Silenced Justice: A Josh Williams Novel

by Joe Broadmeadow

  Tommy laughed, "I suppose I brought it on myself, didn't I? It's just you pretty boy troopers make such easy targets."

  "There's the spirit, lad. A little joke among friends," Donahue said, smiling at Moore. "A tiny little joke," ducking as Moore threw a pen at him.

  "Okay, now that we've settled that, we've got some things to show you Tommy," Josh said. He handed him the documents from the guy at Waterplace Park.

  "Holy shit," Tommy said, flipping through the documents. "Where'd you get this?"

  Josh filled him in on the Sorin surveillance, the arrest in the park, and recovering the weapon and documents.

  "You think he would've shot Zach?" Tommy asked.

  "My guess would be yes," Zach said. "I could see it in his eyes. If Tim hadn't got to him in time, I am sure he'd have pulled the trigger."

  "And Sorin set this up?" Tommy said, shaking his head. "That motherfucker deserves to die. I hope he reaches for a weapon when we grab him. I want to empty a magazine right in his goddamn face."

  "Okay then," Josh said, "Now that we all understand how bad Tommy wants to shoot this son-of-a-bitch, we need to move on."

  Chapter 41

  Candace Ferguson and her camera operator pulled up to the front of the Senator's office. There were no other media present.

  A recent release of photos of the ultra-conservative darling of the Christian right Congressman from Texas cavorting in a hot tub with two naked women and what appeared to be cocaine on his nose turned the media focus elsewhere.

  The short-term prurient interest of the public redirected from Collucci to someone else for the time being.

  Unloading the equipment, they headed inside.

  Sorin was waiting for them as they entered the office. He led them to a small conference room. While the camera operator set up, Candace tried to ask Sorin a few questions.

  "Mr. Sorin, does the Senator deny his involvement in the Grey case? We've seen documents related to the case and the Senator's name is on many of them."

  "Ms. Ferguson," Sorin replied, "I'll let the Senator address this himself. Let me remind you, as Deputy Attorney General the Senator's name would appear on thousands of documents relating to criminal cases. Not to mention appeals and a host of other matters related to his job as head of the Criminal Division.

  "To surmise some improper actions on the Senator's part, based on names in a document, is reprehensible. The Senator arranged this interview to address these issues. I will let him answer those questions. I am just giving you my opinion of this poor excuse for journalism.” Sorin turned and left the room.

  Candace and the camera operator exchanged glances. "Well," Candace said, "I guess we know where Mr. Sorin stands on this, don't we?"

  The camera operator chuckled, made some fine tunings to the camera lighting, and nodded he was ready.

  Candace placed the microphone on the table and waited for the Senator. "Want to bet how long he makes us wait?" she asked.

  "Ten minutes," the camera operator said, without hesitation.

  "Fifteen," she replied.

  Fifteen minutes later, almost to the second, the Senator came into the conference room.

  "Ms. Ferguson," Collucci said, reaching to shake her hand. "I apologize for keeping you waiting. I had a last minute conference call with the members of the Banking subcommittee that was unavoidable."

  "That's fine, Senator. Perfectly understandable," Candace said. "Shall we get started?"

  "Please," Collucci said, motioning for them to sit. "As my assistant told you when he arranged this interview, I want to address this issue with facts, not innuendo."

  Candace smiled, "Okay, Senator, then let's get right to the heart of the matter. Were you involved in the Grey case?"

  "Yes I was, in my capacity as the head of the Criminal Division, of course. As the Deputy in charge of the Criminal Division for the Attorney General, I was involved in all cases in some way, shape, or form."

  "But in this particular case," Candace asked, "the records bear out you had direct involvement. Judge Tucker, in his affidavit, was specific about it. Are you denying this?"

  Collucci paused for a moment, smiling for the camera. "I am glad you brought up the Judge's affidavit. I would like to address that. Judge Tucker was a special assistant attorney general back then; he worked for me as a junior prosecutor. He showed great potential. I saw a raw talent in his courtroom demeanor and legal thinking.

