Greed: An Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Book 1

by C. M. Sutter

“Not the way they’re being used, at least that’s what Grant told us when we visited him at Shooters earlier today.”

  Royce stared at Jack with his mouth half open. He had no words, but his stunned expression spoke volumes.

  “What’s wrong, Royce?” Kate asked as she leaned across the table. She gave Jack and me a nod. “It looks like every bit of color has drained from his face.”

  “Grant has already agreed to a plea bargain. It’s just a matter of time, and the rest of you will be in the slammer,” Jack said. “The first ones to step up will get the best deals. It looks like Grant is the smartest criminal so far.”

  “I need a lawyer.”

  “You sure? The clock is ticking, and the deals aren’t going to stay on the table for long. This is a short-term offer.”

  “What are you offering?”

  “A lighter sentence for the name of the man in charge. I’m sure you know what the prison sentence is for counterfeiting. That’s just one of the charges against you.”

  “Why didn’t Grant tell you everything?”

  Jack laughed. “Grant decided to work with us, moron, and he’ll be given immunity for his help. He’s given us plenty, but we need to hear admission of guilt from your own mouth. We only extended the immunity offer to one person, and Grant latched onto it right away. How do you think we got your name? There are others behind you that will get deals too. They just won’t be as attractive as the deal Grant got. First come, first served, you know? Tick tock, tick tock.”

  Royce buried his face in his open palms and groaned. “I have to think. They’re holding me for twenty-four hours. I’ll let you know my decision tomorrow.”

  “The offer ends at three p.m. After that, you’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law with the rest of your boys. Let’s go, ladies. Sleep well, Mr. Denning, if you can.”

  We left the police station at nine fifteen and headed north.

  I spoke up as Jack merged onto the freeway. “So, without even realizing it, Royce confirmed an association with Grant. He didn’t deny knowing his name.”

  Kate chuckled. “But Royce sure went pale when Jack mentioned it.”

  “So, we know Grant is involved just by following the MFG Incorporated trail. Sorry, Amber. He did seem like an upstanding guy, but his actions tell us otherwise. We’ll have to haul him in too. I’ll give Royce his twenty-four hours and see what becomes of that. If he doesn’t cooperate, he and Grant are getting arrested for counterfeiting and murder. That gun killed three people, and the fingerprints on it belonged to Juan Martinez. I doubt if it was a coincidence that his dead body was found shortly after that in the woods behind Shooters parking lot.”

  “But why would they want to attract attention to Grant when they’re all on the same team?” Kate asked.

  Jack scooted to the outside lane. Our exit was a few miles up the road. “That’s a question that may be answered once Grant is arrested. Maybe he’s the killer. Let’s call it a night when we get back to North Bend. Mitch and Mary can work with me tomorrow since the weekend is their normal schedule, anyway.”

  Chapter 59

  I wanted to wake up naturally for once—no cell phone alarm, no sun piercing a laser beam between the half-inch opening in my blackout curtains, and no cat clawing and hissing at my bedroom door. My eyes opened, and I stretched. Lying there without an agenda felt luxuriously sinful until I checked the time.

  “Seriously, it’s only seven o’clock. Why the hell am I awake?”

  I punched my pillow and closed my eyes again, but it was no use. Jade and I were exactly the same when it came to sleep—or the lack of it. Once our eyes opened, our brains clicked over to autopilot, and we were done. There would be no more sleep after that.

  I tossed the blankets aside and got up. I marched down the hallway, led by a cat who I nearly tripped over twice when he would stop abruptly to give me the evil eye and a hunched back. I was sure he thought his contempt was well deserved since he normally ate at six thirty.

  “You’re living in my world, mister. I’d check that attitude if I were you since you don’t look quite capable of pouring your own kibbles.”

  I heard Jade’s bedroom door open and close. She looked around when she cleared the hallway. “Who are you talking to?”

  Kate came out of the guest room and joined us. “Yeah, who are you talking to?”

