Ambush
- Автор: Паттерсон Джеймс, Борн Джеймс О.
- Серия: Michael Bennett #11
- Год: 2018
- Язык: английский
- Год: Little, Brown and Company
- ISBN: 978-0-316-27398-5
- Жанр: Триллеры
Электронная книга - «Ambush». Краткое содержание книги:
Seamus sat next to Alonzo during the short ceremony. He was beaming as if he had trained Alonzo in his fighting skills. I knew he had some remarks to make.
I noticed that he sat during the entire service, and it made me worry about his health and stamina. But when the time came, he stepped to the microphone and was the picture of solemn dignity.
He looked down and smiled at his great-grandchildren, just as he did whenever he gave the sermon during the regular Sunday service.
He cleared his throat and had every person in the room staring at him.
Seamus started slowly at first. “Alonzo Garcia makes a difference in the world. How many people can say that? He was a respected police officer in Colombia until God called him to service in the Church. No matter how you look at him — as a cop, as a priest, or as a man — he is an inspiration.
“I can tell you personally, few people have meant more to me in my life.” He looked down at Juliana, and a tear ran down his cheek.
Then I found a tear running down my cheek. Though I’d never admit it to Seamus.
Chapter 99
At the reception following the ceremony, I met many of Alonzo’s former comrades from the Colombian national police. Alonzo sat whenever he could, and I was worried he was getting tired. Seamus was watching him like a mother hen, so I figured he’d keep Alonzo from overdoing it.
One of Alonzo’s early partners was second-in-charge of the entire force, and he was clearly proud of his friend. He stepped over to speak with me.
The tall colonel said, “We’re aware of the woman who was arrested for shooting Alonzo. Alexandra Martinez works on the fringes of the underworld, and there are many rumors. Some people call her the Beautiful Death.”
I said, “She certainly had me running in circles. If it wasn’t for Alonzo, I’d be dead.”
“Every man in this room who came to pay respects from Colombia could say the same thing.”
“I’m sure Alonzo appreciates you guys traveling so far.”
“We were also interested in gathering any information you have on Miss Martinez.”
“She hasn’t said much. But at least we have some clear booking photos and she’s in some computer systems now.”
“You will be able to convict her, correct?”
“I think we have enough. Not just for shooting Alonzo but also for the murder of a receptionist in the building she was escaping from. We’re also looking at several other homicides we believe she was involved in. You can never count on it, but this sure seems like a strong case to me.”
Almost as soon as I was finished speaking to the colonel, a well-dressed man in his early forties extended his hand and said, “My name is Oscar.” He had an accent, but I couldn’t tell from what country.
I said, “Are you here with the contingent from the Colombian national police?”
He smiled and shook his head. “No, Detective. I am decidedly not with them. I am from a business organization based in Mexico.”
I gave him a sidelong glance and said, “What kind of business organization?”
“The one you’re thinking about right now. The one that wishes you to know they would like to have a truce. They will no longer support any efforts to harm you or anyone associated with you.”
“And why do I receive such an honor?”
“Purely economics. We don’t want trouble. We don’t want violence. Both things cost us money. You got caught up in something that really shouldn’t have escalated. You have my personal and sincere apologies. And my assurances that it will not happen again.”
“Would you care to share that information with any of my coworkers or the visitors from Colombia?”
“I would not. And I was really just showing my respect. This was a courtesy call. You need not look behind every door anymore.”
“And my son?”
“The attack at the prison will never be repeated. He is safe. At least from us.”
“And if I believe you and let down my guard, who’s to say it’s not just a trick?”
“We don’t need to use tricks. We have an army at our disposal. We chose not to use that army and hired someone with a good reputation. She was unable to complete her assignment. And now I’ve completed mine. Choose to believe me or not. But life will continue. Good day, Detective.”
I could’ve stopped him. But what could anyone do? There was no warrant out on him, and it wasn’t a crime to say that you may or may not be associated with a criminal organization.
Something told me his message was sincere. I stepped over to Mary Catherine and gave her a hug. I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders.
As I watched the man walk away, a hand on my arm made me jump.
I spun to see the smiling face of Father Alonzo Garcia.
He said, “A little nervous, are we?”
I shrugged. “We can’t all be hero priests.”
That got a laugh. “You know how silly that is. For men like us, action is the only answer. I took action. That’s it.”
“And in the process saved my daughter. By extension saved me and my whole life.”
I embraced him.
Chapter 100
I attended several of the hearings for Alexandra Martinez. Someone was paying for two of the best lawyers in New York. They were arguing everything from her bond to her immigration status. They wanted her out of jail before trial.
Then the prosecutor stood up. For a change, she had a reason to look smug. She said, “Your Honor, Miss Martinez has been charged in two homicides for which we have reliable eyewitnesses. She’s currently being investigated for as many as six other homicides in New York.
“But before we even worry about any of that, I have to advise the court and counsel for the defendant that the authorities in Italy have contacted me to say they’re currently putting together a warrant for Miss Martinez’s arrest in connection with a murder that occurred in Rome two years ago.”
It was rare that prosecutors had so much ammo when facing high-powered attorneys with wealthy clients. This had to be fun for her. She even milked it a little bit by continuing to stand after she was finished.
A reporter for the New York Daily News slid onto the seat next to me.
He said, “Are there any big cases you’re not involved in?”
“I’m basically just a witness on this one. Why do you care?”
“I’m not sure I buy that whole story about the hero priest. I’d like to get the facts so people could make up their own minds about who’s a hero.”
“The facts are the facts. He saved my life and the lives of several others. Why is that suspect?”
“Because suspicion sells more papers and gets us more clicks on the Internet. It’s also a hell of a lot easier than trying to investigate some kind of fraud at city hall.”
I just turned away and watched the proceedings some more. Life was too short to waste talking to idiots.
I stayed long enough to hear the judge say the words “No bond.”
That was all I was hoping for. At least for now.
Chapter 101
When I got home that evening, I enjoyed my Italian dinner cooked by my Irish fiancée.
Seamus’s grace was particularly on point.
Once we were all holding hands, he said, “Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us all to be together here.” He couldn’t help but pause and look over at Juliana. “In God’s name we thank you.”
There was a perfectly synchronized “Amen” said by all the kids, Mary Catherine, and me.
After dinner, when everything was cleaned up and the kids were diligently working on homework assignments, Mary Catherine snuggled up next to me on the couch as I stared out at the lights of the city.