by Geri Foster
She hugged her. “I know Mom, but perhaps it won’t be long now. At least we’re learning more and more about what happened.”
Her mom shoved away from her and grabbed Lucas by the arm. “Do you believe we can prove he’s innocent?”
“Yes, I do. But it’s not going to be easy, unless someone screws up. That might give us an edge.”
“Mr. Spears has been at it too long to make a mistake,” Rachel commented.
Lucas grinned. “Everyone gets careless occasionally.”
She turned on her phone and noticed that Mr. Webster had called. Excited, she wondered what he’d learned. Bidding her mom goodbye, she promised to be home in time for dinner and to help prepare for Grandma Mercy’s birthday tomorrow.
As her mom pulled out of the parking lot and headed back to Rainwater, she pulled Lucas aside. “Mr. Webster called while we were visiting Dad. I’m getting back to him now.”
He nodded as she pushed the return call button on her phone. It only rang once before Mr. Webster picked up the phone and said hello.
“It’s Rachel Snyder, Mr. Webster. I’m returning your call.”
“Yes, I wanted to keep you posted on what I’m doing. I checked the bank’s last audit then conferred with Miss Wigan. She confirmed three companies weren’t included in the audit. I received a copy of the trial records and investigated the companies and found they don’t exist.”
“That’s what my dad said as well. Lucas thinks this might be a laundering operation and the Spears are in on it.”
“We need proof that there is money in that bank that isn’t legitimate.”
“I don’t know how we can do that without a court order, and again, all Mr. Spears has to do is close the accounts for a few days.”
“Yes, if we could get an audit to take place when he isn’t around that would be best. But now the system is electronic, so it won’t be as easy as it was before.”
Her chest tightened, and she licked her lips. “I heard today that Mr. and Mrs. Spears have gone skiing for the holidays.”
“Let me see what I can do. I’ll get back in touch very soon.”
“What did he say?” Lucas asked as she hung up. “Anything that can help us?”
“He’s learned the companies Coons opened accounts for in the bank don’t exist. When I mentioned a laundering operation, he didn’t say anything.” She put her phone in her purse. “He’s going to get back to us as soon as he finds out more.”
“That’s good, but by the time we get a court order Spears will have closed those accounts and erased any sign they ever existed.”
“That’s what I told him, but he reminded me that they are using a computer system now, so he’d have a lot to do to wipe it clean. If we could just break in to the bank and get the information now…”
He straightened and frowned at her. “Don’t even go there.”
“I wasn’t,” she assured him. “I’m just saying we don’t have access to the bank’s accounts and that’s a handicap.”
He started walking toward his truck. “Let’s get back to town and see what pops up.”
“Tonight I have to go home for dinner and help my mom prepare for Grandma Mercy’s birthday party.”
He looked disappointed before he leaned over and kissed her. “I’ll miss you, but I understand. Besides, I’m going back to John Tully’s trailer tonight.”
The thought of him around that seedy trailer park frightened her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. That place is dangerous.”
“I’m not going alone. And they won’t know I’m there. It’s time I find out what John does to occupy his time.”
“He doesn’t live like a man who’s getting rich off drugs.”
“It might be that most of his money is eaten up by the product he’s making.”
“Meth?”
“That’s my guess. Our little town is too far off the beaten path to get the attention of a drug cartel. Not that it can’t happen. But it’s not in Rainwater.”
“You think Robert Spears, Mike Coons and John Tully are all in this together?”
“I think Coons and Spears are the brains of the operation and John is their scapegoat who does the cooking.”
“Catching John making Crystal Meth doesn’t connect him to the other two.”
He glanced over at her. “You’d be surprised how easy it is to get a druggy to talk.”
She hoped he was right.
* * *
Lucas dropped Rachel off and stopped by the station and picked up his deputy, David. As he hopped into the truck, David grinned and asked, “Where are we going?”
“I want to check out John Tully’s place. He’s about five miles out of town. Lives in a rundown trailer park. I want to see what he’s up to.”
“Sounds like a stakeout to me.”
He gunned the motor of his truck and smiled. “It does, doesn’t it?”
David rubbed his hands together. “I’m up for anything.”
“You better be because it’s going to be a long night.”
He shrugged, “I got nothing better to do.” Glancing over at Lucas, he asked, “You going to Grandma Mercy’s birthday party tomorrow?”
“I’ve been invited but, to be honest, I’m a little afraid. Those three sisters are capable of doing anything.”
Marcus, David, Candi and Rachel were all distant cousins. Marcus and Candi belonged to Grandma Hope, David and his brother belonged to Grandma Faith, and Rachel was Grandma Mercy’s only grandchild. That meant David was familiar with the sisters’ antics. And that also meant they were as protective as hell.
“You’ll be okay. They’ll be so busy celebrating, they won’t do anything crazy.”
He shook his head, “I don’t know. They’ve done some pretty ornery stuff.”
“It’s not smart to cross them.”
“I hate to hurt your feelings, but I don’t trust them. I’ve been bitten too many times.”
