Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel

by Joe Broadmeadow

  The land remained unused.

  During the intervening years, the City never moved to annex the property. Under the terms of the right of way deed, if the City abandoned the property it would nullify the right of way. It would then revert to the original owner. Vera Johnson inherited the property from her father and her son ran his own boat storage business there. They paid taxes on the property, which included the long forgotten right of way.

  Johnson now owned the property that stood directly in the path of the access road to the waterfront development project.

  The phone rang on Wilson's desk. "Yes? Hmm, as we suspected. Remind me to keep a closer eye on our friend the Captain there. Thank you Chief. What?" listening for a moment, "Of course, I'll give the Lieutenant the message," hanging up the phone. "The Chief said the line activity is up. I suppose that means something to you?"

  Josh leaned forward, arms extended, palms up, "It means it is already working."

  Wilson walked from the desk and poured himself more coffee. "Brennan also said Captain Charland just hosted an impromptu meeting of politicians. The coup d’état has begun. Just as you said it would, Lieutenant."

  Josh pointed at the City Manager. "Like Brennan always says, keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and everyone under surveillance."

  Chapter 28

  "What does that mean?" the Russian accented voice asked.

  "It means a minor delay. It is a minor issue. We will negotiate a more than generous price and continue with the project," Sorin answered.

  There was a delay in the response. "Fix this," the angered tone rising, "or we will fix it our way. Understood, Mr. Sorin?"

  "Of course, I will take care of it."

  "Mr. Sorin, it has been some time since you've been in Russia, no?"

  Sorin did not respond.

  "If you fail us, you will be seeing the motherland again. However, it will not be a pleasant trip for you, or your entire family. I hope, for their sake and yours, you do understand."

  The call ended.

  Sorin walked down to the Senator's office. Entering without knocking, he announced, "We need to talk. Now."

  The Senator, looking up from his desk, saw the fear in Sorin's eyes. "What is it now, Anthony?"

  "Not here, we need to go for a ride."

  The surveillance team watched as the two men left the building, heading towards the Senator's car. As the two men arrived at the vehicle, the preemptive idea Josh had paid off.

  Collucci got on his cell, made a quick call, and then walked to Sorin's vehicle. The flat tire on the Senator's car served its purpose.

  Getting a Court-ordered electronic surveillance warrant for a Senator's aide was one thing. Getting an order for a United States Senator was near impossible and dangerous. No telling what hidden ambitions sat on the bench of the United States District Court of Rhode Island.

  "Senator, there is an issue with certain rights of way which pose a problem to the project moving forward."

  "Anthony, this is important to many, many people. What is the issue?" Collucci replied, keeping his plausible deniability options wide open.

  "There is a small parcel of land blocking the development. It is an overlooked right of way abandoned by the City of East Providence. The project backers want this matter resolved. They have emphasized the urgency behind the timetable. They are adamant in this."

  "Well then, find the owner and negotiate. Make it irresistible for them to sell. If that fails, we can approach the City for an Eminent Domain proceeding."

  Sorin thought for a moment. "Senator, you're missing the point. Why is it this problem surfacing now? Think, Robert. This is not a coincidence. I think we have a bigger problem. I may regret my association with Jennifer, but she is not a stupid woman. She either held back the info as leverage or…." Sorin watched to see if the Senator caught on.

  "Or somebody created this problem," Collucci said. "Williams. Damn him. He used his contacts within the city to falsify the records."

  "I suspect as much," Sorin said. "We may have to resort to more direct measures to deal with this."

  Collucci looked out the window. "Talk to your ex-wife. Let them know, we know. Then find a way to fix it."

  After driving around Providence during the conversation, Sorin dropped off Collucci. He then headed towards the East side of Providence.

  * * *

  "Delta 1, Delta 5," the surveillance team leader radioed. "Subject headed your way, they bought the story. Sort of."

  "Delta 5, got it. We are waiting for him with eyes and ears on the office," Josh replied.