  "I decided to assign him the Grey case based on these signs of his legal talents. Sometimes, we are all guilty of errors of judgment. In this case, Tucker was in over his head. Let me say for the record, I take full responsibility for that. Certain other prosecutors brought these issues to my attention. I found that Tucker had not done a full review of the police files. I learned he had permitted a detective to replace a report in the file with one changed by the investigators. All matters which gave me grave concern."

  "Senator, are you saying Judge Tucker tampered with a criminal case file?" Candace asked.

  "No, no. Not at all," Collucci said. "What I am saying is that Tucker's inexperience caused him to make certain incorrect decisions. While not wrong in any legal or technical sense, they were against the Attorney General's policy. The process for handling of criminal cases was specific; in the Grey case, Judge Tucker did not follow policy."

  "So what did you do in the Grey case? Did you take the case over?"

  "What I did was reassign the case. I informed Tucker I would assume temporary responsibility for the matter. This was for the purposes of continuity. It was a mere formality insuring someone maintained responsibility for the file. My intention was to assign the case to a more experienced, seasoned prosecutor. Unfortunately, before that could happen, Mr. Grey died in prison."

  "Did you investigate the circumstances of his death, his murder?" Candace asked.

  "The Attorney General and I met with the State Police. It is the normal practice for the State Police to investigate criminal matters arising from the prison. They conducted an investigation. Based on that investigation, we tried and convicted two inmates for Grey's death."

  "Senator, did you conduct an internal probe? One targeting the original arrest of Grey and the potential tampering with the lineup?"

  Collucci placed his fingertips together, tapping his chin. "Ms. Ferguson, the Attorney General's office does not have the resources to verify every single file submitted by the police. We rely on the internal controls within police departments to insure cases contain all evidence and reports."

  Candace wrote some notes then said, "So in this case, nothing happened once Grey died. Is that accurate? Your office conducted no further investigation. You did nothing to make sure Grey was in fact responsible for the crimes with which he was charged?"

  "Ms. Ferguson, once Mr. Grey died in prison there was no compelling reason to investigate anything other than those responsible for his death. I would like to say we tried to do more, but that is the problem with hindsight. We did what we had a responsibility to do at the time. Nothing more and nothing less,"

  Collucci paused for a moment. "For Judge Tucker to submit this affidavit as a way of assuaging his conscience for his failures, and then try to shift the blame onto others, is shameful. He should resign from the bench, as he no longer holds our respect. He has done a great disservice to the court and the people of Rhode Island."

  Candace glanced at Sorin leaning against the wall, and then looked at her notes. "Senator, I have some questions on another matter."

  "Please, Ms. Ferguson, that's why we are here." Collucci smiled for the camera, "Ask away."

  "Do you think this matter will disrupt you plans for the waterfront in Rhode Island?"

  "Not at all,” Collucci said. "Let me make something clear, I have no plans for the waterfront. I wrote and sponsored the legislation to permit the project to go forward. The development is all in the hands of private companies."

  Candace reached for a document in her folder, looked it over for a
moment. She caught the glance between Collucci and Sorin. She had their interest now.

  "Are you familiar with the group, Solntsevskaya Bratva?"

  Candace caught Sorin's movement out of the corner of her eye.

  Sorin came over and whispered into Collucci's ear.

  "Perhaps Mr. Sorin would like to answer the question since he has ties to some of their members in the US?” Candace probed.

  Collucci leaned forward, hands folded in front of his mouth.

  "Ms. Ferguson, I have no idea what it is you're getting at with these questions, and I resent any implications."

  Candace smiled, "Well, Senator, perhaps you can explain this. Are you aware of a company called Harriet Lane Enterprises? It is a Delaware corporation which has contributed significant amounts of money to a Super PAC which indirectly supports your campaigns?"

  "There are many organizations that support me, Ms. Ferguson. These are all legitimate groups subject to intense oversight by the Federal Election Commission. Is there something else you wish to ask, or is this just more media innuendo?"

  Candace handed Collucci the document.

  Collucci looked it over, and then showed it to Sorin.

