Page 111 of Fatal Strike
Warren ignored the question. He seemed to be interested only in continuing to outline his accomplishments. “Using the real Venenos to mask our actions was my idea. Helped us recruit guys into our little gang. Kept the law scrambling,” Warren said. “The rattler venom is a nice touch. No weapons. No bullet casings. Pure genius.”
“We’ve put the pieces together, Warren. We will stop you.”
“You’re out of time, Agent Riesel. We’re heading out of the country. Dylan, I’ll be back in ten minutes. If you have something to confess then, I just might spare Silvia’s life.”
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JON PHONED EVERSON ANDrelayed what he’d found at the dental office.
“Sounds like that’s the evidence we’ve been looking for. I’m sending out a BOLO and media alert for Livingston and the Rioses,” Everson said. “Father Gabriel told me Pablo Rios and his wife have recently joined St. Peter’s. They’d been guests of Silvia Ortega and Warren Livingston.”
No surprise there. “He’s there, right? Let me talk to him.”
“Hang on.”
Father Gabriel greeted him. “Just learned about the drugs found at the dental office. Hard for me to believe it’s true.”
“What can you tell me about the couple?”
“Dr. Rios has been my dentist for years. Gracious, kind. This makes me feel like a fool. Warren Livingston is a part ofthis? Poor Silvia, to think I endorsed her and Warren seeing each other. Do you think she’s involved? Coaxed Dylan to join them?”
“Right now, we don’t have those answers,” Jon said.
“I played right into the whole mess. About three years ago, Dr. Rios and his wife talked to me about changing membership to St. Peter’s. Said they’d found a church they’d decided to call home. I welcomed them.”
“You aren’t the first person to be used in illegal activities.”
“Jon, I received exactly what I prayed for—criminals to find peace and forgiveness within the walls of St. Peter’s. Ironic. Icould still have a positive impact.”
Jon wasn’t sure how to comment, when his idea of a positive impact was a lengthy prison sentence. “Were they friends of Rachel and Judge Mendez?”
“You’d have to ask Rachel. The family used the dental practice.”
“Thanks. Can I talk to Everson again?” When Everson responded, Jon continued. “Do you know if Ian Greer and Marcia Trevelle were Rios’s patients?”
“Yes. Me too. It’s no coincidence the three victims went to the same dentist. They figured it out.”
“You could be next on the list. Seriously, watch your back,” Jon said. “We need to cross-check Rios’s patients with St. Peter’s members. In the meantime, is Ross Kempler still with you?”
“Yes. Leah wanted both men to stay here. Why? Wait, hold on a minute. Looks like a call has come in regarding the BOLO.”
Jon waited while his mind shoved pieces into place. An established dental practice laundering drugs into Mexico. Silvia taking stolen OxyContin. How had the victims put it together? Or had they simply gotten close enough to make the killersnervous? What role did Silvia play? Everson came back online. “An officer from the Jamaica Beach Police Department spotted Rios’s vehicle turning onto a dirt road on the west side of the island. He must think law enforcement has seawater for brains. GPD officers are on their way.”
Jon texted Leah to join him, then headed out to the intersection Everson gave him.
Leah glanced around the room to see if there was anything they could use to get free. She scooted toward Silvia until they were back-to-back. “Untie me,” she whispered. “And tell me how you ended up here.”
Silvia fumbled with the knots. “Warren’s men picked up Dylan in the water. Somehow he got away.” Silvia’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Dylan called me this morning. He needed help—he was hurt badly. I tried to call Rachel, but there was no answer. So I called Warren and he promised to pick up medical supplies. He met me at the dental office and we snuck out the side door. I’m sorry, Agent Riesel. After the shooting on the ferry, I knew I was being watched and I couldn’t take the chance that I might lead the FBI to Dylan.” Silvia sobbed. “But when I got into Warren’s car, he pulled a gun and drove me here. He forced me to call you.”
Leah felt the knots begin to loosen a bit.
“Dylan, Elena, and Rachel had already been abducted.”
“Mom, I didn’t steal his drugs.” Dylan’s weak voice indicated his body was losing the battle to survive. “I bought OxyContin from Aaron.” He sucked in a breath. “He’s the one who told me about Warren.”
“He blackmailed you,” Silvia said.
“I’m sorry. Never killed anyone.”
