NOTHING TO LOSE - Angie Bartoni Case File # 5 (ANGIE BARTONI CASE FILES)

by Marshall Huffman

  “Keep your gun on him. If he so much as hiccups, shoot the bastard.”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  I walked forward, took Belk’s right hand and cuffed it then repeated the process with his left hand. I yanked him up.

  “Well Detective, we meet again. Tell me, how did we miss you this last time?”

  “Clean living,” I replied.

  “I doubt that,” he shot back.

  I pulled his cuffed hands up just a little higher than probably necessary and he had to practically tip-toe to the waiting Sheriff’s car.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  It was pandemonium when we got back to the station. Somehow the news had picked up on the capture and they were waiting in mass. On top of that, Thompson was there along with half the agencies in the alphabet.

  Cameras clicked, digital cameras did whatever they do and people were shouting out all kinds of questions. All I wanted to do was get Belk inside and have a chance to interrogate, oops, interview him.

  It took police coming out from the station before a wedge was made so we could get inside. It was a mad house.

  “This Belk?” Thompson asked.

  “Pretty sure it’s him I said heading him toward the interview room.”

  Thompson reached over and took his other arm and tried to steer him in a different direction.

  “Hey, this is my collar, I decide what goes on next. Not you,”

  “This is a National Security matter, we have jurisdiction.”

  “Not in this station you don’t. You want to listen in, that’s fine. As a courtesy, I’ll allow that but don’t even think for one minute you are going to take over now that he is captured.”

  “I suggest you back down Detective. You do not want to go head to head with me,” he scowled at me.

  With what was probably not my finest choice of words, I said, “Piss off bozo.”

  I managed to get him into the interrogation room while Thompson went off to complain to someone higher up the food chain. I locked Belk to the table and sat down across from him.

  “Well here we are again. It was what five years ago that you sat in this very same chair and I was across from you. Not much has changed.”

  “I’ve added a few more to my total. Soon it will be an unbelievable amount.”

  “Why? I just don’t get it.”

  “You didn’t last time either Bartoni. You’re kind of slow like that. The why is simple. I can and I want to.”

  “That doesn’t answer the real question.”

  “Oh, I left out I enjoy it. What the hell, we are all going to die sooner or later. I just help a few along a little faster. Why do you even care? You don’t know them anymore than I do. You don’t know which ones are good and which ones are bad. I simply chose not to concern myself with that.”

  “But you kill kids and women,” I said, trying to reason with him.

  What can I say? I’m an equal opportunity killer. Nothing racest about me. That is my one redeeming virtue.”

  “So where is Pete? Did he get sick of you and take off.”

  “Let’s just say he decided to blow this one off.”

  “Meaning what?”

  “Meaning nothing. He is gone. I doubt he will be a bother to you any longer,” he said and smiled quickly.

  It was a smirk more than a smile. You know the ones. The kind you would like to knock totally off their face and leave them a bloody mess. That kind.

  “So you killed him as well, is that what you’re saying?”

  He just shrugged with that smirk again.

  I was just about to get into trying to find out more about his current plans when Thompson barged in.

  “This is over now. I have your Commissioner on the phone. He wants to speak to you Detective.”

  “Did you go tattle to daddy? Shame on you, you big bad Fed,” I said and left with him still holding the phone out to me.

  I closed the door and walked back to my desk. The captain was standing there.

  “There was nothing I could do. He called someone in Washington who passed it down the line. I didn’t know anything until the Commissioner told me he wanted to talk to you.”

  “He is a jerk and he is going to get a lot of people killed. I know Belk. He will play this dumbass like a fiddle. He will lead him to exactly where he wants him to be. Belk is a master at misdirection. Unfortunately Thompson is so full of himself he won’t listen,” I said.

  “You want I should take him out,” Dan piped in trying to sound like a gangster.

  “Yeah, yeah. Some concrete overshoes,” I replied.

