by Bob Blink
"How can you get that kind of information?" Natalie asked.
"That's the problem," Paul admitted. "I can't. The only way I can think of is to ask Uncle Carlos. He has a couple of deeply placed resources that could gain access to the information."
"But you said we can't tell him about all this," Natalie protested.
"I'd have to lie," Paul admitted. "I'd have to tell him something so he'll help us. Hopefully, he'd agree in order to save all that he has invested in me. Once we have learned the information, you can Backslide and he'll never know we misinformed him."
"Your uncle is not a person to fool around with," Natalie warned. It had been years since her father has taken her to meet the man, and while he'd been friendly enough, she had sensed the power and inflexibility in the man. Paul had told her enough she knew she didn't want him angry with her. If everything didn't go just right, this could all backfire on them.
"Do you see any other way?" Paul asked.
Chapter 34
Early Wednesday Morning, May 18
Jake was in position, waiting for the arrival of those who would be coming to the construction site in advance of Jeff Rineri arriving when he led Tony and Jim to the planned ambush. His phone vibrated softly, alerting him to a call. He hadn't expected that, and worried what might have gone wrong. It was Tony.
"Something's changed," Tony told him when he answered.
"Changed? How?"
"The neighborhood is different. It's quiet in an unusual way, and not as many cars on the street. I think they are expecting us and have set an ambush here. I would be very surprised if Rineri is here anymore."
"Crap!" Jake exclaimed. He wanted to ask if Tony was certain, but he was very aware of the sixth sense the agent had. If he was uncomfortable, then there was likely a good reason.
"We'll hang back and see if we detect any movement when we don't show up as usual," Tony suggested. "You might want to get out of there. They might be sending people to your location as well."
"What's wrong?" Jim asked.
Jake had been about to leave for the apartment building to set up in the construction site when he suddenly stopped and set down his gear bag.
"They learned about us," Jake said. "Their Back-Tracker told them what happened at the apartment building, and they must have looped back with a plan to ambush us when we didn't expect it."
Jake told him what had happened when they successfully nailed all of the group except Natalie, and how he had Back-Tracked to retain the knowledge. But this time, like so many events before, when they repeated the event it didn't work out the same. He explained about the call Tony would make in a couple of hours and the fact they spotted the hidden snipers around Rineri's place that had been put in place waiting for them.
"That means Natalie has to be their Back-Tracker," Jim said.
"It's probable, but not certain," Jake said. "She could have called someone else who wasn't on site and told them what happened and directed them to Back-Track with the information. "What we know for certain is that is isn't Paul or Jeff. They were both dead when the Back-Track happened. That's a good start."
"But this whole effort can't go any further," Tony noted. "They know what we know, so it's over."
"Where do you think they'll go?" Jim asked.
"I doubt they'll go to any of their homes," Jake guessed. "Paul has contacts with the Mob. There's little doubt they could hide him if he wants."
"So what do we do now?" Jim asked.
"I think it's time to go back to Washington and regroup," Jake said. "Somehow we need to get another shot at Natalie and verify if she's the one."
An hour later they were on the road.
Chapter 35
Wednesday Afternoon, May 18
"It's been a long time since I visited him," Natalie said.
"How old were you the last time you were here?" Paul asked. He came here often, and Natalie's brother Jeff wasn't that infrequent a visitor.
"Eight maybe," she replied. "After dad died Jeff and I were shuttled around, and then I was off at school. I didn't recall it being so grand."
"If it's been that long, then you would have visited the old house on the other side of the city," Paul said, explaining her failure to recognize the estate they had just pulled into.
A lot of the rationale behind the location was respectability. Uncle Carlos, like many in the present Mob, wanted to be seen as a respectable businessman. In truth, much of the activity he held control over was entirely legal and above board. He ran car dealerships, car washes, nightclubs, discos, a couple of banks, as well as several large warehouses that sold electronics and appliances. There was still, however, the more seedy side of the operation, which was not so respectable, and which brought in the lion's share of the profits. Drugs, prostitution, smuggling, trafficking in illegal immigrants, as well as gambling, were still mainstays of the organization.
As part of the image that Carlos Boitano wished to project, he had purchased the land and commissioned the construction of the mansion they were about to visit. In one of the more elite suburbs of the city, the estate covered an entire block, with tall trees and lush well-groomed lawns surrounding even the areas outside the high, attractive stone wall that surrounded the house itself. Paul knew that in addition to the dogs that roamed the grounds, and the ever present security forces that patrolled inside the wall, the estate was equipped with state of the art surveillance electronics, that would make any attempt to reach the house undetected a real challenge.
The neighbors hadn't known at first who had bought the lot and who was building the impressive home, and by the time they eventually learned, there was nothing to be done about it. It was also not wise to pursue the matter, as a couple of the more vocal residents of the community learned painfully when they attempted to pursue a campaign and a neighborhood petition against the new resident. Now, most pretended to ignore the Mob boss, although a few had taken to limited socializing with their rich and influential neighbor. Several had benefitted from the unique contacts the Don could provide.
