Cold Justice

by Rick Polad

  He answered on the third ring. He was glad to hear from me.

  “I was going to call you and suggest dinner and lively conversation,” he said.

  “And maybe turn that conversation to a certain Joey Mineo?” A good portion of Joey’s eighteen arrests with no convictions had been Larry’s. He would love to see Joey in jail, but I knew Ben would have liked to have been the one who put him there.

  “Maybe. You never know where a few beers will lead. But you called me.”

  “Yeah. I need backgrounds on four guys who work for Joey. Can you still help?”

  When Ben worked for the state, he had access to every record the state had and was willing to share.

  “I can, but it’ll cost you.”

  “If it’s still dinner at McGoon’s, we’re good.”

  “How’s tonight at six?”

  “Great, but make it seven.”

  “Bring the names with you. I’ll start the ball rolling tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Ben. One more thing.” I told him the story about the dog. “I want to get a look at permit records. I’m hoping you have a name that can get me through red tape.”

  “You’ve been hired on one of the biggest cases of the decade, and you’re worried about a dog?”

  “I have a boy and a dog he loves and a lady who mistreats the dog and appears to be working the system. If I had to choose between the dog and Joey, I’d take the dog.”

  Ben laughed. “I know you would. I would too.”

  “No, you wouldn’t.”

  “Okay, no, I wouldn’t.” He laughed again. “Give me a minute.”

  I listened to background jazz as I waited. John Coltrane.

  “Ready?”

  “Shoot.”

  “Mooneen Gossett.” He gave me a number. “Drop my name. She’ll save you a trip downtown.”

  “Great. Thanks. See you at seven.”

  “Yup.”

  Carol leaned into the doorway when I had hung up. “Three of your four people are coming at two. I got a disconnect message for Ralph.”

  “Okay, thanks, Carol. I’ll get you another number.”

  Under Ralph’s name in my address book was a number for the pool hall where he spent most of his time. I left a message for him to call Carol.

  Without Ralph I’d have to take one of the four ice cream boys, probably Danny Primo—he had never seen me. I had other people I had used, but after these four the quality went down, and I wanted the best for this job.

  I called the number for Mooneen and was told she was in a meeting and wouldn’t be available until after lunch. I said I’d call back. The city ran on meetings. I had a feeling it would run far better without them.

  Along with the phone, Larry had given me the name of a mechanic who would install it in the car for a fee, and that’s what I did with the rest of my morning. For fifty bucks I had a phone in my car that would charge while I was driving and that I could carry around with me—once I got a wagon. I headed back to the office and called Carol from the car to ask what she wanted for lunch. When I told her I was calling from the car, she said I shouldn’t be talking and driving at the same time. She questioned the safety of the concept. I told her it wasn’t going to matter much… this was a fad that wouldn’t catch on.

  ***

  I called Mooneen at one minute after one. She answered. I explained who I was, who gave me her name, and what I was looking for. She said she’d put me on hold and be back in a few minutes. It was twelve.

  “Mister Manning?”

  “Still here.”

  “Sorry that took so long. Our records are not easily accessible. I found the application for Nancy Knox, but there’s something odd about it.”

  Odd was good. I didn’t want this to be a case of an upstanding citizen who did everything right.

  “What’s that?”

  “Well, under the reason for wanting the license for a guide dog it just says ‘health reasons.’”

  “Why is that odd?”

  “Because it’s usually not that vague. It will say blind, or wheelchair… something like that.”

  “Do you have a guess why it’s vague?”

  “I do.”

  I took a deep breath. Technically she had answered my question, but she knew I wanted her guess.

  “And what would that guess be, Mrs. Gossett?”

  “It’s Miss, and I can’t say. But since you’re a friend of Ben’s, if you’d be willing to meet for lunch…”

  Ah, the hand was out. “Sure, how about tomorrow?”

  “That would be fine. Do you know Spiro’s deli? A block up from city hall?”

  “No. But I’ll find it. Noon?”

  “A little after. Let’s meet in the back booth. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  I wondered what the mystery was and why she was hesitant to talk on the phone. Maybe the ‘Miss’ had something to do with it. I’d have to ask Ben more about Mooneen.

  ***

  I jotted some notes about Joey and wrote down the names of the operatives. Next to their names I wrote who I wanted to pair them with and some notes and a description of their subject. I decided to assign Jimmy, the soda jerk, to Morrie, and Marty, the accountant, to Paul. That left Danny and Moose and an easy decision who to give to Rebecca. Danny had never seen me so Rebecca got Moose. Helene, one of the most interesting ladies I knew, and Chester completed the team. Both of them were in their eighties. I used them for easy surveillance jobs that didn’t require moving around. This job was perfect. I needed someone to watch the parlor during the day and the house at night. Chester had been a night watchman and had never gotten used to sleeping at night.

  There was a Chinese restaurant across the street from the parlor where Helene could spend the day—Chin’s, and there was a small parking lot on the side where we could park. I had already cleared it with the owner. He was skeptical at first, but fifty dollars a day and a paying customer for lunch convinced him. I also told him we’d use the restaurant for lunch meetings at least once a week. That would work out perfectly. We could meet without a break in surveillance. I had already asked Carol to call Larry and arrange for phones for everyone but Helene.

