At Large

by C. M. Sutter

  “Wonder how the Morton kids are doing,” Frank said.

  “I can’t even imagine. Being tender-aged children is bad enough, but to be the ones who found her? That image will haunt them forever.” I looked down at my phone. “Four more miles to go.”

  We arrived at the Reed home ten minutes later. Frank turned in to the driveway and parked.

  “Doesn’t look like Hal is here. Wouldn’t his car be in the driveway?” Frank asked.

  “Guess we’re about to find out.” I led the way up the sidewalk, we reached the door, and I gave it several hard knocks. Seconds later, Carla Reed opened it.

  “Detectives? How can I help you?”

  I tipped my head. “Ma’am. Sorry to show up unannounced, but we need to speak with Hal.”

  She huffed. “Well, so do I. He was supposed to help me with some projects in the backyard, but he up and disappeared over an hour ago.”

  Frank’s brows lifted. “What exactly does that mean? He was released into your custody, and because of that, he wasn’t required to wear an ankle monitor. Hal is still a person of interest in Tina’s murder.”

  She raised both palms. “I don’t know what to tell you, Detective Mills. The doorbell rang, Hal answered it, and I asked who it was. He said a coworker and then went outside. He never came back in, and now his car is gone.”

  “Hal was let go,” I said. “He doesn’t have any coworkers.”

  She shrugged. “Habits are hard to break. Maybe he meant to say a former coworker.”

  “Was the person a man or a woman?”

  “I didn’t get a chance to look. Hal went outside seconds after he answered the door. Through the blinds, I did see a large burgundy SUV sitting along the curb.”

  I gave Frank a quick glance. “Have you tried Hal’s phone?”

  “Yep, three times. I can’t believe he’s being such a jerk. How soon can he move back into his own house?”

  I ignored the question. “Carla, didn’t the police department require you to put a tracking app on your phone for as long as Hal is staying with you? It’ll pick up his location no matter where he’s at.”

  “Humph. I forgot about that, and honestly, I wouldn’t even know how to use it.”

  “May I have your phone? I’ll check to see where he went.”

  She ushered us toward her. “No sense in letting the flies in. Come inside and close the door.”

  We did and stood in the foyer.

  “I’ll get my phone.”

  Carla disappeared around the corner, then Frank whispered his concern. “Why do you think Cruz stopped by?”

  “Not sure, but I’m curious to know why Hal left with him.”

  “Threats to his family?”

  I shrugged just as Carla returned to the foyer and handed me her phone. “Here you go. Make that app do its magic.”

  I pressed the tracking icon and saw that she hadn’t yet programmed Hal’s phone number into it. “What’s his number?”

  Flustered, she asked for her phone back. “Nobody memorizes numbers, Detective. Now I have to look it up.” She scrolled through her contacts to Hal’s name. “Here it is.”

  Frank snapped a picture of Hal’s number, and I went to the app screen and entered it. The map popped up with a red teardrop-shaped indicator that showed where Hal’s phone was located.

  Scratching my head must have given away that something was off.

  “What is it?” Carla asked.

  “This map shows Hal’s phone is a half mile from here at the end of Connerton Street. It shows a green space in that area.”

  “That’s where the park is.” She reached for the keys hanging on the hook by the door. “I’ll show you.”

  I held up my hand. “No, you need to wait here. We’ll check it out and let you know. Maybe he left his phone in his car for some reason and drove away with that coworker.” I took a picture of the map on Carla’s phone, and we left. Two right-hand turns and one left would land us where Connerton Street dead-ended and the park took over. We arrived minutes later, and I pointed at the far end of the parking lot. “Back there. That’s Hal’s car.” Something was wrong. I felt it in my gut, and there was no sign of the Escalade anywhere in the area.

  Frank pulled up next to Hal’s Toyota and parked, then we both exited the cruiser. I pressed my hands along my face at the driver’s window and peered in.

  “Son of a bitch!”

