“This is the moment when everything changes.”
“I know one thing that will never change.” Sweeney’s mouth widened, baring his teeth. “Your father was a murderer. He died in prison as a murderer.”
“My father was a hero,” Dan spat back. “He opposed you and your cartel way back when. That’s why you were in the cop car with Fisher the night of the shootout, isn’t it?”
Sweeney said nothing. But his eyes told Dan everything he needed to know.
“Fisher was a loose cannon and he threatened the empire you and your evil friends were building. So you were going to take him out. You probably engineered the entire shootout to provide cover. But my father beat you to the punch. But my father was motivated by love. And you, as always, were motivated by greed.”
Sweeney stared at him, his eyes steely gray. “Anything else, little boy?”
“Yes. I’m going to finish what my father started. Just wait and see.”
Chapter 38
Sweeney picked up the painting and raised it over his head, his eyes red, his face flush with anger.
“This cannot continue!” he bellowed.
Prudence rushed in to stop him from damaging the multimillion-dollar Basquiat. “Please stay calm, Dr. Sweeney. You paid millions for this painting.”
“It’s mine and I can do with it what I will!”
Prudence tightened her grip. “You may need it, sir. We must remedy our cash flow problems.”
“I swore I would never sell a painting!”
Prudence’s voice dropped so low it was barely audible. “Your creditors may not leave you any choice.”
Sweeney let her take the painting, but then pounded his fists on his desk and swept everything on top of it onto the floor.
After a few more moments of bellowing, he collapsed into the black padded desk chair. The moonlight came through the ceiling-high windows on the east side, affording a gorgeous view of St. Petersburg at night, but he barely glanced at it. He had to get a grip on himself. He knew this. He had to rein it in. If he let that pipsqueak lawyer get the best of him, he had surely lost.
He had assembled a large group of cohorts in his office, and he knew none of them had ever seen him behave this way. Ellison clearly wanted to leave. Bastard. After all he had done for that man. But that showed him just how badly his power had eroded. No one saw him as invincible anymore. They saw him as a once-great man toppling to his doom. Shawna had made it clear she wanted to sever her ties to him. A black-market kidney was the only thing keeping her here. Even Marjorie, the crooked court reporter looked as if she was sorry she ever got involved with him. His contact at the police station was visibly trembling.
And then there was Fabian Fuentes. The Captain’s replacement. He hadn’t even been invited. But here he was. That couldn’t possibly be good. The cartel thrived on strength. As soon as they perceived weakness, they cut it loose. It was a survival instinct.
His display of temper hadn’t frightened anyone. It had only made the cracks in his empire more apparent.
He inhaled deeply, micro-meditating to pull himself together. He needed to regain his calm. He needed to be the cool, in-control power broker they were accustomed to seeing in this penthouse office.
“Let’s get down to why I called you here,” Sweeney said. “It is clear that I have erred. I let my sympathies overcome my business instincts. I have given Pike too much rope. I felt sorry for the poor fatherless imbecile. I knew his father, I knew what happened, and I let that interfere with my judgment. I dealt with Jaquith, and I should have dealt with Pike at the same time. Fully and finally. But now the kid gloves are coming off. Now I’m out for blood. Now—”
Fuentes interrupted. “Now you cannot.”
Sweeney paused. He did not like being interrupted. But of course, Fuentes knew that. “My colleague, I assure you that I can arrange—”
“It is not a matter of what you can arrange. It is simple common sense. You have waited too long and allowed the dispute between you and Pike to become too well known. Too high-profile. If anything happens to him now, you will be the first person the police suspect. You do not need to be in more trouble than you already are.”
Sweeney continued taking deep breaths, trying to rein in his anger. “For a time, my friend, I thought that you and your...associates were going to deal with Mr. Pike.”
Fuentes steepled his fingers before his face—the same power gesture Sweeney himself had employed on many occasions. “You misunderstood our motivations. Perhaps you have always misunderstood. So much.”
Sweeney would not let the roiling in his stomach show. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Fuentes rose. “Are you really so foolish?” Now he was the one to chuckle. At him! “You, who fancy yourself so smart. But your ego blinds you.”
Sweeney did not like this at all. He knew no one would speak to him like this—if he had any intention of working with him in the future.
Fuentes continued. “You know why The Captain told Pike about his sister. To use an American phrase, it was a honey trap. We knew about Pike. Knew more than you, apparently. About his family. We knew that if he discovered he had a sister, he would hunt for her relentlessly, just as he sought the truth about his father. And where would that investigation inevitably lead?”
Sweeney felt a cold chill spread across his body.
“To your little porno booths. A major new business enterprise which you failed to mention your business partners.” He stepped even closer. “This cartel made you what you are. But you didn’t even mention this income stream to us. Didn’t offer us a cut.”
“It was a completely separate business enterprise. An independent income stream.”
“Yes, one that potentially threatened all the others. And us. Your clumsiness put us all at risk. So we hastened the inevitable discovery.” He placed his hands on the edge of the desk and leaned forward. “To get you out of the way.”
“What—What does this mean?”