  Josh radioed to his other team members, "Okay, boys and girls. Sorin is on his way. Time for some fun.” Tommy jumped out of the car and headed inside.

  He fumbled with the tie as he walked into Jennifer's office, uncomfortable in the suit.

  Jennifer came over and straightened his tie. "You look fine, stop fidgeting. You're making me nervous."

  "Sorry, not used to wearing one of these, I try to avoid them."

  "So, did you tell Williams?"

  Tommy looked at Jennifer, "He knows we went to school together, went out a few times. That's it. He doesn't need to know anything else."

  Jennifer frowned, "This will come out, Tommy. They will find out you are a cop. They'll do anything they can to make you look bad. You need to let Lieutenant Williams know the whole story."

  "There's nothing else to say," Tommy argued. "It was a long time ago. Past history. What can they do with it? Besides, how is he gonna find out I'm a cop? This will never come out."

  "He will find out, Tommy, “Jen said. “ I know him all too well. He will stop at nothing. Anthony did not get to where he is by leaving loose ends. Once they find out you are a cop, they look into your background. They will do anything to discredit you. If they can't find something, they'll create it."

  "Williams won't care. He knows me, trusts me. It won't make any difference," Tommy answered, turning away.

  "Tommy," Jennifer pleaded, "Put yourself in his place. What would you think? We were engaged, Tommy. That's more than a casual romance. I never thought any of this would come out and look where I am. When this is over, I'll either be dead or in jail."

  Tommy spun around, "You're not going to jail and nobody, I mean nobody, is going to get near you or Kelsey. Understand?"

  Tommy's cell chirped. Looking at the display he smiled, "Sorin's almost here. Show time."

  Tommy went to the desk, turned on and checked the concealed cameras and microphones. Jennifer went to her desk and brought up an Excel spreadsheet with property listings. Business as usual

  "Delta 5, just coming down Waterman," Josh radioed.

  "Delta 1, got him. Delta 5 continue over the Henderson and go grab another car."

  "Delta 5, Delta 1, Where the hell am I supposed to get another car, this is East Providence not some goddamn TV show," Josh laughed.

  "Delta 1 Delta 5, go to your back lot, I had some extra vehicles brought over," Zach Kennedy replied. "I knew you poor locals wouldn't have any spares."

  "Can we keep 'em when this is over?" Josh asked.

  "No, and I have a list to verify I get them all back, Delta 1 out."

  Josh headed back to the PD. Nice working with the Feds sometimes; hope one is a convertible….

  Sorin pulled into the back lot.

  "Delta 3, subject entering the back door."

  "Just how you troopers like it," Josh radioed as he drove back to the surveillance operation. "Reminds you of sleeping in the barracks, doesn't it?"

  "Delta 3, Delta 5 remind me of that in person, smart-ass," Donahue answered.

  The sound of a wet kiss came over the radio.

  "Delta 1, could we be serious for just a few minutes?" Kennedy asked.

  "Where's the fun in that?" Josh answered.

  "Delta 2, video and audio is up. Live from inside, Sorin just walked into the office."

  Anthony Sorin walked into Jennifer's office and eyed Tommy. Jennifer c
ame around her desk, "Anthony, I didn't expect you. This is Tom Meadows, he and I have formed a new partnership. We're looking into abandoned properties with historical tax credits available. There is great market potential."

  Tommy, aka Tom Meadows, stood and shook Sorin's hand. "Nice to meet you, Anthony."

  Sorin returned the handshake, "Yes, well it is my pleasure. Jennifer, can we discuss our current project? A small issue has been brought to my attention," glancing back at Tommy.

  "Of course. Tom is up to speed on the project in East Providence. He was most helpful in furthering many of the property acquisitions there," Jennifer answered.

  "Really?" his eyebrows arched, "Why is it this is the first I've heard of Mr., ah, Meadows is it? Or his contribution," watching Jennifer, his eyes narrowing.