  “You mean cement galoshes.”

  “Whatever. Just get rid of him.”

  “Now boys and girls. That will not look good on your resume,” was all the captain said as he walked off.

  **

  Dan and I were talking about a different case we had been working on before Belk’s escape. We still had some loose ends to tie up there as well.

  “So we give everything to the DA's office and let them sort out who to take to the Grand Jury. Are you good with that?” I asked.

  “Seems right. It’s all so intermingled it hurts my head.”

  “I would imagine everything pretty much hurts your head right now,” I replied.

  “Now that you mention it.”

  He started to say something else and then stopped. I looked back over my shoulder and saw Thompson standing there.

  “Detective Bartoni. Belk will not talk to us. He just sits there and doesn’t say a word. The only thing he does say is, ‘get Bartoni in here’. I was wondering if you would be willing to talk to him?

  I looked at him for a few seconds.

  “You want me to talk to my prisoner because he refuses to talk to you, is that about it?”

  “That would be correct.”

  “Well Mr. Thompson I just don’t know if I have the authority to do that. It seems whoever you called made me the bad guy and the Commissioner has ordered me to let you have at him. Are you suggesting I go against the Commissioner's orders?” I asked.

  I was enjoying this far too much. God this felt good and I wanted to stick it in up to his eyeballs and break it off.

  “I have since had that retracted. I am asking for our help.”

  “Well that is a first. The asking I mean. Sure, I’ll talk to him,” I said, “You’re with me Dan. You can watch through the window I said to Thompson.”

  I could see his jaws tighten but I had him and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it.

  As I was walking to the interview room Eric came up and whispered in my ear. I looked at him shocked I’m sure.

  “This is confirmed?”

  “It is.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  **

  “Well Richard, I understand you are dying to see me. Oops, probably a bad choice of words. I meant you wanted to see me.”

  “Feds. I hate them all. So damn sure of themselves. They think they are scary. They piss in their pants before they die just like everyone else. I have no love or use for them. At least you are pleasant to look at.”

  “Why thank you Richard. That’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me.”

  “Yeah, well I’m feeling kind of bad about your car and all. I mean if I had gotten you as well, then it wouldn’t have mattered as much but I know you liked that thing a lot.”

  “It was kind of fun.”

  “I hope you can find another one.”

  “Thank you for your concern. But, you and I both know there is more than that. So what is really going on?”

  “I’m going to get the death sentence this time. The DA was a sap last time giving me the life sentence. Make sure they don’t do anything that stupid again or I’ll be out. Maybe in ten or fifteen years but I will find a way.”

  “Yeah, I believe you. What else?”

  “Tomorrow is my last big show. It is going to be spectacular. Like nothing anyone has ever seen before except maybe for 9/11.
I’ve been thinking about what you said. Killing kids and women. Maybe you should tell people to stay away from the Pan-Am Games. It could save their lives.”

  “Richard, Richard, Richard. Do you think that for one minute that I believe you care about anyone? Not me, not the people you are plotting to kill and certainly not poor Pete Anderson.”

  “Oh. You know about that?”

  “Yeah. I know this won’t make you very happy but he was the only one to die. In fact no one else was even injured. It seems he opened his gym bag to change shoes and, well you know the rest. No more Pete.”

  “Well hell. The best laid plans don’t always work out but now you won’t have to worry about ole Pete any longer.”

  “Where is the bomb?” I asked.

  “Where you least expect it.”

  “Why don’t you just tell me. You brought me back for a reason.”

  “No way. What would be the point? I have nothing else to lose. You are going to see that I get the needle. I really qhave nothing to lose at this point so I might as well take a few more with me.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  When I came in to the station it was like a ghost town. Everyone was gone. It was too early for Dan but no one else was there and that was totally strange. I got my usual breakfast and sat down.

  What the hell is going on? I walked over to the captain’s office and stuck my head in. Even he wasn’t in and he is all ways at his desk at this hour.