Paul slowed the car as they approached the front gate, a large ornate metal construction that provided an impressive entryway into the estate, and was also built so that a speeding vehicle would not be able to break through. One of the two guards stepped out of the stone guard shack and approached the vehicle. The other remained inside the sturdy little building, watching the exchange between his partner and the occupants of the vehicle from behind the protective bulletproof glass that filled the windows.
"Mr. Martin," the guard said when he recognized the driver of the vehicle. "We weren't told you would be coming."
"Something has come up that I need to discuss with my uncle. Is he available?"
"He is here, but what his schedule might be I cannot say," the guard explained. "Who do you have with you?"
The guard was having trouble keeping his eyes off of Natalie, who looked particularly attractive this morning. She'd taken extra effort since she wanted to impress the Don, who at one time had a reputation of having an eye for the ladies. Apparently advancing age had muted his appetite, but she felt it wouldn't hurt to look her best.
"This is Natalie," Paul replied. "She's Frank Rineri's daughter, Jeff's sister."
"I knew Jeff had a sister, but no one told me she was so attractive. Welcome, Miss Rineri. Give me a moment and I'll open the gate."
As the guard walked back into the stone structure, Natalie asked, "What if we weren't someone he knew, and didn't have an appointment?"
"We would have been politely turned away," Paul explained.
"And if we didn't wish to be polite and attempted to force the issue?"
"That structure is built to withstand not only weapons fire, but a direct impact with a speeding vehicle. The second guard would press an alert button if signaled by the first guard. That would raise those steel posts that are recessed in the road which would make driving through virtually impossible. They can only be lowered by someone inside the
main house. If, by some miracle, we were able to break through and attempt to make it to the house on foot, we would find ourselves greeted by the men who patrol the grounds, who are heavily armed and specially trained to deal with just that kind of intrusion."
"Does your uncle really expect that kind of trouble?"
"Despite all the public relations to make the Organization's image appear different than in the past, there are sometimes issues that develop between the various families. It has been a long time now since an outright war existed, but it is never impossible that it could happen again. Uncle Carlos is also concerned about the various organizations in the government, the FBI being one of his worst enemies, and wants to be able to hold them at bay, at least long enough to deal with anything he might feel incriminating. Inside he has a special state-of-the-art meeting center that is protected against eavesdropping and outside monitoring. All sensitive business is taken care of in there."
Paul turned the car into a small parking area off to one side and parked. They climbed out of the vehicle, and Natalie noticed that Paul was displaying a touch of nervousness that she had seldom seen. He was usually almost too confident and composed.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Uncle Carlos is very astute. He is not a man to lie to, and this could get messy if he thinks I'm being evasive."
"Nothing can go wrong," Natalie reassured him. "The things that failed, never happened now, and for that reason there is no earthly way he could know anything about what we attempted. You are asking about two people, Carlson and Trask, and if for any reason things go badly, I can Backslide to this moment, and we can discuss how to change our approach. Once we finish with this whole thing, this visit will not have happened, so he won't know that you lied to him."
Paul nodded, and took her arm as he led them toward the house. Natalie wished she felt as calm as she had sounded, but her insides were all aflutter also. She hoped that wouldn't interfere with the Backsliding ability. Her head was already heavy from the efforts of the past days.
Word from the front gate had preceded them, and in addition to the butler who waited by the opened door, Paul spotted one of his uncle's personal bodyguards standing nearby as well. Paul might be family, but an unannounced visit was not usual, and therefore extra precautions were in place.
"Good afternoon, Tomas," Paul said, recognizing the gunman. "Is Uncle Carlos available?"
"He has been informed of your visit," the guard explained. "He is waiting for you in his office."
They followed the guard up the wide marble stairs to the second level, then toward the back of the house. The wide hallway ended in tall double oak doors, but they turned to a small room off to one side. Paul smiled and handed over the Glock 9mm he carried.
"What about the lady?" Tomas asked.
"She is unarmed," Paul explained, and stepped into the narrow glass walkway where he would be scanned for possible weapons. Natalie followed, and when they emerged on the far side, Tomas led them through the stout doorway into the inner waiting area.
"He will call for you when he is ready," Tomas said, and then disappeared out the door through which they had entered.
"Wow, I wouldn't have expected him to treat you like this," Natalie said. Paul noted the hint of indignation in her voice. She was used to being treated as someone special.
"Our visit is unexpected, which is not the way one does these things. Also, he is a little put out about my involvement with your Carlson problem, even though he doesn't like her. He has spent a lot of money grooming me to be the untainted lawyer, and has only recently learned I've involved myself in other aspects of the business behind his back. He's showing his displeasure a little."
"Does that mean we are going to have a problem?" she asked, suddenly understanding his earlier nervousness better.
"I don't think so. If you want to know the truth, I think he secretly approves of my hands on approach, just not my keeping it from him. He also has issues with Carlson from past dealings, so would like something to happen to her. He just doesn't want his plans for me interrupted, so if matters are not going well, he will be concerned, and might want to warn us off. He'll expect me to do as he directs, and any help he provides will depend on his acceptance of the situation."
