Black Friday
Page 32
“Oldfield told me the Hennepin County Attorney had filed conspiracy to commit murder charges against Thomson in the death of Arty Musselman. And murder one on Stennard.”
“That’s good news.”
“Thomson had a Come-to-Jesus moment—took a plea deal for a lesser sentence when the AUSA threatened to file the murder on the federal level.”
MC said, “Smart move. Federal murder could result in the death penalty.”
“Yep. Anyway, he confessed he followed Arty and dropped off the goon with the gun on the frontage road. Claims to not know the guy’s name, so the mystery man is still a mystery.”
“Well that sucks.”
“In addition, the US Attorney has filed wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and five counts of money laundering against Thomson. The trial will probably be toward the end of summer or early fall. You and Cam did a great job. You especially, because of the personal struggles you’ve been through.”
“A great job, I’ll take it. But it cost me, personally.”
“You don’t think Barb’s murder had anything to do with the task force?”
“No. Maybe. I don’t know.” Did she think that?
“Regardless, I’m grateful to you for your hard work and dedication. I know how difficult the past couple months have been. ASAC Oldfield said I better watch out because the FBI might be interested in stealing you from us.”
MC’s first thought was to wonder what Barb would say. Then she remembered the cold hard truth: Barb would never have anything to say ever again.
“Thanks for filling me in,” MC said quietly. She counted her blessings Jamie hadn’t grilled her on the Galaxy thing. “The joint task force was a well-oiled machine. Credit should go to everyone on the team.”
Jamie pushed himself up from the chair. “I wanted to give you the good news. So, would you be interested, if the FBI came calling?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I’m happy right where I am. I’m flattered the FBI might even consider me, but I’ve been with IS a long time. My career is here.”
“Good to know. Now go home. Enjoy your evening. Maybe celebrate. You deserve it.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
MC watched him leave. Actively helping to solve a murder had been gratifying, but the feeling of justice served was eclipsed by another murder that remained unsolved.
She resolved to make it her goal—no, not goal, her mission—to find justice for Barb. Barb no longer had a voice, so MC vowed to be the voice that could no longer speak.
MC picked up her bag and shut off the lights. She paused in the open doorway, staring back into the suffocating blackness pushing against the windows behind her desk.
An icy darkness filled her heart, spilling into her veins and threading to her very core.
She knew of only one solution to dispelling that darkness.
Find the person who had taken the light from her life and make them pay.
About the Author
Judy M. Kerr has published short stories in three anthologies. She resides with her extended family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Judy retired from the US Postal Service in 2017 after thirty-eight years of federal service. Black Friday is her first crime fiction novel. Her website is at www.JudyMKerr.com.
Published by:
Launch Point Press
Portland, Oregon
www.LaunchPointPress.com