  I perched my hand on my hip and gave Spaz the evil eye in return. “Mr. Hotshit, that’s who. Seriously, he’s developing a piss-poor attitude in his old age.” He glared at me and hissed. “See what I mean?”

  “Spaz is four years old, Amber,” Jade said as she started the coffee. “He’s far from old.”

  “Well, he behaves like an old fart and doesn’t appreciate anything.”

  Jade smiled. “I don’t think cats are known to be the appreciative sort.”

  “I think it’s high time he learned. He needs a serious attitude adjustment.”

  “Or a girlfriend,” Kate said.

  “Over my dead body. That’s not happening.” I opened the refrigerator and pulled out the carton of eggs.

  “Let me help you,” Kate said. “I have to start earning my keep. Speaking of which, I have to hire a moving truck. Good thing I’m on a month-to-month lease these days. I only have to give Mr. Myers a week’s notice. I’ll spruce up the basement later and move a few necessities over from my apartment.”

  “We’ll pitch in since none of us have to report for duty today. The three of us living together is going to be a riot, right, Amber?” Jade poured coffee into three cups. “Sis, I just asked you a question.” She carried her cup to the table and took a seat.

  I leaned against the breakfast bar as I held my phone in my right hand. “What? Sorry, I’m reading a weird text that came in at three in the morning.”

  Jade sighed. “I thought you were making breakfast.”

  “I’ll do it,” Kate said. “How do you like your eggs?”

  “Over medium, thanks. Who did you get a text from at that time of night?”

  “Grant.”

  “What the hell? You gave him your phone number? Let me see the message.” Jade waved me to the table and stuck out her hand. “Give it to me. He may be up to something.”

  “I didn’t actually give him my phone number, I gave him my card. I was drunk, okay?”

  “Whatever.” Jade’s brows furrowed as she read the message. “He wants to see you today because he needs to explain things? What does that even mean? It isn’t like you two are a couple.”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know any more about it than you do.”

  “Let’s eat breakfast and give it an hour or so, then we’ll call Jack and see what he suggests.”

  We waited on pins and needles until the clock chimed nine times. Since it was Sunday, we knew Jack was heading into the office, but we weren’t sure when.

  “Can we call him now?” I asked as I stared at the text message for the hundredth time.

  “Yeah, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what Grant wants to say to you. I doubt if he realizes he’s under suspicion, but he certainly doesn’t intend to squeal himself out, does he? That would be so stupid on his part.” Jade tipped her chin. “Go ahead, call Jack.”

  I tapped Jack’s name from my contact list and held the phone to my ear. He picked up right away.

  “Hey, Amber, why are you calling me on your well-deserved day off?”

  “I got a weird text from Grant in the middle of the night. He wants to meet with me today.”

  “What the hell for?”

  “Jeez, you sound just like Jade.”

  Jack laughed. “We were partners, you know. What time does he want to meet with you?”

  “The message says at noon but not at Shooters. He’s taking a few hours off and wants to meet at Regner Park.”

  “How did he get your cell number?”

  “Off my card. Was it wrong of me to give that to him?”

  “Nah, it’s okay. I’m wondering
what his angle is, though.”

  “Maybe there’s somebody in this world who actually thinks I’m cool.”

  “Doubt it.” Jack laughed again. “Seriously, meeting up with him isn’t the worst idea. I doubt if he knows we’re on to him. Can you come in and let me see that text?”

  “Yeah, sure. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

  “Thanks, Amber.”

  I clicked off and chugged my coffee. “Jack wants to see the text.”

  “Good, let’s go.” Jade rose and headed down the hallway with Kate on her heels.

  “We’re all going?” I followed Kate.

  Jade waved me off as she entered her bedroom. “Yeah, so brush your teeth and get dressed.”

  A half hour later, we exited my parked Prius and headed for the double glass doors of the sheriff’s office. I punched in the security code and entered the bull pen. Jack looked up from his desk and shook his head. He rose and walked out.

  “Really? It takes the Three Stooges to show me a text?”

  Mitch and Mary chuckled from their desks.

