Page 4 of Fatal Strike
3
THE AIR-CONDITIONING IN JON’S TRUCKbathed Leah’s face, but the cool air failed to relax her. Had Galveston PD contacted the FBI for an assist in the two recent murders? Why else would SAC Thomas brief her and Jon on a new case on the heels of a sniper mission? A few miles’ run always helped her body and mind calm. Those were the times she imagined Central Park in late April and early May and envisioned white-petaled bloodroot and golden Alexanders, red maple and Virginia bluebells. For now, self-talk would have to do. Guilt scraped her conscience for the momentary reprieve while other law enforcement sweated buckets in the heat.
“In the past two days, Galveston has lost two people dedicated to preserving the law—Police Officer Ian Greer and Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Trevelle,” SAC Thomas said.“The police department is working around the clock to find the killers. No arrests or suspects. Yesterday afternoon, Galveston Police Chief Zachary Everson requested the FBI’s assistance in finding whoever is responsible for the death of Officer Greer. Then Attorney Trevelle’s body was found.”
Leah briefly wondered if the delay in getting FBI agents on the ground might have cost the woman her life.
SAC Thomas continued. “We suspect the Venenos are behind the murders. And unfortunately it appears they’ve struck again. This morning at 4:30, Judge Nicolás Mendez left his home for a run. When he didn’t return by 6a.m., his wife assumed he stopped to have breakfast. When he hadn’t returned by 7:30, she called his cell phone, but he didn’t pick up. She contacted his office and learned his staff hadn’t heard from him either. She immediately called Chief Everson. A search ensued. Meanwhile, Father Gabriel of St. Peter’s in Galveston received a call around 8a.m. from a man who identified himself as a Veneno and took responsibility for the judge’s death.”
“Oh no,” Leah whispered. What was going on?
SAC Thomas continued. “The judge’s body was found outside the rear doors of the church. He appears to have received an injection of venom to the heart, an identical execution as the other two victims. And a dead rattler lay over the body.”
She chilled, thinking about her snake phobia. The Veneno—Venom—gang was demonstrating a pattern.
“From the cuts and bruises, he was beaten. The medical examiner will disclose the origin of blood, type, and pinpoint what killed him. We assume it was rattlesnake venom.” He took a deep breath. “The governor requested the FBI form a task force with GPD to not only find the killers but also bring down this gang. I let him know we were on it.”
A task force made incredible sense. Law enforcement in and around Houston had been kept in the loop with the gang’s activities, but Leah wanted the reports now, including evidence. The use of venom as a weapon meant no bullets or guns to trace. When finished, the gang slithered away.
On remote missions, she controlled her phobia with her mind. In and out, get the job done. She would handle it with this case, too, and no one would learn the truth.
SAC Thomas gave them additional information while she made mental notes.
“I want you two to take the lead on investigating the judge’s death. We’ll have other teams assigned to the police officer’s and prosecutor’s cases. Coordinate with Galveston Police Chief Everson. He’s already received a solid lead from a male resident who reported at 6a.m. that two men left the rear of the church and drove off in a late-model car. I’m sending the lead’s name, number, and a full report of the crime to your phones. GPD has his statement and is securing the crime scene for now. I’m also forwarding contact information for Rachel Mendez and Father Gabriel. She told GPD her husband had so many enemies that she wouldn’t know where to begin. She’s on her way home now to compile a list of potential suspects.”
“We’ll talk to Mrs. Mendez, then contact the lead.” Jon glanced at Leah and she nodded. Since the witness had already made a statement, talking to him could wait.
“Good. Make sure you two interview Father Gabriel today,” the SAC said. “Find out what he knows.”
After reminding them he’d see them both in his office at 6p.m., the SAC ended the call. Leah looked at Jon, forming where to begin their discussion. Although Leah wasn’t a part of the FBI’s multiagency gang task force like Jon, manytimes the violent crime division was involved with agents in organized crime, and she was no stranger to the depravity of evil minds.
“The Veneno gang has a presence in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas,” Jon said, seeming to read her mind. “In the past year, we’ve seen a handful of murders that sound similar to the ones here in Galveston—but three deaths in three days suggests something big is going on.”
“Do we have any idea who or what’s behind them?” Leah said.
“No. TAG suspects drugs and human trafficking. Unconfirmed.” He turned the air-conditioning in the truck lower. “Venenos usually have a rallying cry ofreconquista—they want to reclaim Texas as part of Mexico. And they haven’t been shy about targeting anyone who gets in their way.”
How frustrating to admit few leads and no motive.
Jon crossed his arms over his chest. “I’d like the security cam footage for Judge Mendez’s home and office.”
“I’m sure the SAC will send it to us. Do you know anything about the judge?”
“My partner’s wife used to work for him, and they have tremendous respect for his personal convictions and integrity. There are two types of judges—those who uphold the law by viewing it as right and just, and those with a more liberal attitude. Judge Mendez advocated the conservative approach.” Jon paused. “No one charged with a crime, especially a violent one, wanted to go before him. He spoke openly about gang activities, and he gave members the maximum sentence.”
“Someone took vengeance—and not just against him.”
He tapped his steering wheel. “What are they doing besides murdering those who oppose theirreconquistaviews?”
“Million-dollar question. What do you think of thereconquistamantra?”
“My guess is it’s a means to recruit Hispanics.”
Jon stared out at the ocean, and she did the same. The water glistened in the midmorning sun. In the distance a shrimp boat bobbed on the horizon. Peaceful, unlike the turmoil around them.
Leah pushed aside thoughts about this morning’s violence. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Like diamonds.”
“Hope you hadn’t planned on catching up on sleep soon.”
