Page 89 of Fatal Strike
Kempler held up his hand as if to forestall the question he knew was coming next. “All I’ve heard is a rumor.”
Jon wrapped his arms around his chest. “Is Everson protecting one of his guys?” He yanked his phone from his pocket and pressed in Everson’s number. The police chief answered on the first ring. “Jon Colbert here. I need information.”
“Depends on what you’re asking.”
The response didn’t ease Jon’s mind about Everson’s withholding information. “Do you have any reason to suspect that one of your officers might be behind the murders?”
“What?”
“You heard me. We think someone in your department might be involved with these gang hits.”
Everson swore, and Jon could practically hear the man’s blood boiling. “You can’t believe everything you hear, Colbert, and especially not the lies of a junkie like Kantore.”
“Are you certain? Do you know more about the off-the-books case than you’ve shared with the FBI?”
“Yes, I’m certain. Those three had no proof of anything or they’d have brought it to me.”
Jon lowered his voice. “Then why were they killed?”
“Listen,” Everson said, fury evident in his tone, “I’m going to find who killed Marcia. And it won’t be one of my guys.”
“You’re not a one-man army.”
“Watch me.” Everson disconnected.
Jon slid his phone back inside his pocket and relayed the conversation.
Leah spoke up. “It’s probably a long shot, but Mrs. Greer might have insight.”
Jon searched through his contacts and soon had Mrs. Greer on the line.
“No, Ian never confided in me about his job,” Mrs. Greer said. “He wouldn’t have told me if he suspected a fellow officer.”
“Do you think Chief Everson might be protecting someone on the force?”
“Absolutely not. If what you’re saying is true, and a GPD officer is involved in my husband’s death, Zachary would be the first in line to take him down.”
“Thanks for the information.” Once again, Jon pocketed his phone and told Leah and Kempler the conversation.
“So it all comes down to this evidence the judge had.” Leah attempted to sit up, but Jon was instantly at her side.
“You can talk and rest at the same time.”
“My partner’s a helicopter.” She gave him what he would classify as an irritated glare, but he ignored it. She spoke to Kempler. “You’re still looking for it, right?”
He nodded. “Somewhere there’s documentation, or he wouldn’t have said so.”
Jon deliberated the info. “The number of people Judge Mendez might trust is small, but I imagine it would probably include his wife and Father Gabriel. But if he refused to confide in you, then he certainly wouldn’t risk their lives.”
“I agree. We need to search where we least expect.” Kempler drew in a breath. “The Venenos will be after the next person who might have the evidence. Maybe even me.”
“Rachel Mendez,” Leah said. “Everson already has officers assigned 24-7. Can we replace them with agents until this is settled? I’m not suggesting any of GPD are crooked, but I’d like to insist she take more precautions.”
“Good move.” Kempler turned to Jon. “I’m also requesting protection for my family.”
56
LEAH DETESTEDthe endless slow drip of time—in her veins and in the hospital. Once Ross Kempler left, she considered ordering Jon out of the room so she could dress and go home. Closing her eyes, she replayed the moment she lifted the lid on the flower box and was bitten. Raising the knife and lowering it over the snake, severing its head and hacking away like a madwoman until it lay in pieces ... cleaning her wound and contacting 911.