  I looked over my shoulder at Kate and Jade taking up the rear. “Sorry, it’s in our blood.”

  “Whatever. I’m sure before long, Kate will change her last name to Monroe too. Okay, let’s see that text.”

  I pulled out my phone from my purse and handed it to Jack. He sat in my guest chair and read the text.

  “What in the heck does he want to explain, and why would he feel the need to?”

  “That’s the million-dollar question,” Kate said.

  “Did anyone check out this phone number?”

  Jade spoke up. “I did, and it’s a burner.”

  Jack rubbed his chin. “Why am I not surprised?”

  “Maybe he’s feeling remorse for being part of a crime ring and he’s going to confess his transgressions,” I said.

  “He can do that with a priest. I have a gut feeling he’s up to something.” Jack gave me a questioning glance. “Have you responded yet?”

  “Nope, I wanted your input first.”

  “We don’t have anyone who has admitted guilt or an affiliation with the counterfeiting operation. Who knows what Royce is going to do? He may have already contacted an attorney. You’re going to meet with Grant all right, and you’ll be wearing a wire. Send him a return text that you’ll meet him in the park at noon.”

  Chapter 60

  “Have you heard back from the deputy yet?” McKinley filled his cup from the silver-plated coffee pot that sat on the library table.

  Frank smirked as he pulled out his cell from his pocket. “It’s about time. She finally answered the text. She’s agreed to meet Grant in the park at noon.”

  “Good. You know the drill. You removed all of the counterfeit money from the club after closing last night and replaced it with real currency, right?”

  “I did. Grant can go ahead and act the fool if he wants, but if the law comes calling and conducts a search of Shooters, there won’t be anything illegal to find and nothing that connects Grant to us.”

  “And you’ve changed all of the account numbers and removed his name from everything that links to MFG or SOG? There aren’t any threads left behind connecting him to us?”

  “Not anymore.” Frank rose from the upholstered wingback chair and poured coffee into a porcelain cup.

  “Then it’s time I make the call to him before he opens Shooters for the day and realizes something is amiss.” McKinley tipped his wrist and checked the time—10:06 a.m. “Yes, he needs to head here now. Once he arrives, you’ll take the 4Runner back to North Bend and assume his identity for an hour or so. The deputy will never know the difference. As of now, the only thing that stands in our way of continuing a successful enterprise is your brother. Once he’s taken care of, life will go on as it has for the last thirty years. We’ll hire somebody else to manage Shooters as a legitimate bar and restaurant—no funny money. Thanks to Grant’s marketing expertise and design style, that club will be a legal cash cow.”

  “Shouldn’t you make that call, Pop?”

  “Yes, I guess I got sidetracked.” McKinley lifted his cell phone from the end table and made the call. Grant picked up within seconds.

  “What do you want, old man?”

  “You should be nicer to me, Grant. I am your father.”

  “Like I said, what do you want? I have a business to run.”

  “That’s why I’m calling. I gave your request a lot of thought. Actually I was up all night considering the options. I’ve decided to let you go. You no longer have to be involved in this enterprise if that’s what you really want.”

  “You’re kidding, right? Just like that? What’s the catch?”

  “No catch. I want my sons to be happy. I even had paperwork drawn up, and my attorney is on his way here to witness and notarize it. That means you have to come to the house now.”

  “But—”

  “Take the offer, Grant, before I change my mind. Have Donny open the club in your place. You’ll be back at Shooters shortly after the lunch hour.”

  “You have no idea what this means to me, Pop. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Then you’re on your way?”

  “Yes, I’m leaving now.”

  McKinley clicked off the call and raised a brow at Frank. “He fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. Now, what have our contacts suggested to distract the fine men and women at the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office?”

  “Dex Porter and LeRoy Sharp are on their way with several syringes of heroin. One will be for the deputy, and the other will remain in Grant’s vehicle. They know the area where the sellers and buyers hang out on the near north side. Leaving one syringe in the 4Runner will create that diversion you wanted, and the sheriff’s department will be searching the entire county for Grant as the person who overdosed Deputy Monroe.”