  Jennifer looked at Sorin, "We agreed I would have full control on this end. I found Tom's experience with these matters most helpful. We have worked on other projects together. I decided to take advantage of those skills. I recently convinced him to join my firm. There was no need for me to clear it with you," staring Sorin down. "What is this new issue? I am sure we," nodding at Tommy, "can deal with it."

  This seemed to placate Sorin. He took a seat, withdrew a file from his briefcase, and placed it on her desk.

  "There is a small piece of property, overlooked in your original work, which requires your attention." He pointed to the file. "I find it troubling you missed this. Seems odd this problem arises now. How did that happen, Jennifer?"

  Jennifer took the file, looked it over, and pushed it back to Sorin. "These are old files we are dealing with. The process of digitizing the files is not 100% accurate. It may be simple as that."

  Sorin looked at Jennifer, then at Tommy. "What do you say, Mr. Meadows? Do you think this is just an oversight? Dissuade me from my feeling this is incompetence by this company of yours."

  Tommy walked over and looked through the file. "A deeded right of way for a narrow piece of property dating from the 1950s, not surprising it didn’t show up in a title search. Most of the property involved here sat undeveloped for years. There was no reason for anyone to notice the error. Once we contact the owner, I have no doubt we can arrange a sale and transfer."

  "That's your problem," Sorin answered, closing his briefcase. "If you and your partner here are as good as you claim, I trust you'll resolve this quickly," rising from his seat. "I hope you appreciate the urgency in this. The investors have many options available to them. You wouldn't want to miss out on the contract bonuses," opening the door, turning back to look at the two. "Or face the consequences." Nodding his head, "Mr. Meadows," and left the office.

  Tommy waited a moment to insure Sorin was out of earshot, "Well, he seems pleasant enough. I can see why you married him," turning off the surveillance cameras.

  Jennifer shot him a glare as she turned to the computer.

  "Remember, we swept the place for bugs, it's safe to talk, but I would bet they track your email and online activity."

  "Okay then," Jennifer answered. "Let me give them something to look at," returning her attention to the computer.

  Leaving her to her research, Tommy called Josh on the cell. "So where is our friend now?"

  "He's sitting in his car, parked across the street. My guess is he's going to see if you go anywhere, or if someone shows up here."

  "Okay," Tommy said, "Jen is going through the motions of researching the property online. We'll do that for a bit, then head to East Providence City Hall."

  "Okay, cool. I'll let you know if Sorin moves or gets company," ending the call.

  * * *

  Sorin sat in his vehicle and considered this unexpected personnel addition and the land issues. He lived by the Russian expression, Doveryai, no Proveryai. Trust, but Verify. Reaching for his cell phone, he called a number. "I need you to do some research for me. A Tom or Thomas Meadows, about thirty, thirty-two or so, from Rhode Island I would guess. Find out everything for me and do it right away," ending the connection.

  "Delta 1, subject just called the main trunk line number at the office building. Looking to find out about our undercover guy. It would seem we have another associate in the building. I'll call the AUSA in Providence. We need to get up on that phone ASAP," Kennedy said.

  A few moments later Kennedy radioed, "Delta 1, US Attorney's office is working on it. Delta 3, do you think one of you could reach out to the retired trooper at Cox and get a quick look at any outbound calls from that number today?"

  "Delta 3, I'm on it. I'll call Danny right now," Donahue said.

  * * *

  As soon as Sorin left the office, Jennifer was on the computer going through the motions of discovering what they already knew. She made a production out of tracing the incorrect addresses and information relating to the right of way. Printing out all the documents and storing them on her backup system. She now had no doubt Sorin monitored all the office activity. She hoped her activities cemented the story in his mind.

  "Okay, now what?" she asked.

  "We take a ride to City Hall and get copies of the original deed, tax payments. Make a big production out of it."

  "Cool, I'll get my jacket."

  As they walked to the car, Tommy spotted Sorin parked across the street. Not too good at surveillance are you, Ivan? You Russian prick.

  "Our friend is watching us," he told Jennifer as he opened the door to the car for her.