  They had all arrived by ten after two. Chester wore a plain brown tie with his white shirt and plain brown suit. The shade of brown in the tie changed, but I had never seen him in anything different. I wouldn’t be caught dead in a tie and had included that in my will. If I found out I had been laid out with a tie on, God help someone.

  While Carol served coffee I filled them in and assigned them a person. I told them everything I knew, which wasn’t much, ending with my belief that Joey had been framed.

  Paul sat up straight in his chair and stretched. “So you’re betting it’s one of these four?”

  “No bets yet. Hoping.”

  “Yup. Betrayal starts at home. But what’s with all these guys living in the same house and no wives?”

  “Well, only two them. Free rent?”

  “You have photos?” asked Rebecca.

  “Not yet, but I’ll get them today. I’m going to park outside the ice cream shop and get some shots of them as they leave. Stop by here tomorrow after noon and get them from Carol. The parlor closes at five. You can pick up your guy then. I’ve only been at the parlor a handful of times, but all three are there from ten to five. They never leave. I’ll also get backgrounds.”

  “How about lunch?” Paul asked.

  “I was there yesterday. Lunch was delivered. But we’ll set up a schedule. One of you will always be at the parlor in case someone leaves. Helene will be across the street in the Chinese restaurant and will call in a backup if that happens. Chester will watch the mansion from five to midnight. So surveillance of Mike and Danny ends at five. But be available if you’re needed.”

  Morrie raised his hand. I usually used only one operative on a case. But when I had used two or three Morrie was always very polite.

  “Morrie, I’ve told
you you don’t have to raise your hand.”

  He shrugged. “I can’t help it. It was the nuns.”

  I smiled. “And?”

  “So these four schmoes are his whole crew?”

  I knew where he was going. It was the question of the decade.

  “As far as I know.”

  He nodded and after ten seconds asked, “You don’t know nuthin’ about a bodyguard?”

  “Just the rumors.”

  “Seems strange… a high-end crime guy with no bodyguard.”

  “It does. But people have watched Joey, including me. No one anywhere near him.”

  “I’ve heard the rumors,” said Morrie. “Just plain strange.”

  “I have a theory,” I said. “Joey is one cheap bastard. If people think he has the best bodyguard on the planet, he’s covered, and it costs him nothing. Back to the plan. This is no different from the usual tail job—photos, times, who they meet, where they go, what they do. Timesheets and expenses to Carol at the end of the week. Let’s meet back here at two on Friday. Any questions?”

  “Usual pay?” asked Paul.

  “Ah, glad you asked. No. Double pay. Joey parted with some serious cash.”

  No one complained.

  “Oh, one more thing. Carol will be your contact, as usual. But I now have a phone in my car, so she can get ahold of me quickly if something happens. Let me know about even the smallest thing.”

  Morrie smiled. “Phone in your car. What’ll be next? Phones in your pocket?”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Hardly,” I said. “The one in my car barely fits in the car. It’s the size of a shoebox. I’m getting phones for all of you… except Helene. They’ll be portable, and you can charge them at home or plug them into your cigarette lighter.”

  We all chatted for a few minutes before they got their coats. I sat on the edge of Carol’s desk as they left.

  “Interesting group,” Carol said.

  “They are that. Put a meeting here at two on Friday on the calendar. And would you please set up an appointment for me? I’d like to see Larry Maggio Friday morning. If he’s available around ten that would be perfect. And lunch Thursday.”

  “Okay, I’ll call. Who are you having lunch with?”

  I told her about Mooneen.

  “Thanks for looking into that, Spencer. Billy is heartbroken about the dog. He worries about him.”

  “I do too,” I said. “Something wrong there. I don’t like the impression you got of that woman.”

  “Nope, she was a mean one.”

  I gave her a brief rundown of the plan for the operatives. She knew the drill.

  I stayed at the office thinking about the case, making notes, and listening to WGN on the radio. A few minutes before three, one of the reporters broke in with the news that a judge had ruled no bail for Joey. That surprised me. I figured Joey’s money and the lawyers it bought would get him out. I figured the amount would be high, but I had figured he would be out. Ten minutes later the phone rang.

  “Spencer, it’s a Mr. O’Brien. Says he’s Mr. Mineo’s attorney.”

  “Thanks, Carol.”

  “Spencer Manning,” I answered.

  “Hello, Mr. Manning. Terry O’Brien, Mr. Mineo’s attorney.”

  Well, he was one of Mr. Mineo’s attorneys. And not the lead one, whose name I didn’t remember.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. O’Brien?”

  “Mr. Mineo is wondering what progress you’re making.”

  I sighed silently. Not much patience on Joey’s part, but I guess if I was staring at bars in a baggy orange suit I’d have little patience too.

  “Given that I only got the case yesterday, there’s not much to report.”

  “I understand that. But Mr. Mineo may not. We need to tell him something. He’d like to see you.”