  “Perfect.” McKinley looked at his watch one more time. “Grant should be here in fifteen minutes. Hide your car in the garage and then find Marco. Have him make sure that room in the cellar is set up for Grant. My youngest son will never see the light of day again.”

  Frank’s phone rang, and he looked at the screen. “Dex is here. I’ll run out, grab the syringes, and send him on his way.”

  Fifteen minutes later, and back in the house, Frank watched out the window that overlooked the driveway. He saw the 4Runner turn in. “Grant is here, Pop, and it isn’t even eleven o’clock yet.”

  “He must be excited to move on with his life. Too bad he has no idea that his move will only take him as far as the cellar.” McKinley jerked his head at Marco. “Stay in the shadows. I’ll give you a signal when it’s time.”

  “Yes, Mr. Moore.”

  “Frank, you need to stay out of sight too. It won’t take long for Grant to become suspicious when he doesn’t see my lawyer. Hand me a stack of paperwork. I’ll say the attorney has been delayed. When I cover my mouth and cough, both of you come in from behind and subdue him. Got it?”

  “Don’t worry, Pop. It’ll go exactly as planned.”

  The front door opened and closed. McKinley had only a few seconds before he’d be face-to-face with Grant. He ushered Frank and Marco out of the room.

  “Pop?”

  “I’m at my desk in the library, Grant.”

  “I thought your attorney would be here already.” Grant entered the library and approached McKinley.

  “He was delayed, but he’s on his way. Have a seat, Grant. Feel free to look over the paperwork while we wait. Would you like some coffee?”

  “Yeah, sure.” Grant sat in one of the two leather-tufted chairs that faced the desk then reached for the paperwork.

  McKinley rose from the desk and coughed into his hand.

  In five strides, Marco and Frank were at Grant’s back. Marco’s oversized hand covered Grant’s nose and mouth before he had a chance to defend himself. Frank pinned his brother’s flailing arms at his sides. Grant lurched and struggled to catch a breath, but with Marco’s
firm hold on him, he didn’t have a chance.

  McKinley leaned in and stared into Grant’s wild eyes. “That will teach you to betray your family. Nobody questions my actions, and nobody makes nice with cops. Say good night, son.”

  Seconds later, Grant passed out.

  “Take everything out of his pockets and carry him to the cellar before he wakes up. Toss him on the bed and lock the door behind you. Frank, you and Marco need to leave for North Bend right now. Do you have the syringes?”

  Frank patted his side. “Safe and sound in my jacket pocket.” He grabbed Grant’s phone and wallet then took the keys for the 4Runner and left. He yelled back before closing the door behind him. “We’ll make sure the deputy has the high of her life. I’ll call you when it’s done.”

  Chapter 61

  “It’s almost time for you to go, Amber. Has Grant texted you where to meet him in the park?” Jack asked.

  I double-checked my messages then looked at the clock. “Not yet.”

  Jade stuck out her hand and had me swap out my earrings for the sophisticated listening and camera devices we now used.

  “How do they feel?”

  “Like earrings.”

  “Good. Kate, turn my laptop toward us. Let’s see how everything looks.”

  Kate spun the laptop around, and a perfect view of Jade and me showed up on the screen. Our images and voices were crystal clear.

  “How much range do I have?”

  “You’re good for at least a few miles. We won’t be far away, and if we can keep our eyes on you without raising suspicion, we will,” Jack said. “Don’t forget, Grant has met every one of us, even Mitch and Mary. We have to keep a safe distance back.”

  My phone vibrated. “That has to be him.” I reached across my desk and grabbed it. “Yep, he just texted me.” I clicked on the text icon and read it. “He wants me to meet him at the pavilion by the swimming lake.”

  Jack jerked his head at Mitch and Mary. “Head out now and plant yourself on a park bench with a good view of that building and lake. Not too close, though. Grab a couple of hats on your way out and take your radios. No cruisers today, only personal cars.”