  About that time Dan came in and headed to the break room for his coffee. I usually waited for him to return but this time I went back.

  “Dan,” I said causing him to spill his coffee.

  “Damn Bartoni. Don’t ever sneak up on me like that. What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “Never mind that. What’s wrong with this picture,” I said pointing to the squad room.

  “I don’t know. No people I guess.”

  “Right. No one is here. Not even the captain.”

  “That is strange. So what the hell is going on?”

  “I don’t know. Whatever it is, we were left out of the loop for whatever reason.”

  “Shit. I heard something about a early briefing before the opening ceremonies. I guess they are all at that. Were we supposed to be there?” Dan asked, suddenly wide-eyed.

  “I sure the hell didn’t get the memo if we were,” I told him.

  “I guess that’s Thompson’s way of getting even.”

  “Terribly childish if it is,” I said.

  If Dan was right the Thompson was a bigger jerk that even I had imagined and that was pretty damned big.

  “Ask the desk sergeant if he knows where the briefing is,” I said.

  Dan ran down the stairs and returned a few minutes later.

  “The parking garage where the shuttles are going to pick up people going to the games. Thompson is holding a meeting for everyone working the event.”

  “The parking garage. Oh shit. Come on, we need to get there now, I yelled and took off running.

  “Wait,” Dan said but I was already bounding down the stairs.

  Almost every cop car was gone so we jumped in Dan’s Envoy and took off.

  “What?” he finally said.

  “I saw a large construction trailer parked by the garage the other day when I had to use it. It was just sitting there. No cab, just the trailer.”

  “So?”

  “If it is the bomb it would take out almost the entire police force, half of Homeland Security and God knows how many other officers.”

  “OMG. That would be just like Belk. That’s why he wanted everyone to concentrate on the games. Damn Angie, sometimes you amaze even me and I’m already in awe of you.”

  “You say the sweetest things when you get your head split open. Remind me to do it more often,” I said.

  It seemed to be taking forever. We had no radio and no way to contact them so all we could do was drive like maniacs trying to get there before the whole place went up.

  “There. Go, go, go. Don’t stop for the barricade. Just drive on through it,” I yelled and to Dan’s credit, without even mentioning his insurance, he ran right through it.

  We screeched to a halt and we bailed out, doors still open as we raced frantically trying to see where the meeting is being held.

  “Over there,” Dan yelled and we raced off screaming at the top of our lungs.

  Thompson turned and saw me and put his hands on his hips.

  “Get out of here,” I yelled, “This is where he put the bomb. It’s in that trailer right outside.”

  I couldn’t believe my eyes. Everyone just stood there looking at me.

  “Get the hell out of here now. That trailer is full of explosives. Belk is going to kill you all, not the people at the Pan-Am games. Go, get out.”

  A few started to move but still far too many lingered waiting for Thompson to give the word.

  “Listen you arrogant bastard, you want to get your ass blown up that’s cool with me but the rest of you, if you have any sense at all, get out of here right this minute,” I screamed.

  I know I was a frightening sight. My face was probably red and my eyes bugging out, which happens when I get really worked up like I was now. If someone had a tranquilizer dart I’m pretty sure they would have put me down at this point.

  Suddenly everyone started running to the far side of the building, getting away from the area where the trailer sat. Thompson was still standing there glaring at me when I decided the hell with him and took off running as well.

  When I looked back I could see him starting to run as well. About time you dumbass, I thought.

  Just As I cleared the outer wall a unbelievable explosion rocked the garage. The ground literally fell away from my feet and I fell down on my knees. Not wanting to stop I kept crawling forward. I felt a pair of strong hands pick me up and set me back down. Dan. What a guy.

  The plume of smoke could be seen for miles. Dirt, debris and shrapnel were thrown for hundreds of yards. The fireball scorched hundreds of police cars and set them on fire.