David laughed as Lucas pulled his truck into a wooded area beside the trailer park, providing them with a good view of John’s trailer. The lights were on. They were assured someone was home when they saw movement of the two occupants inside.
“They’re harmless.”
Lucas looked at him in disbelief. “You’re delusional.”
They both quieted when an older, maroon Toyota pulled beside John’s trailer and three men got out and went inside without knocking.
David perked up. “This might get interesting after all. I know that one guy. The taller one. He’s from Denton with an arrest file bigger than Texas.”
“What’s his past?”
“Everything. Drugs, DUI, possession with intent to sell. He spent some time in Huntsville for armed robbery but got out on parole. Looks like he didn’t learn a damn thing.”
“They rarely do.”
“Do you think we need to get closer to hear what’s going on?”
“Whatever they’re into, it isn’t happening here. Let’s wait and follow them. It will be interesting to find out where they’re cooking the Meth.”
“This isn’t our jurisdiction.”
“I know, and I notified Sheriff Scott Page.”
“Good, I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
“He’s aware of what’s going on.”
They watched as the activity in the trailer increased. Lots of shouting and threatening language drifted over the evening air.
David glanced over at him. “Sounds like someone’s not happy. Trouble might be brewing.”
“That’s exactly what we’re looking for.”
Chapter 24
Rachel and her mom were busy cleaning up the dishes from supper when her phone rang. Hoping to hear from Lucas, she answered with a cheerful tone.
It was Nancy.
“What can I do for you?” she asked.
“I just went by the bank and I saw the examiner there.” Nancy sounded so excited she could barely speak. “It appears he’s doing an audit,” she squea
led. “And you won’t believe it, but Mr. Hammerstein, the Chairman of the bank board is there too. And no one looks very happy.”
“Really,” she asked, her heart running a race and her breathing rapid. “So soon? Don’t they usually give a notice?”
“Of course, they do, so all the files and accounts will be ready to be inspected. Saves the bank examiner time. Evidently this is a surprise inspection. Mr. Burke is a nervous wreck. Mr. Spears always handled the auditor and any questions they might have.”
“Nancy, do you remember the SCS, Incorporation, the Moonshine Import and Export and the Happy Hearts Nursing Home accounts?”
“Yes, I remember them very well. They made a lot of transactions.” She remained quiet for a moment. “I talked to Mr. Webster today. He’s very nice. He asked me about all the accounts on the previous bank audits. When he didn’t read them off, I told him there had to be a mistake. Those three accounts were the most active customers we have.”
“Could Mr. Spears have made those accounts disappear if he knew there was an inspector coming?”
A tense silence had her nervous as her dog at the vet’s. Then Nancy spoke. “That’s exactly what Mr. Webster asked. Before everything was automated he could simply pull the files and erase their transactions from the ledger.” More silence. “Is that how you think he did it?”
“We don’t know that for sure,” she replied quickly. “It’s just a theory. Something Mr. Webster is working on.”
“You heard from him, too?”
Wanting to make sure Nancy felt included, she said. “Yes, I was just about to call you and Kendall and report what he said, but I’ve been busy with visiting Dad and helping mom with the decorations for tomorrow.”
“Oh, I understand completely.” Nancy hesitated. “I should’ve called you, too. I just wasn’t sure what Mr. Webster is up to. But now we know he’s looking into the matter. You are aware that he knows the bank examiner?”
“No, I didn’t know.”
“Mr. Bolden, the auditor, and Mr. Webster play poker together. I only know this because before he passed away, my dad used to join them on Thursday nights.”
Rachel nibbled on her bottom lip. “Perhaps that’s why Mr. Bolden is at the bank today. Mr. Spears and his wife are away on vacation for the holidays.”
“Oh, that explains why Mr. Burke is in such a panic,” Nancy huffed. “Serves him right for not having a clue about what goes on in his own bank.”
“Let’s see what happens. I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“Thank you, Rachel. You’re very kind.”
“Hey, you’ve been a big help with this case.”
“I just hope we find the truth and Mr. Snyder is released from prison.”
“Me too.”
She put her phone away and rushed to her mom. “Let’s go to the bank.”
Her mom reared back as if she were a snake. “What! I’ll never step foot in that place as long as I live.”
“There is an audit taking place right now and one of the board members is there. Mr. Burke is practically having a heart attack.”
A slow smile crossed her mom’s beautiful face. “Well, we don’t want to miss that, do we?”
“No, and with Grandma Mercy getting her hair done then visiting the Senior Center, this is the perfect time.”
Ignoring their to-do list, both women grabbed their coats and headed out the door. The bank would close within minutes and not open until after Christmas. Once they were both in the car, Rachel started the engine and peeled out of the driveway, heading downtown. When they got to the bank, they parked on the street and hurried inside. The scene awaiting them sent her heart rate sky high and her hopes into overdrive.
Since the bank was near to closing time, they were the only customers. As they moved toward the teller’s counter, she glanced over at a short man wearing wire-rimmed glasses, and a look of complete disgust. She suspected him to be the auditor, Mr. Bolden. Mr. Hammerstein, who was also the Principal of the elementary school, had a scowl on his face mean enough to stop a wild bull.