“We are cutting you loose, Mr. Sweeney. You have done too much damage. You had you day, but now your incompetence has closed down our primary operations and reduced us to shark fin smugglers. As soon as I return to my office, we will cause certain records to be released. Records that will guarantee state and federal officials file criminal charges against you. You and all these helpers. You are all going down.”
Sweeney’s jaw trembled. “If you do that, I’ll turn state’s evidence. I’ll tell them everything.”
“They won’t make a deal with you. You’re the big fish. They will make a deal with everyone else so they nail you.”
“I’ll tell them about the cartel.”
“They already know about the cartel. At least as it has existed in the past. That is why we are making so many changes. Moving our operations elsewhere. As for me...” He laughed again, right in Sweeney’s face. “You don’t even know my real name. They will never find me. And I predict your will die in prison before your case comes to trial.”
Sweeney reached forward and grabbed Fuentes’s head, smashing it down on the desktop.
Fuentes—or whatever his name was—was startled, but he reacted quickly. After a brief stagger, he leapt onto the desktop and swung out with his left foot, trying to kick Sweeney in the jaw. He missed by inches.
Sweeney grabbed his leg and yanked hard, pulling Fuentes off the desk and onto the floor in a butt-first tumble. For such a large man, Sweeney moved with surprising speed and strength. As soon as Fuentes hit the floor, Sweeney kicked him hard in the ribs.
Fuentes cried out, clutching his side. He rolled, just barely escaping a follow-up kick. He managed to get onto his feet, but Sweeney pounced, throwing his arms around Fuentes and knocking the man back down to the ground. He shoved Fuentes flat and wrapped a stranglehold around his neck.
Sweeney looked up to see everyone else in the office staring at them, stunned, immobilized. They didn’t know whether they should interfere, help, hurt, or run.
Th
ey were not going to be any use to him.
He pulled hard on Fuentes’ neck, hoping to snap it or strangle him, whichever happened first. Fuentes managed to jab an elbow backward into Sweeney’s side. He loosened his grip, and Fuentes made the most of it. He shook Sweeney off and crawled away, kicking Sweeney’s grasping hands behind him.
“You tried to have me killed.” Fuentes growled.
“This time I’ll finish the job.”
“And you killed Roberto. For no reason. You are a complete bastard. And a traitor.”
Both men circled one another, poised like sumo wrestlers waiting for the fight to begin.
“You are history,” Fuentes said. Blood trickled from his lips. “You might as well throw yourself out that window. It would be quicker.”
“I had a different thought in mind.”
Sweeney raced at him, hitting him hard and shoving him toward the floor-to-ceiling window. Sweeney knew they were composed of thick reinforced glass and, unlike what you saw in the movies, would not shatter easily.
Nonetheless, he felt certain he could muster the strength to do the job.
He pushed Fuentes as hard as he could, but somehow the man got a leg between his. He stumbled, fell off balance. That was all the advantage Fuentes needed.
He raised the flat of his hand and smashed it into Sweeney’s face. Blood spurted everywhere. He could feel the pain. The man had damaged his nose, probably broken it.
Before Fuentes could retract his arm, Sweeney grabbed it and wrenched it. Fuentes tumbled sideways, screaming.
Sweeney lifted the man’s arm to his face and bit it. Hard.
Fuentes screamed even louder. He pulled his arm free, then hit Sweeney with a full-body tackle. He used Sweeney’s weight against him, propelling him backward.
Sweeney hit the window hard, face first.
He felt the window crack under the strain. He could see the glass splinter.
Then he felt Fuentes’ boot pressing against the small of his back.
“You are a little man,” Fuentes growled. “And in a moment, you will be no man at all.”
Sweeney clenched his eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable.
He heard a hollow thud followed by a grunting noise.
But he was still standing, still pressed against the window.
Then he heard a gunshot. Then a crash that shattered his ears.
He pushed away from the glass, trying to avoid tumbling forward with the suction and the momentum.
Fuentes’ bloody face stared at him and he plunged into the abyss, screaming.
Sweeney turned slowly. What had happened?
Prudence stood behind him, a blood-caked lamp in one hand, a pistol in the other.
Sweeney eventually found his tongue. “Thank you.”
“No need,” Prudence said. “Just doing my job. Are you hurt, sir?”
“Not seriously.” He took out a handkerchief and wiped his bloody nose, then peered at the gaping hole in the window. “But I think we’re going to need to do some damage control...”
Chapter 39
Dan put the finishing seasoning on his five-cheese tortellini. He wasn’t sure how well Dinah tolerated spicy foods, so he went easy on the red chili flakes. The mushroom sauce, which involved sour cream and cream cheese and several other ingredients, would probably be sufficient to give it a rich, robust flavor.
He smiled as he scooped helpings into bowls. He felt happy. He was happy.
And it had been a long time since that had been true.
“Does he always cook like this?” Dinah asked Maria. The two woman stood behind the kitchen bar watching.
“Nope. Just when he’s in a good mood.”
“So that means...?”
Maria nodded. “Very.”
Jimmy and Garrett joined them, grabbing bowls. They all took them into the living room to eat. Garrett pushed a few buttons and soon Mr. K was audible from the television monitor above the hearth.