  I thought of several things to tell him but kept them to myself. “Tell him I’ve hired operatives who are looking into some people of interest.”

  “What people of interest?”

  “That’s all I’ve got, counselor. When I have more, I’ll let you know.”

  “I understand.” He gave me his direct line.

  “While you’re on the line,” I said, “I just heard the judge disallowed bail. I’m surprised.”

  “We are also. We’re working on it.”

  “I bet. But jail may be the best place for him if you believe someone is out to get him.”

  “And jail may be the worst place for him if you believe someone is out to get him.”

  “Good point. I wonder which is correct,” I said.

  “Let’s hope for the first since that’s what we’re stuck with for the moment.”

  “Let’s hope. Please keep me informed, counselor.”

  “I will.”

  I got my coat and said goodbye to Carol.

  “What was that about?” she asked.

  “Joey is wondering why I haven’t solved the case yet.”

  “How impatient. Does he expect miracles?”

  I laughed. “He hopes for one. I would guess that living in a cell raises the impatience bar.”

  “I guess. Mr. Maggio isn’t available at ten. He can do eleven.”

  I nodded.

  “Okay. I’ll call and comfirm.”

  “Thanks, Carol.”

  “Are you coming back today?”

  “Nope. Going to get photos of the Joey gang and then dinner with Ben.”

  “Good luck. Hi to Ben.”

  “See you tomorrow, Carol. Tell Billy I’m on the case.”

  She smiled. “I will. That’ll make him happy.”

  ***

  I parked across from the ice cream parlor at four. I had driven by slowly and saw Jimmy behind the counter and Moose in his usual chair in the corner. I assumed Marty was in the office and Danny would show up sometime before five to chauffeur them home. There were two women sitting at a table with a kid and a man and woman sitting at the counter. I couldn’t see any of their faces. At 4:50 a black Lincoln pulled into the spot in front of the parlor next to a fire hydrant. Joey evidently had his own personal spot. Nice of the city to put a hydrant there. The Lincoln was driven by a young kid whom I assumed was Danny. I took his picture.

  Shortly after he squeezed into the space, the customers started to leave. More pictures. The last one out was my lady at the counter whom I had first seen when I was working the Riverview case. She was wearing a coat but had no gloves or hat. Her hair was black and straight, bobbed right at jaw level. As she was waiting for traffic I got some good photos. As she stood at the curb, she looked directly at me for a few seconds, but her expression didn’t change from a deadpan stare. When the light turned red and traffic stopped, she crossed and went into the three-story building across the street that had apartments above storefronts. A grocery was directly across the street. To the left was a laundromat and to the right the Chinese restaurant, Chin’s. I watched the building, and a minute later a light came on in a second-floor window above the grocery store. It was the same window with the curtain that had fluttered without a breeze.

  ***

  I dropped the film off at a photo shop and was on my second Guinness at the bar in McGoon’s when Ben showed up.

  “Sorry I’m late.” He caught the bartender’s eye and pointed at my glass. “You’d think having lived here my whole life I’d be used to the cold, but every winter is just as bad.”

  “Nothing keeping you here.”

  “Nothing but what’s keeping me here.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “No clue.”

  We both laughed. When his beer arrived the hostess showed us to a table.

  “Well, this turned into an interesting day. Makes me wish I hadn’t retired.”

  “I bet.” I knew Joey was a prize that Ben would love to have. “Breck seems to be sure of herself.”

  “She’s good, Spencer. And she doesn’t go out on limbs.”

  The waiter arrived and we both ord
ered steaks.

  After a long drink, I said, “Joey’s good too. Often arrested, never convicted.”

  “Thanks for reminding me. Did you talk to him?”

  “Yup. If it helps you any, he’s miserable. Can’t understand why he’s not out on bail. I thought it would be high, but I thought he’d get bail. You have any thoughts on that?”

  “Nope. Just a judge who isn’t in somebody’s pocket. Probably get overturned.”

  “I don’t think it matters. Joey’s not going anywhere.”

  “Agreed. But I’ll sleep better tonight knowing he’s behind bars for even a few days.”

  I grabbed a roll. “You think he did it?”

  Ben laughed. “That’s the ironic part of this. There were many cases that he should’ve done time for. Open and shut. So I’d sure like to see some justice. But this isn’t Joey. He didn’t do this.”

  “Everyone I’ve talked to agrees.”

  “Which is where you come in. Given his history, how do you feel about getting him off?”

  “Jury’s out. Lotsa mixed feelings. Justice would be nice, but I don’t know if it counts as justice if you get convicted for doing something you didn’t do to make up for all the things you did.”

  “That’ll keep you up at night,” he said as he raised his glass.

  “It didn’t keep me up last night. Don’t think I’ll let it tonight either.”

  We chatted about the case over steak and potatoes. I told him what I knew about Joey’s crew and explained my surveillance plan. Ben had used all three people and agreed they were the best. I told him I hadn’t heard from Ralph and asked if he could recommend a fourth. I needed to be doing things other than tailing Danny.

  “Only one,” he said as he pulled the last piece of meat through the juice.

  “Who?”

  “Me.”