Poor Mr. Burke literally trembled and stammered like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “I tell you,” he said, “I don’t know anything about those accounts. Robert’s in charge of all of our customer dealings. I can’t explain any of this.”
“It’s your job to know what’s going on, Levi,” Mr. Hammerstein scolded. “I’m very disappointed in you.”
Mr. Burke caught her and her mom staring at him and turned his wrath on them. “Get out of my bank!” he shouted, pointing at them. “You two aren’t allowed in here. How can you even show your faces?”
She smiled. “I only came in for some change.” She waved a twenty-dollar bill in the air. “There’s nothing you can do to stop me.” Tilting her head, she addressed Mr. Bolden. “Having a little problem here?”
Mr. Burke’s face grew so red, she feared he’d have a stroke. “I want you out of my bank now,” he bellowed, making the young clerk he’d just hired jump back in fear.
“Hush, Levi,” Mr. Hammerstein insisted. “You can’t refuse service to anyone. What do you think you’re doing?”
“That’s Jim Snyder’s wife and daughter. They don’t deserve to be in here after what he did.”
Mr. Bolden came around and picked up the phone on the President’s desk.
“What are you doing?” Mr. Burke asked. “Who are you calling?”
“I’m calling the authorities and closing down the bank. There are transactions that are highly suspicious to the point of being illegal. My concern is how long this kind of business ethic has been going on. I’m beginning to think Jim Snyder wasn’t the guilty person in this bank.”
“But you can’t do that. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“No,” Mr. Hammerstein said, “you just looked the other way while Spears took full advantage of this bank and its reputation. You’ll need to find another job, Levi.”
She and her mom didn’t wait for the requested change. They’d heard all they needed to hear. Finally, with Spears out of the way and unable to hide his illegal activities, the truth began to surface.
Locking her arm with her mom’s, she ushered them out the door. “I really feel like celebrating now.”
Her mom turned her around and squeezed her tightly. “So do I,” she said. “So do I.”
* * *
Lucas and David waited over two hours for anyone to leave the trailer. When the four men, now including John, staggered to the Toyota, they waited for them to pull out so they could follow.
It wasn’t long before they were speeding down 35W at over eighty-five miles an hour. Lucas hoped they didn’t end up rolled into a ditch. All his instincts told him to pull them over for not obeying the speed limit. He held back though, knowing he had to continue following them to find out their base of operation.
“Don’t get too close,” David warned. “We don’t want them on to us.”
“I think they’re so drunk, the driver isn’t even aware he has a rearview mirror.”
In a matter of minutes, they turned off at the California exit in Gainesville and headed west. “I can’t believe they’d mess with this county. Scott Page and his deputies are pretty tough around here.”
“We’re not there yet. Let’s see where they go,” he said.
They followed another thirty minutes until they passed the Gainesville city limits, but were still in Cooke County. Then they pulled onto a dirt road. He held back and moved to the side of the road, not wanting to take the chance of them being spotted with their headlights on, and kept driving at a steady pace. Once they got close enough, he turned the headlights off, instead following the path lit by the car in the lead. He had to take it slow so as not to end up in a ditch, but soon they came up on a large barn that looked abandoned.
The wood on the outside was rotted and filled with gaping holes, the place looking like a light gust of wind could blow it away. They stopped and watched as the four men got out of the
vehicle and went inside. He noticed that all the windows were shut and blacked out. The door was sturdy, and there were holes in the walls for those inside to shoot out. That meant they probably had at least one guy on the lookout. It would be hard to sneak up on them. Especially since several large yard lights lit up the whole outside of the perimeter.
“Well, that’s not in our favor,” David grumbled like a teenager. “You could land a plane with those lights.”
“I agree, it’s going to be hard to get near the place.”
“Do you think this is the Crystal Meth lab?”
“It appears so to me, but I’m not sure how we can find out without being shot at.”
“Why don’t we just sit back and wait? If they’ve been cooking in there, the smell will eventually get to us.” He took David’s word for it, since he had spent two years with DEA. “Then we can arrest them as they leave.”
“Good idea. We don’t want to go shooting into that lab. It will blow sky high.” He grinned over at David. “Let’s wait them out.”
Suddenly, David sniffed and sat up straight. “Wait a minute. I can smell the acetone already.” He glanced over at Lucas. “That proves they were cooking before we, or Tully and his crew, showed up?”
He sniffed then nodded. “There’s no telling how many people are in the barn, but at least we now know exactly what they’re doing. There’s no guessing anymore.”
“But there’s only one car.”
“They probably dropped off the other guys last night.”
“That makes sense.” David glanced back at the barn. “What do we do now?”
“Like you said, we wait. Although we probably won’t have to wait long. Once they start loading the product we have them.”
A black SUV pulled into the yard and they ducked quickly. “I think that’s the vehicle that ran Kendall off the road,” he whispered.
He was surprised when Coons stepped out of the back of the vehicle and stood in the yard while his driver went inside.
“Do you think they’re loading it up now?”