  She started to look. He touched her shoulder, "No, no we're just a couple of dumb property managers, remember? Just act normal."

  Once they were both in the car Jennifer said, "Anthony never did that."

  "Did what?"

  "Never opened a car door for me. It's nice of you. I miss that," Jen answered.

  "Oh that," Tommy chuckled. "Force of habit. My grandparents raised me after my mother and father died. My grandfather was a bit of a traditionalist. He drilled those habits into me. To this day, I cannot sit if there is a woman standing. Just can't do it."

  Jennifer's eyes grew wide, "I never knew about your parents. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

  A sad smile crossed Tommy's face. "By the time I got to college, both of my parents and grandparents were dead as well. There wasn't any point. It wasn't something I talked about to anyone."

  Jennifer smiled and took his hand, "You are a man of mystery, Mr. Moore. I always wondered why you never talked about your family."

  As Tommy drove out of the parking lot, Jen glanced towards Sorin. She felt her heart begin to race and a tightness in her chest. This nightmare was real now. Still holding Tommy's hand, she said, "You sure nobody will get to Kelsey, right?"

  Tommy felt the warmth, and tension, in her hand. "I'm sure," yet unsure why he let his hand linger in hers. He was certain Sorin was watching them, taking it in, as they spoke.

  An hour or so later, as they left City Hall with the necessary documents, Tommy called Josh. "Hey, LT, where's our friend now?"

  "He followed you to City Hall then went back to his office," Josh answered. "He made a shit load of calls so we have plenty of new things to work on."

  "Great, I'll take Jen back to the office. Want me to come in?"

  "No, let's stick to the script. Go to the office and pretend to work, which shouldn't be hard for you, then go to the undercover apartment. You're gonna have to stay undercover for the next few days, until this breaks."

  "Well then, we property managers like to unwind with a cocktail and dinner after a long day. I will be exercising the undercover business credit card provided by the FBI."

  Josh laughed, "You do that, just don't do too much damage to the national debt."

  Tommy hung up and looked at Jennifer. "Want to go to dinner and drinks on the government? Get some of your tax dollars back?"

  Jennifer looked confused.

  "Part of our cover, remember?"

  "Oh sure, of course. Let me call my father and check in with him. He and my daughter should be at his condo in Aruba by now, and then I am a
ll yours."

  Alarm bells rang in Tommy's head, silenced by other, more powerful, physiological manifestations.

  Tommy took out a disposable phone and handed it to her. "Use this whenever you want to call Kelsey. They won't be able to trace the calls. They may know about the condo, but there'll be some doubt whether they went there."

  While Jennifer made the call, Tommy drove to The Federal Tap House on Atwells Avenue in the Federal Hill section of Providence.

  "Have you been here before?" Jennifer asked, handing the phone back to Tommy.

  "No, but one of my friends told me about it and I figured the name would add some irony, Federal Tap, get it?"

  "I do indeed. Umm," leaning in and whispering, "what do I call you?"

  "Call me Tom, or Tommy, it will sound natural. This is Rhode Island- someone in here might know us from PC."

  "What if somebody recognizes you from the police department?"

  "Well, I'm not from Rhode Island, been out of school awhile, and up until a year ago I was working nights. I didn't go out much. We'll just hope for the best."

  Tommy asked for a table in the back and sat so he could watch the door. After looking over the menu, they settled on appetizers and a bottle of wine. Once the wine was open, Tommy began to relax.

  "Can I ask you something?"

  "Let me guess, why did I marry him?" sipping her wine.

  "Guilty," Tommy shrugged. "I mean, it's just...."

  "What can I say? I met Anthony while I was in Washington doing the internship with Senator Strain. You went off to hike the Appalachian Trail or something," looking into her glass. "We saw each other a few times, worked on a few projects together. After you and I fell apart...I don't know…he was around…."

  She held out her glass for more wine. "When you told me you were heading off to OCS at Quantico with the Marine Corps, I thought you wanted to get away from me." Pausing and glancing up as the server delivered the first dishes.