  Frank rushed to my side, grasped the handle with his sleeve, and pulled open the door. Slumped sideways over the console, with a bullet hole in his temple, lay the body of Hal Morton. Frank swore and pointed at Hal’s left hand resting on the edge of the seat. “Look, he’s holding a gun.”

  I waved away Frank’s comment as I dialed Lutz. “You know damn well that was staged, and once again, Abraham Cruz is in the wind.”

  Chapter 42

  Cruz hung up the phone as he headed toward the western suburbs. Diego Ramirez went through the inventory of his best used cars as he awaited his nephew’s arrival at his dealership. A trade too good to pass up was coming his way.

  Taking longer than necessary to get there, Abraham drove the secondary roads to avoid law enforcement vehicles that might be on the freeways. His large burgundy Escalade with custom wheels was hard to miss.

  It was nearing five o’clock when he pulled around the building and into the garage bay at the back. Diego lowered the double overhead door and embraced his nephew when he climbed out of the SUV. He let out a low whistle when he saw the Cadillac.

  “You sure you want to trade this for one of my cars? I don’t have any vehicles on the lot even close to the value of this beauty.”

  Cruz smiled at his pride and joy. “I have no choice. Give it a paint job, swap out plates with something else, and you have yourself a like-new SUV. All I want is something that’s dependable enough to get me to Mexico, where I’ll likely stay.”

  “Is the law after you?”

  Abraham snickered. “The law is the least of my worries, but yes, they probably are too. The less you know, Diego, the better.”

  “Understood. I brought in four of my best cars, and you can take whichever one you want. They all have clean titles and plates. Nothing is stolen.”

  “I need a burner phone too. I have to ditch the one I have.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll go across the street and get you one while you pick out a car. I have multiple driver’s licenses and credit cards too. We’ll look them over when I get back, and you’ll be all set for your journey in no time.”

  Cruz looked through each car and finally chose the 2011 white Ford Explorer. It was new enough to be reliable and large enough to sleep in if he had to. Diego was back a half hour later with the burner phone in hand.

  “It’s prepaid and good to go.”

  “Thanks, Uncle. I’ll transfer a few numbers I want to keep and then destroy the old phone.”

  “Have you decided on a car?”

  Cruz walked over to the Explorer and took a seat behind the wheel. “I like this one, and with only sixty thousand miles on it, there’s plenty of room for more.”

  “I agree. It was your aunt Lola’s SUV, rest her soul.”

  Abraham tossed his gear inside and took everything that pertained to him out of the Escalade. “How about those driver’s licenses you have?”

  “Absolutely. Follow me.” Diego looked over his shoulder. “Need credit cards?”

  “Nope, I have plenty of cash.”

  Chapter 43

  Lutz’s cruiser squealed to a stop in the parking lot next to ours. He bolted out of the car, waving his hands wildly. “Get this park taped off and don’t let anyone in.” He ground his fists into his eyes as he headed toward Frank and me. “Do you think it was a suicide?”

  I cocked my head, doubtful. “I’m thinking Cruz did it, and the only reason he would have is if he was ordered to. It has to be part of the process to eliminate people that can point a finger at Vance, remember?”

  “But if Vance is in
Brownsville or Mexico, what hold does he have on Cruz?”

  “Threats against his family, most likely. John Vance has a long reach and plenty of money. Luckily, Conway and Maria are in jail where they’re safe.” I walked Lutz to the car and showed him the gun in Hal’s hand. “Now, we need to find out from his sister if he was left- or right-handed.”

  “Has she been told?”

  “Not yet, but say the word and we’ll head back to her house. The Vasquez family is still in the dark, too, and we need to regroup and think things through before they’re told what happened. We could have an all-out war between families if we aren’t careful with our words.”

  “Jesus. And you think all of this stems from John Vance using the Vasquez boys as drug runners and then Maria having them kill Tina?”

  “That’s exactly what I think. Does anything else make sense?”

  Lutz paced. “Probably not. I’ll get Don out here. You go back and tell Carla Reed about Hal.” Lutz glanced at his watch. “Shit. The kids are home from school now too.”

