“You dragged the three of us down here to talk about my stepson?”
“Not exactly,” Dupree said “Is he in trouble again?” Gallo asked.
“I’m afraid it’s more than trouble,” T.J. said.
Gallo spoke in a calm, controlled voice. “What kind of predicament has Johnny gotten himself into this time?”
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Mr. Gallo, but Jonathan was murdered yesterday morning,” Dupree said.
Dupree expected that Gallo would react to such alarming news with strong emotions. Wouldn’t anyone in his position have difficulty suppressing their feelings? But it seemed as if Dupree had just delivered an unpleasant weather report. Dominic Gallo didn’t even flinch.
“Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. “Did you hear what I said?”
“Clearly.”
“And you have no questions, or comments?”
Gallo adjusted himself in the seat. “Would it shock you if I said I wasn’t surprised?”
“Yes, actually, it would,” T.J. said.
“When he lost his job with Lehman Brothers back in 2008, something snapped and he went from a hardworking, successful young man to a reckless fool. As much as I tried to put him on the straight and narrow, he was always flirting with disaster. Hanging around with the wrong crowd. Forever falling for some get rich quick scheme. He didn’t understand the concept of working hard anymore, of saving, and building a financial future. He bought Lottery tickets every week, played the horses, made frequent trips to Atlantic City. He’d hop from one job to another, always believing that the grass was greener on the other side of the fence. After his mom died five years ago—the most wonderful woman I ever met—I tried my best to assume the father role, but no matter what I did, Johnny just wouldn’t turn his life around. He was bitter, angry with the world. He was always borrowing money from me that I knew he’d never pay back. But I let it go; tried to look the other way, hoping that he’d get with the program.”
Dupree didn’t understand how Gallo could give such a speech without even the slightest sign of emotion. The man was an iceberg. He hadn’t raised his voice, never lost his composure, and he didn’t seem moved by Lentz’s murder. He hadn’t even asked how he died or if they had any suspects.
“What does Johnny’s murder have to do with Ed Mason and Michael Adelman? Why are they here?” Gallo asked.
“We’re getting to that, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. “How well did you know Dr. Crawford?”
“I worked closely with Lauren for over two years. She was spearheading the most significant medical research in history. If all of her theories proved true—and I have every reason to believe they would—she would have radically changed the future of medicine.
“Isn’t it highly unethical for any member of the FDA to work directly with a pharmaceutical company or independent research group? Isn’t it a conflict of interest?” T.J. asked.
“Under normal circumstances, yes, it would be a conflict of interest. But what you need to understand is that her research was a new frontier. It has the potential to save millions of lives and extend the lives of millions more. And who knows what we’ll discover if we continue on the same path? Perhaps in another five or six years cancer might be like polio and literally vanish from the face of the Earth.”
Time to connect the dots, Dupree thought.
“Were you aware that Dr. Crawford and Jonathan were romantically involved?”
For the first time since starting the interview, Gallo showed signs of nervousness. “They met at a little shindig Ed Mason had hosted at his home. Ed had invited me to this gathering and told me I could bring a date. Well, I thought Johnny might enjoy such an exquisite event—Ed really knows how to throw a party. Contrary to what you might think—especially after my unsavory description of my stepson—I wasn’t shocked when I found out they were dating. That was the fascinating thing about Johnny. When he turned on the charm, he could seduce the Virgin Queen of the Nile. He was a real player and knew how to hide his dark side. I suspect when Lauren got to know the real Jonathan Lentz, she didn’t like what she saw.”
Gallo glanced at his watch. “Are we almost finished? Ed, Michael, and I have a full day ahead of us working out the details of their partnership agreement.”
“Just a few more questions, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said. Her probing eyes met his. “Forgive me for saying this, but you don’t seem fazed at all by your stepson’s death. I find that really strange.”
“I’ve never been one to wear my heart on my shirtsleeve. I have my moments when I’m alone. But I’ve always felt that Johnny was headed for an early grave. Maybe that’s why I’m not shocked by his death.”
“Tell us what you know about Margaret Hansen.”
Dupree watched Gallo’s Adam’s apple rise and fall several times. His cheeks blushed red.
“Does she have something to do with Johnny’s… murder?”
“We were hoping you could answer that question,” T.J. said.
“I don’t appreciate the implication,” Gallo said, his voice slightly louder.
“There is no implication, Mr. Gallo,” T.J. said. “We would just like to know if you were aware of any conflict in their relationship.”
“I didn’t even know they had a relationship. Last I heard, they had a fling and that was that.”
“They had more than a fling,” Dupree said. “They were quite the item.”
“Do you have evidence that incriminates Maggie?” Gallo asked.
Interesting, Dupree thought. He knew Hansen well enough to call her “Maggie.” “Sorry, that’s something we can’t discuss while we’re in the middle of an investigation.”
“Well, I’m really sorry I can’t offer more assistance,” Gallo said. “Are we done now?”
“Not quite,” Dupree said. “You might be interested to know that Jonathan Lentz made a full confession regarding his part in the Crawford murder. We know that you—or one of your cronies—paid him one-hundred-fifty thousand dollars to find someone to steal Dr. Crawford’s computer. But we have evidence—strong evidence—that your ultimate goal was not to get your hands on her computer but to have her murdered. We have sworn statements from both Jonathan and the man hired to murder Dr. Crawford.”
For the first time since speaking to Gallo, Dupree saw his expressionless face break a smile. “Unless you intend to arrest me, I’d suggest that the two of you continue your investigation elsewhere and let Ed, Michael, and me conduct our business.”
Ignoring his comment, Dupree said, “Who are you working with, Mr. Gallo? We know you’re not a solo pilot on this. Is it Dr. Mason? Michael Adelman?”
“Apparently,” Gallo said, “English is not your first language, Detective. Let me make it abundantly clear: This conversation is over, and I strongly suggest that both of you release me before I contact my attorney and file a formal complaint against the police department.”
“Let me also make it clear,” Dupree said. “You’re under arrest as an accessory to murder and conspiracy to commit murder, for the death of Dr. Lauren Crawford. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights, or are they not clear enough?”
“What I understand is that both of you are making a huge mistake.”
“I think not, Mr. Gallo,” Dupree said.
“You have no basis for your accusations,” Gallo said. “Do you think that a dead man’s statement is going to stand up in court? Do you really believe that the word of a criminal like Cassano holds any credibility at all? I have an unblemished record of accomplishment and strong business ethics with the FDA. Once the DA examines the evidence, this case will never make it to court.” He grinned. “Excuse the expression, but you’re pissing in the wind.”