  They, in turn, set off several secondary explosions. It was total destruction in the front of the building. If anyone had been standing there they would have been incinerated or cut to shreds.

  When we all got back together, everyone looked at me and then at Thompson. I didn’t know what that meant exactly but I didn’t really care at this point.

  “Bartoni,” Thompson started to say.

  “Sorry, can’t hear you. Ears,” I replied.

  “Please. You were right. We all owe our lives to you. If you hadn’t arrived when you did we would all be dead right now. I was..wrong. I was wrong about a lot of things and I apologize,” he said.

  Holy smokes. Did I die in that blast and just dream this or did he really say it? Apparently he did because everyone was chanting and clapping and patting me on the back.

  I knew it took a lot for him to say those words so I decided to keep my wise mouth in check even though I had a couple of real good ones to lay on him. This time I just let it go.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Crap. I was getting decorated again. Boy do I hate this stuff. It’s just a dog and pony show for the media. The big cheese will forget my name tomorrow unless I mess up. Then they will remember it.

  I stood in my dress uniform waiting for the Commissioner to decide how to pin my medal on without making it look like he was copping a feel. That is the only part I do like. The look of terror just before they realize I have boobs.

  Dan got one as well. After all it was his car, somewhat the worse for wear, that got us there in the first place and he did take the time to pick me up when I fell. I insisted he be recognized as well or I wouldn’t accept the accommodation. I didn’t tell Dan that, there are some things even your partner doesn’t need to know.

  The last I heard, Belk was using a swear word and my name interchangeably. Something about my linage and breeding with various animals. I guess I pissed him off good this time. I sur
e was looking forward to his execution.

  Now I needed to turn my attention to getting my life back in order. I needed to get the insurance worked out on my house and my car. I would probably have to spring Belk myself to deal with them if they didn’t come through.

  Just kidding....sort of.

  When my phone rang I was deeply infolded with filling out claim forms.

  “Congratulations,” Ben’s voice said.

  “Thank you. It really is no big deal.”

  “Looked big to me. I was in the audience.”

  “No way,” I said.

  “I was indeed. I tried to catch your eye but you seemed to be having too much fun when the Commissioner went to pin the medal on you.”

  “Yeah. I love that ‘deer in the headlights’ look he gets.”

  “So what happens now?”

  “I’ll try to put my life back together. Get another house, find a car I like. That sort of thing.”

  “Care to talk about it over dinner?”

  I thought for a second.

  “Sure. What the heck. I’ve got nothing really pressing and a good person to bounce ideas off of sounds great.”

  “Say 8:00 p.m. at Murphy’s Steakhouse?”

  “You bet. I’ll be the one getting out of the cab.”

  - FILE CLOSED -

  Marshall W. Huffman did not begin writing until after he retired from teaching. He decided to start with a trilogy based on a cataclysmic event. Marshall’s first trilogy is THE EVENT and consists of THE END, THE BEGINNING, and THE REVELATION. With THE EVENTS success he decided to write a second trilogy that is a frightening look at the events that could lead to THE SECOND CIVIL WAR. It is made up of: Book I – A NATION DIVIDED; BOOK II – A NATION AT WAR; BOOK III – A NATION HEALING.

  Marshall was born in Bainbridge, Georgia and grew up in Indiana. After spending eight years in the Navy, he attended Ball State University, earning a B.S. degree in Business.

  During and after college, he was involved in the restaurant business and spent the next twenty-five years in all types of venues, eventually owing his own fine dining restaurant. After years of long hours, he decided on a career change. He attended Eastern Illinois University earning a MBA. Because of his business background, Eastern Illinois University asked him to teach in the hospitality management program. He was recruited from Eastern to Parkland College and soon took over as the Program Director for the Hospitality Program. During his tenure there, he became a chef and had a television show called Cooking around the World with Chef Marshall and taught a series of Gourmet cooking classes for Continuing Education as well.