  I drove the short distance alone while thinking of the words I would use to tell Carla about Hal. I would speak to her privately and let her handle the explanation to the kids however she felt necessary. Frank stayed back with Lutz and waited for Don to arrive while officers taped off the park entrance.

  Pulling into the driveway and going to the door was the hardest part. Once the words were said, they couldn’t be taken back. Hal was dead, Tina was dead, and those poor kids were now orphans. I had no idea what Carla’s intentions were regarding them, but it wasn’t up to me to be involved in that. I would ask her, but the final decision would be based on Hal and Tina’s wills and whether they mentioned anything about the children’s welfare.

  I rapped on the door and waited. Carla pulled it open, and I was sure she saw concern on my face. She stepped out to the porch and closed the door at her back.

  “Carla, I’m so sorry—”

  “No, it can’t be true. Not both of them! What about the kids?”

  “I don’t know, but that’s a personal matter, and we’ll have to contact Tina’s family again. I just hope the kids don’t end up in the system. Do you have any idea if a legal guardian was ever appointed in case of a situation like this?”

  Carla wiped her eyes while shaking her head. “I don’t know. Hal never mentioned that to me.”

  “I’d have an attorney read the family will and go from there.” I gave her a head tip and turned, but she reached for my sleeve.

  “You have to tell me what happened, Detective McCord!”

  “Hal was found in his car at the park. He was shot to death. That’s all we really know unless the autopsy tells us more. Was Hal left- or right-handed?”

  “Right-handed, why?” Her mouth dropped open with a look of disbelief. “Did he kill himself? Where would he have gotten a gun? Did the person that came here give him one?” Carla covered her face with her hands and sobbed.

  “We don’t have any answers yet, but I can send a grief counselor over to help you talk to the children.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  “Not a problem, and I’ll make that call right now. I have to get back to the park, but wait for the counselor to show up before telling the kids. Again, you have my deepest sympathy.”

  She thanked me, and I turned down the sidewalk and climbed into the cruiser.

  By the time I returned to the park, Don had already arrived. Tillson and Jefferson were stationed at the yellow-taped entrance.

  I slowed next to them and lowered my window. “Guys.”

  “Quite the day, right, Detective?”

  I agreed. “A hell of a day, Jefferson.”

  Tillson lowered the tape and allowed me through. I drove to the back of the lot, parked, and got out. Joining Frank and Lutz behind Don, I explained to them that Hal was right-handed.

  Backing out of the car, Don wiped his forehead with his sleeve. “There’s no way he killed himself. This was a homicide.”

  Lutz nodded. “Just confirming what we already thought. How about the weapon?”

  “The entrance wound is about the same size as with the Vasquez brothers. I’ll know more later, but I’d venture to say all three men were shot with the same gun.”

  I gave Lutz a side-eyed glance. “Any word on the BOLO for the Escalade?”

  “Excuse the pun, but it’s been dead quiet.”

  Don motioned for his assistant to back up the van to Hal’s car. “These killings better slow down, or we’ll all be working overtime.” His gloves snapped when he pulled them off his hands and pocketed them. “I’ll have updates for you in the morning.”

  Chapter 44

  “Did you find out everything I wrote down?”

  “It’s all right here.” Curt handed John the slip of paper that included the address, phone number, and names of every family member of Jared Bell.

  “Perfect.” John blocked his number and made the call. He imagined that by that time of night, Bell would be relaxing at home. John flashed a smile at Curt when the attorney picked up on the third ring.

  “Attorney Jared Bell speaking.”

  “Mr. Bell. This is John Vance calling. How are you and Elizabeth doing tonight?”

  “Um—what, how?”

  John licked the salt from the rim of his margarita glass and continued. “Use your words, sir. Were you about to ask how I got your number and knew your wife’s name?”

  “Yes.”

  “My reach has no limits. I also know you have two children. Maddie and Liam, correct? You do have a lovely home in Naperville, and that tree-lined street is to die for.”

  “What do you want? Why are you calling me?”