“How’s my team doing?” K asked. The happiness must be infectious, Dan thought, because K’s voice sounded just as jubilant as he felt.
A chorus of positive responses answered his question.
“And how are you, Dinah?” Mr. K asked. “Are you finding the room upstairs satisfactory?”
“Compared to what I’ve had in the past, it’s the Taj Mahal.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased.”
Dinah looked from side-to-side. “Am I the only one who thinks it’s weird to talk...”
“...to a disembodied voice?” Dan shrugged. “You get used to it.”
“But...I don’t know where to look when I talk to him.”
“And the wonderful thing is—it doesn’t matter.”
“Okay, fine. Mr. K, I’m really grateful. But I don’t want to be a burden.”
“Dinah, you stay just as long as you like. We have plenty of room.”
“You don’t need the space?”
“Not unless we hire another lawyer. And I don’t think we need another lawyer.” He paused. “Though it occurred to me that a paralegal might be useful. Someone to help out with the discovery and the paperwork. And you know, certification only takes six months.”
Dinah turned toward her brother. “Is he telling me this for a reason?”
“Everything K does is for a reason.”
She nodded. “I’ll bear that in mind.”
“By the way,” K continued, “I made that contribution you requested, Dan.”
“Thanks. You can take it out of my salary.”
“No need. It’s a good cause and I can use the tax deduction. But the point is...I think they’ll be amenable to any suggestion you make.”
Jimmy appeared clueless. “Am I supposed to understand this?”
“No,” Dan replied.
“Oh. Well, that’s good.”
K continued. “What happens next, team?”
“Well,” Dinah said, “Dan says he’s going to teach me to kite-surf.”
“Are you excited about that?”
“Honestly? I don’t even know what it means.”
Maria placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It will be okay, dear. We’ve all done it. It’s like a rite of passage here.”
“That and playing Gloomhaven,” Jimmy said. “I see you as more of a warrior princess, Dinah.”
She grinned. “I like the sound of that. Do I get to carry a sword?”
“And shield.”
“And beat up bad guys?”
“In the game. Mostly orcs and ogres.”
“Deal me in.”
“What about you, Dan?” K said. “Other than kite-surfing. Any plans?”
“Yes.” He stood, pulled Maria up, lifted her into the air, and kissed her as hard as he possible could.
The kiss went on and on.
“Geez,” Jimmy muttered. “Stop already. It’s like watching Mom and Dad make out. Ick.”
Dinah giggled. “Do they do that a lot?”
“No, thank God. Let’s hope they don’t start.”
Maria pulled away, though she was still up in the air. “Okay, Casanova, stop. Enough.”
“What? You didn’t like it?”
A slow smile crept across her face. “I did. But...you know. Not in front of your sister.”
“Of course.”
“You know,” Mr. K said, “for possibly the first time ever, I wish I were there to see what’s going on.”
“I’ll send you a video,” Jimmy answered, putting away his phone.
Maria whirled around. “You made a video?”
“Just a little something for social media.”
“Jimmy! Destroy that immediately.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“Dessert.”
“Okay. Deleted.”
“One last thing,” K said. “Garrett, have you talked to the prosecutor’s office?”
“I have. And I’ve talked to Jake as well. They’ve cracked the guy from the raid Dan led. He’s talking. T
hey’ve made several arrests. I think the cartel is finished. At least around here.”
“And Sweeney?”
“They don’t have enough on him yet. But Jake thinks it’s just a matter of time until they bring charges. And even if they don’t—he’s been hurt. Badly.”
“A wounded shark is dangerous.”
“True. But I think this one’s already in a cage. They just haven’t quite locked the door yet. But they will. Thanks to Dan.”
Dan shook his head. “I had lots of help.”
“Don’t minimize it,” Garrett said. “I know I’ve criticized you and the way you do things. But you’ve done a great public service. You’ve made this town a better place to live.”
“I was just...doing my job.”
Garrett placed his hand on Dan’s shoulder. “You’ve done much more than your job. You’ve done more than I would’ve imagined possible.” He paused, drew in his breath, then spoke again. “Your father would be very proud of you.”
* * *
Dan had three stops before the day was done. Happily, Dinah had agreed to accompany him.
First stop, the children’s museum. It only took him a few minutes to track down Beth Kramer. She was teaching some schoolkids about fungi. When she finished, they talked.
“Beth, you mentioned that you needed volunteers. I’ve brought you one. This is my sister, Dinah.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “Your sister? So there are more like you out there?”
“As it turns out.”
“Good. The more, the better. This will keep the city in line. Until you get around to having your kids.”
“Wait a minute—”
Beth looked at Dinah. “Does he at least have a girlfriend?”
“Does he ever. Super-smoochers.”
“That’s a good start.” She took Dinah’s hand. “I am so glad to meet you. Do you like children?”
Dinah looked unsure. “I guess we’re about to find out.”
Beth laughed. “Fair enough.”
“Dinah is thinking about taking some classes in the fall,” Dan explained. “but I thought she’d like to have something to do till then. And I can’t think of anyone better to work with.”
“You flatterer. And you’re going to teach a cooking class this weekend?”
Judge and Jury Page 27