They had no more time to talk. One of the doors to the inner office opened, and his uncle's most trusted lieutenant gestured for them to enter. Paul stood, assisted Natalie, and they followed the man inside the large private room. Carlos Boitano was looking at a painting at the far end of the room, smoking a thick cigar. He turned to face them as they approached.
Natalie studied the Don. He was shorter than average, and appeared smaller than she remembered, but there was no doubt this was the same man her father had served for many years. He had thick powerful arms and legs, and was developing a thickness around the waist she didn't recall. His hair was still mostly black, and somehow she didn't think it was the result of hair dye being used. There was a thinness to the hair through the top of his head, and the hairline had receded an inch or more. He also had developed jowls, but his eyes were still hard, assessing, with a distinct hint of cruelty that had scared her as a little girl. He was dressed casually, but there was no doubting the quality of the garments, and their likely cost.
"So, this is Franko's little girl Nat," the Don said, examining her appreciatively. "You have really grown up. Maybe I understand better now why Paul got involved in your mess. From what I hear, you two haven't managed to do away with that Fed as yet."
"There have been complications," Paul admitted.
"Umm," Carlos Boitano mumbled. He looked at Natalie.
"So, you are your father's daughter. You ripped off a valuable secret, but now it's coming back to haunt you."
Natalie shook a little under the harsh examination, but forced herself to speak up.
"The woman who was suspicious and would have informed Carlson of her suspicions is now dead," she said. "She had a terrible accident. Unfortunately Carlson is the suspicious type, and she has a consultant who is helping her."
"How certain are you that this death will be considered an accident?" he asked Paul, turning his piercing gaze to his nephew.
"She died in an unfortunate auto accident. There's no way they can trace it to outside causes. I'm certain there will be no comebacks from that. Unfortunately, Carlson is aware that the woman wanted to speak with her, and has made a connection to Natalie. Sooner or later, she or this consultant, who somehow knows more than he should, might tumble to what is going on."
"Explain it to me," Boitano demanded.
They sat in three of the soft chairs, and over the next thirty minutes, Paul explained the modified version of events.
"So, you are certain Carlson is holding this as a personal matter at this time. If you can find and eliminate this Trask fellow, and then Carlson, the matter should die. You are certain that others in the Bureau won't pick the issue up? We don't need to stir up that kind of trouble."
"If we can locate Trask, and deal with him outside of the Bureau, I have a plan to nail Carlson and make it look like the hit is related to one of her recent cases. Paul briefly explained his plan. Any effort on the part of the FBI to find her killers would end unsuccessfully."
"This sounds reasonable, but I don't like you involved in this. I considered directing some of my people to handle it, but you've chosen this path, now you have to see it through. If you succeed, then you are even more of an asset than I have long believed, but if you fail, you will be of no use to this organization. You understand that, don't you?"
Paul took a deep breath and nodded. He'd been concerned that his uncle would insist on nailing Carlson with his own soldiers to protect Paul. Unfortunately, Paul had an idea where that would end up, and wished to avoid the matter. As far as the consequences if he failed to get Carlson, that was something he didn't wish to consider. If they failed, Paul knew his position in the Mob wouldn't matter. He and Natalie would most likely be dead.
Boitano studied Paul for a long time. Even though he'd said otherwise, he wasn't certain he wanted Paul to deal with the Fed.
"I'll find out about this Trask fellow for you," he said finally. "Then you deal with him, and we'll discuss how to deal with Carlson. I need to see just how much risk you are taking on going after her. Is that agreeable?"
It wasn't, but there was nothing else to do but to agree. They needed the information his uncle could gather, and he reminded himself that whatever he agreed to, they would eventually be able to undo. Once they had the information, he would have Natalie Backslide with it, and his uncle would never have had this meeting.
"Agreed," Paul said with as much deference as he could muster.
"Okay," Boitano said. "Where are you going to be when I have the information?"
"Probably in Washington. That's where Carlson is, and I want to keep an eye on her."
"Others can do that for you," Boitano pointed out. "Maybe you should remain here in New York?"
"I want to keep the circle of those knowing about this as small as possible," Paul pointed out.
"Okay," his uncle said finally conceding the logic. "But take no action until we discuss it, understand?"
Paul nodded, as did Natalie when Boitano's hard eyes shifted to look at her.
"He knows we aren't telling him everything," Natalie said insightfully as they drove down the highway headed toward Washington. They would be staying in one of the hotels rather than her place when they got there. Jeff would be arriving the next day.
"I know," Paul replied.
"He's going to be looking into this whole matter. Hopefully he can get us the information and you can Backslide with it so he's out of the loop."
"It will all happen at once," Natalie assured him. "Once we verify that Trask is their Backslider, then we'll go back to last weekend, which will take your uncle out of the loop, and allow us to deal with Carlson and Trask when they don't expect it. But we've got to resolve this soon, or I won't be able to reach back far enough."