  “I keep up with the latest news, Mr. Bell, and know you represent Maria Vasquez and Mark Conway. I’m well aware that they’re both sitting at the Second District police department’s jail as we speak. I’m also aware that you, as their attorney, have visitation privileges pretty much whenever you need to speak with them. Your confidential visits can’t be recorded or watched either. I know they both have to be prepped by you before their arraignment, and that’s coming up on Monday. Am I correct?”

  Jared stuttered into the phone. “Yes, yes, it is. Why does that matter to you?”

  “Let’s just say I have a vested interest in their welfare. I need both of them silenced, and the sooner the better.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You see, I can’t meet with them personally, but you can, and I want them dead. Understand my conundrum? You and your family will remain unharmed, and I’ll make sure you’re compensated handsomely.”

  Cursing sounded through the phone line. “I can’t kill my own clients. I’d go to prison.”

  “Not if you’re careful. It’s either them or your wife and kids. Now, I do understand you can go to the police, but they’ll never find me, plus like I said earlier, I have a long reach.” John chuckled. “Here’s a good example of my capabilities. Right now, there is a car sitting along the curb in front of your house. The men inside are big, strong, and armed. On my say-so, they’ll come in and kill all of you, anytime, day or night. All I have to do is give the order. Do you feel me, Mr. Bell? Hello?” John chuckled when he heard Jared’s shoes clacking against the floor. “I imagine you checked for yourself,” he said when Jared returned to the phone. “I need your answer now.”

  “I hear you, damn it, but I don’t know how to kill people without implicating myself.”

  “Use your imagination. Actually, strychnine and aconite come to mind, and are readily available on the internet. Do some research, Mr. Bell. I want both of them dead by Sunday night, or you and your family will suffer the consequences. By the way, as soon as the job is complete, I’ll wire you one hundred thousand dollars as a thank-you. I know your law practice has suffered somewhat since your partner left for greener pastures. Have a nice evening, sir.”

  With the phone call complete, it was now a waiting game. Once Maria and Mark we
re dead, the only people left to eliminate would be the border agents, Abraham Cruz, and the one John would enjoy killing the most—Jesse McCord.

  John picked up his phone one more time and checked for a new text message or email from Abraham. Nothing had come in.

  Hmm… I wonder what’s taking him so long.

  Chapter 45

  Abraham checked the time—it was after six o’clock. He had several hours of daylight left and wanted to get out of Illinois. He would drive until midnight, and by that time, he’d be well into Missouri, where he planned to pull into a truck stop, fold down the seats, and call it a night. He’d have no hotels to leave a paper trail in, and paying for a room in cash always raised suspicions.

  “It’s time for me to go, Uncle. Thank you for the new ID and the Explorer.” Cruz looked down at the license. “Age is pretty close, and so is the height and weight. Guess I’m Alejandro Perrone going forward.”

  “Stay safe and call me anytime you want.” Diego patted Cruz’s shoulder and walked him to the Explorer then looked back at the Cadillac. “I’ll take good care of your baby.”

  “It’s yours now. I’ll call you tomorrow, and thanks again.” Before climbing in behind the wheel, Cruz dismantled his old phone and stomped it under his foot.

  He would have no more contact with John or Curt Vance or anyone affiliated with them. Reynosa would be his final destination, even though most of his family lived in Nuevo Progreso. The towns were near enough for visits, but if John Vance decided to look for Cruz, he wouldn’t find him in his hometown.

  As he drove down the interstate and saw the overhead digital freeway sign with the BOLO alert for the Escalade, Abraham knew he’d just dodged a bullet, in more ways than one.

  Chapter 46

  I sat in Lutz’s guest chair as he made the call to the senior Mr. Vasquez to tell him of the deaths of his only two sons. In that moment, I was glad to be a detective and not the commander. I’d had my share of delivering death notifications, and the one I’d made to Carla Reed that day was enough for me. Whether the deceased were criminals or innocent victims, the grief was the same for the remaining family members, and from what Lutz told me after hanging up, the patriarch of the Vasquez family was devastated.