s a good young man, despite his prior mistake that landed him in prison.”
“What about others?”
“Agent Riesel, I’m done answering questions about the killings. I know nothing, and I’m honoring my husband’s wishes. Talk to Chief of Police Everson or Father Gabriel. Good luck.” The phone clicked.
Leah wondered why it felt like nearly everyone she and Jon had talked to had something to hide.
Jon commended the young manager of the Hotel Galvez for his confidence and professionalism. Papers were scattered over a wooden desk stained with coffee rings, but no apology from the young man. Jon liked that—the manager had a job to do and this was his method.
Jon led out the interview while Leah analyzed the conversation. They were a good team. Odd how two people synced well in such a short time. His previous experiences with partners were more about completing a mission and moving on to the next assignment. With Leah, he hoped they would work together again ... though he wasn’t ready to explore the reasons why.
“When was the last day Dylan Ortega reported to work?” Jon said.
The manager turned his attention to the computer. “Friday.” He tapped his thumb on his desk. “I can’t provide an alibi for him.”
“What can you tell us about Dylan Ortega?”
The manager might not be old enough to shave, but no signs of deceit or apprehension crested his features. “He was a solid worker. Always on time until last week. Hated to fire him, but when an employee doesn’t call in, I have no choice. He told me about his previous jail time.”
“You took a chance on Dylan Ortega despite his record.” Jon studied him. “I assume he gave you other references.”
The manager opened a file drawer and pulled out what looked like a job application. “I meant to review this beforeyou arrived. But I had a problem in the hotel that needed my attention.” He glanced at the form and nodded. “I remember the interview with Dylan. He was well-mannered and confident in his skills. He listed Father Xavier Gabriel of St. Peter’s church and Judge Nicolás Mendez as references. Both men backed him up. To me, if Judge Mendez had given him a job, I could too.” He peered into Jon’s face. “Now the judge is dead, and the FBI and police can’t find Dylan. Hard for me to believe he’s mixed up in a gang or murder.”
“We’re not saying he is. Dylan is a person of interest. We only want to talk to him.”
“Are those FBI words for ‘He’s not guilty until a jury makes a decision, but we plan to arrest him’?”