  "Senator, as you can see, Shashenka Dmitriev controls Harriet Lane Enterprises. According to the Justice Department, Dmitriev has ties to Solntsevskaya Bratva. The company is also involved in the Rhode Island waterfront project as well as the Lottery relocation matter. Were you not aware of this, Senator?"

  "Ms. Ferguson," Collucci said, his voice slow and deliberate, "I extended this invitation to address inaccuracies in your reporting. I see you have decided to persist with these baseless accusations against innocent individuals and legitimate American businesses. Many of them support this critical project in Rhode Island. I will not sit here and let you denigrate the good work these people have done. This interview is over," Collucci stormed out of the room.

  "Mr. Sorin, might I have a word?" Candace asked.

  Sorin just smiled, shook his head, and left.

  "Guess not," Candace said. "Let's get back to the studio; we gotta edit this stuff into the story."

  * * *

  Josh, Zach, Tim Donahue, and Tommy sat in the surveillance van. They watched as Candace and the camera operator loaded up their equipment. Josh took out his cell and called her.

  "Candace, Josh. How'd it go?"

  "Let's say he was true to form. He blamed everything on Tucker, but with enough wiggle room to give him some plausible deniability," Candace said.

  "And the other stuff?" Josh asked.

  "That was priceless," Candace said. "If the camera wasn’t there, he would have physically thrown me out. Sorin played cool, didn't show much emotion. But I know we rattled them."

  "Good to hear," Josh said. “When will the story air?"

  "We're headed back to do the editing and add this stuff in. If all goes well, we'll be ready for tomorrow night."

  "Great, talk to you later. Thanks for your help," Josh said.

  Josh filled the rest in on the interview. "Shall we go complete the Senator's day?"

  "I cannot wait," Tommy said.

  "Not you big fella," Josh said. "You and your new best friend Trooper Donahue are the backup squad. You stay here in case something unanticipated happens."

  "Are you--" Tommy argued.

  Josh cut him off. "Not open for discussion. We want to antagonize them into reacting, not kill them."

  Donahue put his arm around Tommy. "Cheer up, Bucko. You get to spend time with me, listening to my war stories of the State Police."

  "Great, do I get to hear both of them?" Tommy said.

  "Over and over, my boy. Over and over."

  Josh looked at Zach, "I think these two need to be alone. Let's go."

  Zach watched as Donahue tried to kiss Tommy on the lips, "Come here you big handsome stud," Donahue said.

  Moore pushed him off, "I'm gonna have to get shots now you bastard. Where's my gun?"

  Zach shook his head and climbed out of the van. "You sure they'll be okay in there?"

  "They'll be fine," Josh said. "There's a case of beer on ice in the cooler. Donahue will find it and all will be right with the world."

  "You guys do have a different way of doing things. I never knew what I was missing."

  The two walked in the front door of the office. Collucci and Sorin were standing just inside. When Collucci saw Josh, he blanched.

  "Don't worry, Senator, not here to arrest you. Not yet anyway," Josh said. "Of course I can't speak for my friend here from the FBI. Are you here to arrest them, Agent Kennedy?"

  "That remains uncertain at this point," Kennedy answered.

  "What do you want Williams? I don't have time for this nonsense," Collucci said.

  "Just a moment of your time, Senator," Josh said. "And yours as well, Mr. Sorin."

  The two glared at Josh, "Make this quick," Collucci sneered. "I have a meeting to get to."

  Josh reached into his pocket and took out the printed pictures. He lay them out on the table, watching for a reaction.

  "What are these?" Collucci asked.

  "They are pictures of your assistant here meeting with a Russian contract killer. See where he hands him the envelope?" Josh said, pointing to one of the photos. "We got the guy in custody. He's quite talkative. See, here I am with him in the police station."

  Josh grabbed Sorin by the arm, "Come on, and take a look. Remember giving him this?"

  Sorin pulled away, "Senator, there is no reason to listen to this nonsense. We should leave."

  Collucci looked at Sorin and then at Josh. "So Anthony met with the man. What is the significance?"

  Josh walked to Collucci backing him into the wall. Sorin started to intervene and Kennedy pushed him away.

