Page 19 of Fatal Strike
She typed with her forefingers and thumbs. “The island’s going to feel an economic pinch with the murders. Businessowners will be concerned about the tourist trade taking a nosedive.”
“A press release about GPD and the FBI working 24-7 should help on that front. The public needs to know law enforcement is on their side.”
She lifted her fingers from her phone. “And who knows? Father Gabriel might remember something useful.”
“He’s putting himself in danger by wanting to bring the bad guys to God, and he believes it’s noble to his faith. The hardest thing to do is persuade a man who’s ruled by his convictions.” Jon changed lanes and pressed the gas. “He reminds me of someone.”
“Another priest?”
“Not exactly.” Jon chuckled.
“Clue me in so I can find some humor in today.”
“Father Gabriel reminds me of my father. Both are opinionated to a fault. Their beliefs are a religion.”
She studied him. “I’m waiting.”
Jon sighed. “My dad insists I resign from the FBI. Hightail it back to Oklahoma and work for the Chickasaw Nation. My plans for the future don’t play into his. I’m extremely proud of my heritage, treasure it. Except my career is with the FBI.”
Jon must value his dad’s approval, and their relationship sounded messy. “What exactly does he want you to do there?”
“Use my criminal justice degree to get involved in the tribal governing body.”
“Sounds like a desk job.”
“Tell me about it.”
“You two don’t get along?” she said.
“Dad’s taught me a lot, and we have a respectful relationship. I love him but not his notions about what’s best for me.”He pointed to her phone. “Add Father Gabriel’s background, his community outreach, the names of his biggest contributors, a list of St. Peter’s members who have records, and the dates and names of his prison and jail visits.”
“Slow down. Are you always this keyed up after a day like ours?”
He nodded. “Dylan Ortega fooled his mother—maybe. He no longer has a girlfriend—maybe. Good chance of him being a member of a deadly gang. His priest has been threatened and reminds me of a mule.”
“I don’t think Father Gabriel would cover for a gang member, especially when he’s been threatened. But he may inadvertently know a Veneno, and that’s why he was threatened.”
“Makes me wonder if the gang recruits members according to church affiliation.”
“Morbid thought.” Leah turned to another question. “What if the cry ofreconquistais just an excuse to commit crimes and frighten people? The three deaths were those who enforced the law, not anti-reconquistasupporters.”
“The mantra is certainly being used to cause panic,” Jon said. “But I want to know what their moneymaker is. This says sophistication to me. By following the money trail, we’ll have a better idea of why our victims faced execution.”
Leah wasn’t sure she agreed. They had a solid lead—he was just hiding. “Anything else for tomorrow’s agenda?” She glanced at her notes. “We need to examine the death reports for Ian Greer and Marcia Trevelle—see how far the task force has gotten with interviews and the investigations.” She took a long drink of the Diet Coke, no longer dragging from the day’s activities. “Your energy level is rubbing off on me.”
“Not a bad thing considering how much sleep we won’t getuntil this is over,” he said. “Include the staging of the bodies. Photos of the three victims. Medical examiner’s initial reports.”
She ceased typing. “I’ll send some of these questions to the FIG’s expertise.” The Field Intelligence Group had the technology to research and provide the information they needed.
“Before our attention turns to the action review, what time do I pick you up in the morning?”
“I can drive. You’ve been behind the wheel all day.”
Jon frowned, and reality hit her.
“You’re the alpha who has to be in control.”
“I am.” He moaned, then tossed her a grin. “So are you.”