  "I'll tell you what the significance is, Senator." The anger rose in Josh's voice. "Your assistant here met with that man to arrange for him to kill me, my wife, and some good friends of mine."

  "That's ridiculous," Collucci said, pushing off the wall.

  Josh grabbed him by the throat and slammed him back. "No Senator, it's not ridiculous it's a fact," pushing him away and turning to Sorin. "And you, you motherfucking low-life piece of fucking shit. You went after me once, almost killed my wife,” pushing Sorin into the wall. “Didn't think we’d find out, did you?”

  "I am a United States Senator, you cannot come in here and assault me and my chief of staff," Collucci yelled. "Sir, if you are an FBI agent I suggest you arrest this man for assaulting me. If you don't, you'll soon find yourself out of a job."

  Kennedy just grinned, "Sorry Senator, I haven't seen any assault."

  Sorin took the Senator's arm and led him towards the back room. "Let's go, Senator."

  "Hey Anthony, you slimy little cocksucker," Josh said, causing Sorin to turn back to face him.

  The blood drained from Sorin's face. Collucci let out a panicked, "Oh my god.” The two men froze with fear.

  Josh stood facing Sorin, holding the weapon seized from the man in the park. "Wouldn't it be ironic if I used the gun you intended to kill me on you, Mr. Sorin?"

  The front part of Sorin's crotch darkened, the stain spreading, widening down both legs.

  Josh pointed the weapon at the stain in Sorin's pants. "Looks like you may have to change before the meeting there, Anthony."

  Josh gathered up the papers and headed out the door, followed by Kennedy.

  "I might have missed something in the briefing," Kennedy said. "But I thought the purpose was to gain their cooperation?"

  "They were never going to cooperate," Josh said. "They're more afraid of the Russians than they are of us," Josh said. “They’ll regroup, salvage what they can, and try to explain this away. Collucci is so arrogant there is no way he'd have it any other way."

  Kennedy shook his head.

  "Besides, there is no way I was letting them get in the van," Josh said.

  "Why not?" Kennedy asked.

  "The pussy pissed himself.
He ain't getting in my nice surveillance van with wet pants," Josh smiled.

  "A point of order there Lieutenant Williams," Kennedy said. "This is an FBI surveillance van and I have to give it back,"

  Josh just smiled.

  Kennedy opened the door to the back of the van. Donahue and Tommy Moore were sitting next to the camera monitors surrounded by empty bottles of Becks beer.

  "Back so soon?" Tommy laughed. "Grab a beer; I think there's some left."

  "Some left?" Josh said, climbing in behind Kennedy. "I put a case in there."

  "Really?" Donahue chuckled. "They must have been small ones," tapping his bottle against Tommy's.

  Josh shook his head, "Did you hear anything from Moreira? Has Sorin made any calls?"

  "Oh yeah," Donahue said, "He wants you to call him about it. Sounds important."

  "You guys are morons. Move over so I can get up front, “Josh said.

  "I'll drive," Tommy said.

  "I don't think so," Kennedy said. "I'll drive; you guys enjoy your beers."

  Kennedy climbed over Donahue and into the driver's seat. Josh slid into the front passenger side and took out his phone.

  "Joe, Josh. So any activity?"

  Joe Moreira replied, "Oh yeah. Sorin called Dmitriev and told him about the conversation you had. Dmitriev was not pleased. Told Sorin he'd get back to them. I’d say they’re in some serious shit with him."

  "Great, hopefully by throwing them off balance they'll do something stupid," Josh said. "Did you hear from the team on Dmitriev?"

  "Yup, he's at the private club in DC and two other rather interesting people showed up," Moreira replied.

  "Who?" Josh asked.

  "Maurio Bartoletti and someone they didn't recognize," Moreira said. "They're emailing the images."

  "Okay," Josh said. "We'll sit here for a bit. See if anything develops. Let me know if you hear anything."

  Kennedy looked at Josh, "What'd they have?"

  "Not much yet. Bartoletti met with Dmitriev at the private club in DC. He showed up with someone they couldn't identify. They're sending pictures.” Josh took out his laptop and logged into the secure email connection. Turning the screen to show Kennedy, he said, “Here, take a look."